The actor and model, Alexander Garvey, has said that every new project he embarks on is bigger than the one before. He was responding to questions from TheNiche about his career so far.
“It seems like every time I start a new project, it is bigger than the last. I haven’t taken a step back to even process some of the monumental projects I have done just within this year. I view every project I am involved in as necessary. I view each one as something that has to be done in order to reach my ultimate goal. I think I can hopefully tell you my biggest success story 40 years from now!,” he declared.
Garvey, who has featured in videos like Bez’s ‘Say’ and most recently Niyola’s trending ‘Toh Bad’ video, explained that working with Kemi Adetiba and Niyola on the aforementioned videos was a pleasure. Not only has it made his handsome face more popular in the country, it has brought more business his way.
“I do billboards and projects that are worldwide. Now I can share my life and work with these new fans/friends from around the world, especially Lagos, which I’m looking forward to visiting in the future,” he stated.
The story of Garvey’s foray into entertainment is as interesting as it is compelling.
“My first (modelling engagement) was at the Empire State Building in New York City. I took the elevator to a high floor – I’ve forgotten which number. But when I got off the floor, I walked into a beautiful office. Everyone was smiling and very helpful. They recognised me as the talent, treated me with respect and value,” he recalled.
Garvey said he then went on to do the show, which was at Lincoln Center for the African Film Festival.
He further said he was standing on a pedestal modelling clothing that depicted the main film that had won that year.
“I believe it was the 2012 African Film Festival in New York City. People gazed at me as I modelled; they were happy. I enjoyed the feeling of making others happy. That was the day that I decided to pursue modelling professionally,” he explained.
Garvey, who said he is at home with either modelling or acting, explained that he likes to see himself in motion and speaking.
“In both professions, you have to embody a character. For modelling, you must be fluid-like and formless, able to shape to anything thrown at you. You must let the clothes and body language speak a thousand words into the camera. You must let your grace or ruggedness do the talking. Acting can be similar, but varies when you have to add tone of voice, subtle movement and truly submersed in your portrayal of the character. As long as I am able to be both, then I am happy. No preference,” Garvey said.
The dapper Garvey, who said he secretly carries a pocket watch, stated that his knack for entertaining others has guided him through his chosen career.
“Earlier in life, I played the guitar. I trained for a few years; about two to three. During that time, I did receive training at Ballibay: fine and performing arts camp. I also played acoustic and electric guitars at that camp. My first comic stage performance was also at the camp. I performed a Bill Cosby impersonation.
“During high school, I became shy. I graduated from a small town high school in 2008. Afterwards, I dabbled into modelling. Now I am a professional model,” said Garvey who has just completed billboard ad for The Prestige Beer, a Heineken subsidiary. Other projects he is currently working on include a huge clothing collect shoot for Okayplayer/OkayAfrica.
For leisure, Garvey, a big hip hop fan, loves to collect knick knack and only recently started a vinyl record collection with records by Marvin Gaye, Will smith, Bobby Womack and a host of others.
