There is a Yoruban proverb that says something like, “The person being chased by a masquerader should persevere; just as an earthling tires, so does the being from heaven.” Basically, it means that perseverance ultimately wins out above anything else. If there isn’t already a patron saint of perseverance, actress Sope Aluko (pronounced Shaw-peh Ahlookoh)  would be perfect for the job. The globe-trotting daughter of a diplomat, Aluko was born in Nigeria but essentially raised all over the world. “I did most of my schooling in the United Kingdom,” she says,  “My father was a diplomat so I went to boarding school.  But during his tenure, I ended up living in many different countries, which was wonderful. I lived everywhere from Tanzania to Trinidad and Tobago, to France, Indonesia and so I got a really good sense of multiculturalism and just embracing different cultures all over the world. All of it contributes to me being a better actor as well.”

Early on, Aluko knew that she wanted to become an actress. “I wanted to be an actor ever since I was tiny. I had that burning desire.” Her parents would have none of it, however. She recalls, “I was given the mandate it had to be something professional where you can make some money. So it was doctor, lawyer, etc.” Being a good daughter, Aluko obeyed her parents, eventually getting very sensible degrees. “I have a degree in Manufacturing Production Engineering. I went on to do my Masters in Marketing and Product Management.” Up until about ten years ago, she worked in Brand Marketing at some of the world’s most recognizable companies such as Kodak and Burger King. All the while, she nursed her dream, refusing to let it die. Being more of a goal-oriented type, Aluko did more than hold fast to her dream of one day becoming an actress. She took action, albeit covertly. “I was always taking class,” she explains. “They were undercover though. I was not letting my parents, family, or colleagues know. The passion was always there so I just continued to burn that flame.” Aluko took acting as well as dance classes at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Finally, about ten years ago, Aluko began acting in earnest. She’s had roles in Army Wives, Law and Order SVU, Burn Notice, Parks and Recreation, Shots Fired, and Bloodline. Next year, she will be in the feature The Best of Enemies, starring Taraji P. Henson.

It was former  Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill who said Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. Miami based Aluko made several attempts before she was cast in Black Panther. Being part of the film meant a lot to her. Aluko, who self-identifies as a Christian explains, “Ryan Coogler was somebody on my vision board who I just really, really wanted to work with at any cost. I was a huge fan of his work.” She was also searching for a project that she says, “Put black people in a really positive light. I’m a mother of two boys and I wanted to work on a project that I would be proud of and that my family would be proud of.” Both of those ideals collided when Disney announced it was not only making Black Panther but Ryan Coogler would helm production. “I felt like I was stalking him! I auditioned for four separate roles.” With each no, Aluko remained undaunted. She got another audition. This one was an actual callback, where she would audition live for Coogler, producer Nate Moore, and others. “It was magical,” she remembers, “from the moment I walked into the room I had this incredible feeling that I was going to be part of something special. Just auditioning for Ryan, half of my dream had already come true. I just gave it all I could.” Coogler chose her. Aluko went on to play Shaman, who she describes as,  “A spiritual leader who works very closely with the king.”

Coogler didn’t disappoint. The set was marked by creativity and vision amplified by consummate discipline and rigorous attention to detail. Professor Beth McGuire from Yale School of Drama was on set as dialect coach. The actresses playing the Dora Milaje trained many hours per day. Costumes were created by the legendary Ruth Carter (Selma, The Butler) whom Aluko couldn’t praise enough. “She’s an incredible costume designer and I am so privileged to have worked with her on this. Each costume, even if you were an extra the costume represented a different area in Africa.” Aluko, for whom it was the first time shooting in Atlanta, was impressed with the whole experience. “I think they spent six months building the set. Every time we stepped on the set it was an incredible experience. The attention to detail was extraordinary.” Coogler’s commitment to verisimilitude applied even to the sand they used on set for the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Aluko recalls, “They had flown in a well-known actress from South Africa and we were looking at the sand. We looked at each other and she said, ‘Well, they really did their homework.’ It was the first time we both felt a movie had really done Africa right. We felt so proud.”

Without a doubt, Aluko hopes that Black Panther will continue to push Hollywood toward further change and deeper levels of inclusion. “It’s happening slowly and I’m happy for the shift and I’m waiting for more to come. What I love about Black Panther is that it has African actors like Lupita and myself. The fact that they reached out makes you feel good. It’s similar to what Sterling K. Brown (This is Us) said about his role as a black man. You know, he said, ‘You see me, you can’t dismiss me.’ I’m an African British American actor. I have so many nuances. See me and see all of me. That is what I hope will come from this Black Panther experience.”