"People Don`t Believe I Am A Family Man" - Van Vicker

   He is a man cuts across boundaries and feels at home anywhere he finds himself. Van Vicker could better be referred to as African actor rather than calling him Ghollywood or Nollywood actor. In a recent interview, Van talks about his career, family and more

How do you feel being on top of your game right now?

I have mixed feelings, both good and bad. It’s a good because the recognition is there for me but I feel bad in the sense that I wish there were a lot more of us to give room for competition.

Are you saying there is a dearth of good actors in Ghana?

Not really, but there are not as many actors compared to the Nigerian movie industry. We need more, that is why I feel bad. May be they do exist but we need more

How did you find your way into the Nigerian movie industry?

It was a Ghanaian producer (Venus Films), who got Nigerian owned Divine Touch movie production outfit for a collaboration here in Ghana, and that was how I started.

How did you come about acting?

I started six years ago when I was into ‘showbiz’. I’ve been into T.V and radio presentation. A producer actually walked up to me for a role in a movie and that is how I started

Would you say your good looks got you that first movie script?

I would not say that because I was in the ‘Showbiz’ long ago before I started acting. I was a T.V and radio presenter. I think what they were looking for was not only the good looks, but also a confident person. I have the confidence and God blessed me with the face

You bear a striking resemblance to Ramsey Noah, and this has brought about insinuations that you are taking the shine off him?

I don’t think so. Ramsey has his own strong hold, like wise me. Both of us are still working and I don’t think I am taking food out of his mouth because he’s still working and relevant

How do you handle your female admirers, especially those who may have a crush on you?

I don’t think it is much of a big deal. (Laughs). People tend to like whoever they choose not necessarily because of who the person is. So, it’s either you give in or you don’t

What’s your idea of a dream woman?

Well, my dream woman would be my wife because I am married.

How long?

It’s going to eight years now

You look quite young, why did you marry so early?

I married when I was 26 years old because the time was right and I found love

Is she an actress?

My wife is not an actress

How did you meet?

We met back in secondary school

Was it love at first sight?

I would not say that. It was not love at first sight, but growing love

Who chased the other, you or your wife?

Obviously, I did the chase.

Let’s compare the Nigerian and Ghanaian movie industries…

Nigerians have been making lot of movies compare to Ghanaians. Quality wise, I think Nigerians have been there for a while, they have more experience than us, but very soon the comparison would not be that much or anything to go by, because Ghanaians are currently putting their best, likewise Nigerians

Would you agree that you are a stereotyped actor?

I would agree with that, because quite a number of producers tends to tag me ‘lover boy’. It’s fair enough. But that’s one of the reasons I have also decided to produce a movie where I can take up different kind of characters, apart from being a lover boy.

How do you unwind?

I love playing snooker. I also hangout a lot with my kids, when I am not doing anything.

Have you had any challenges?

Couple of challenges, meeting people for the very first time, may be you are not friends yet, and tried to be the best that you can. The challenge is more of a general one when you need to step up your game to keep you on your toes.

Which is more challenging; Nigerian or Ghanaian movies?

Every movie is challenging, as far as I picked the role. It is not necessary about whether, it’s a Nigerian or Ghanaian movie. It’s all about the character which I am playing. That is where the challenges are

How would you describe yourself ?

I am a very shy person, I am an introvert, but when it comes to work, I am a different person, because my work demands that I must not be shy

If you were not in the acting world, where would you have been?

I would have been a medical doctor

What happened?

Destiny I guess.