The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
TV

Exclusive: Gbenga Akinnagbe Talks ‘The Deuce,’ ‘Independence Day’ & Furniture Company

by OJ Williams May 21, 2016
by OJ Williams May 21, 2016 0 comments
3K

We caught up with Gbenga Akinnagbe and Dominique Fishback who both star in HBO’s upcoming show “The Deuce.”

They were attending the New York premiere of HBO’s All The Way. “I think it’s important to support because these movies and these shows that HBO’s putting out are important and people want to see them,” Dominique shared.

Richard Price (The Wire) and David Simon (Show Me A Hero & The Wire) are reuniting for The Deuce. The show is a look at life in New York City during the 1970s and ’80s when porn and prostitution were rampant in Manhattan. It also stars James Franco (Executive producer), Maggie Gyllenhall (producer), Gary Carr, Emily Meade (The Leftovers), Margarita Levieva (The Blacklist, Revenge, Allegiance) and Lawrence Gilliard Jr.

Tell me about the new show that you’re both on, The Deuce.

Gbenga: I’ve been describing it as a precursor to the porn industry. It’s about the lives of the bar owners, the pimps and the prostitutes in Hell’s Kitchen, and how things devolved or evolved depending on what side you’re on in the story into the early days of porn. Basically, before the sex and the drugs and the music could kill you. Then, eventually, it starts to … with the rise of the ’80s.

Tell me a little about the role you play on the show.

Dominique: My character’s name is Darlene and I’m his prostitute, so he’s my pimp.

Gbenga: That’s my prostitute.

Dominique: Right now, I actually don’t know as much. We just did the pilot and now we’re going to start shooting again. My character is a very young, sweet-natured girl but she to deal with the streets and how she navigates them is, I guess, what we’ll see.

How excited are you to continue on with the HBO family?

Dominque: I’m so excited. I’m so thankful. I just think about how HBO treats the actors and how, once you’re a part of the family, you’re a part of the family. I wasn’t expecting to be invited to the event. Now, I’m like, “What’s up?” You know? I’m just happy to be a part of it and happy to be on another David Simon show because I love his work and his voice as a writer and I’m ready.

You also have Independence Day: Resurgence coming out June 24, 2016. How excited are you to join that iconic franchise?

Gbenga: I’m very excited. I had a lot of fun shooting it, working with Roland and the cast. Now, we get to see all the stuff that we were pretending to shoot at in the desert all summer. It’s amazing. Everyone’s watched this movie. I grew up watching this movie. Now, to be a part of the sequel, hopefully many more, it fulfills the little fan boy inside me’s fantasy, so absolutely.

How was working with director Roland Emmerich? He’s a legend.

Gbenga: Yeah, he is. It was amazing to watch him. There’s a handful of directors who get a film of that budget. When you work with him, you can see why he gets films like that, they ask him to make films like that. He’s a great mixture of artist in general, the way you run a set with hundreds of people on it, and also make sure that you tell the story that’s there in front of you, but also with all your partners as far as the CGI guys and women around the world working on different scenes. It’s amazing to watch him work. It was masterful.

Speak about working with Vivica A. Fox, who is reprising her role. 

Gbenga: Vivica was cool. I laugh because she made me laugh a lot on set. I’m remembering it now. She showed me some crazy things on Instagram that made me laugh. It was long hours, so she was very giving as far as an actress to work with. Liam was cool. Jesse Usher, Jeff Goldblum was hilarious, always singing on set, Brent Spiner. We had a great cast. It was fun to make this movie with them.

Anything else you want to share?

Gbenga: I do have a new vintage furniture line called ENITAN so you should check it out … re-purposed and vintage furniture that have been brought into the modern world in a really cool, African aesthetic. It’s really dope furniture from all over. You should check it out: www.enitanvintage.com

How did you get into that?

I guess, as an actor, we travel around so much, so I get the opportunity to look and go antiquing a lot and I sometimes rescue some pieces and then get to, maybe, create something in that process of rescuing and refurbishing some of these pieces. I’m having them done back here in Brooklyn and made some really cool, beautiful pieces that people loved. Right now, a lot of my pieces are on display in Williamsburg at 281 North 7th Street at the Okay Space. It’s part of OkayPlayer or OkayAfrica.

OkayPlayer is Questlove’s site.

Yep, Questlove and some other folks. That’s their music site. Now, they have a gallery space. We’re on display. The furniture pieces are on display and for sale with an artist named Jimmy Sheehan. You can check it out in 281 North 7th Street in Williamsburg.

Gbenga AkinnagbeIndependence DayThe Deuce
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
OJ Williams

previous post
A Conversation With Michael Chow at DeLorenzo Gallery
next post
Exclusive: Eric Andre, Hari Kondabolu & More Discuss Their Shows At 2016 Turner Upfront

Related Posts

Cedric the Entertainer Reflects on The Neighborhood’s Final...

October 22, 2025

It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Non-Spoiler Review

October 22, 2025

James Callis, Shaul Metzstein & Nick Mohammed Talks...

October 21, 2025

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Joel Kim Booster Talk...

October 20, 2025

LA Premiere: HBO’s The Chair Company 

October 19, 2025

Inside Peacock’s New York Premiere of Devil in...

October 16, 2025

Vanessa Benavente Talks ‘The Chosen: Last Supper’

October 14, 2025

A House of Dynamite Screening Recap: Kathryn Bigelow’s...

October 14, 2025

Lady London Opens Up About Growth, Grief, and...

October 11, 2025

We Talk to the Cast and Writers of...

October 9, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch