ALIEN HUNTERS: Mpho Koaho and Peter Shinkoda in the TV show Falling Skies. ALIEN HUNTERS: Mpho Koaho and Peter Shinkoda in the TV show Falling Skies.
Will we ever get over our fascination with aliens? From movies like Independence Day and Transformers to TV series like The X-Files and Fringe, it seems as if our fascination will never be sated.
Steven Spielberg’s Falling Skies premiered in South Africa a few weeks ago and it’s only three episodes behind the US. It’s so good that it was renewed for a second season after just five episodes. Mpho Kaoho plays resistance fighter Anthony and and chats about his character’s awesome sense of humour and his very own South African heritage.
What’s it like being on Falling Skies?
It’s a sci-fi brother and that automatically means I’m having fun! The subject matter alone – chasing, fighting and shooting aliens – is what makes this show one of the good ones around. I’m able to play Anthony so well because of the fine work of the writers, who are able to make sure that he plays a key part on the show.
What type of person is he?
He’s a gung-ho type of guy. He’s a former policeman so he knows all about law enforcement. He’s the perfect fighter for the 2nd Massachusetts because he is able to assess the situation logically, unlike the other fighters who aren’t as experienced as he is. So for him this is like an extension of his job as a police officer, but this time he’s catching aliens.
Did he lose any of his loved ones when the skitters (aliens) came?
I’ll be honest, I have no idea. We haven’t touched on that aspect of the story line for Anthony’s character. I don’t know much about Anthony’s history, besides the fact that he was a policeman when the skitters came. A few episodes into the season there will be a little focus on him.
Even though they are now in a war, Anthony still finds time to laugh and tell jokes. Is he supposed to be like that or is that your input?
I think Anthony is supposed to be a guy who lives for the moment, so yeah, I think he’s a carefree guy and while everyone is pretty serious he’s kind of like the light in the darkness because of his humour. There are those moments where he’s serious, especially while fighting the skitters. I mean you can’t laugh while fighting aliens with state-of-the-art technology on their side.
I’m able to inject a part of myself in Anthony thanks to the stellar writing from the writing team.
Tell us about who are you?
Mpho Koaho – I love my name by the way (laughs) – is a very cultural guy and I’ve always been aware of my origins. It’s actually overwhelming how great this actually feels. Being interviewed by someone in South Africa is just amazing. I’m an actor, I’m a person who values family and so my family comes first. I’m an easygoing guy and my life is not tabloid fodder yet, which is great for me (laughs).
Were you born in South Africa or were your parents born here?
I was born in Ontario, Canada. My dad was born in Durban and my mom was born in Alexandra Township. I told Mom that I’m being interviewed by a South African journalist a few minutes ago and she got really excited.
I’ve read a lot about South Africa, Madiba, and I can’t wait to visit. Speaking of Madiba, I’d really like to do a movie on his life, his life before he went to prison and politics. I think it would be a great film (laughs). I can only dream, hey.
And what’s it like working in a Steven Spielberg production?
You can’t put it in words, man, you just can’t. I mean it’s freakin’ Steven Spielberg! I’m still pinching myself because it’s always been a dream to work with Spielberg, any actor will do anything to work with him. So really, it’s a blessing and an honour.
l Falling Skies screens on Fox Entertainment every Monday at 8.15pm.