On May 27, 2025, the series finale of The Handmaid’s Tale will air on Hulu, marking the conclusion of a show that has captivated audiences for six seasons, garnered 64 episodes, and earned numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe wins and 15 Primetime Emmys from over 80 nominations.
O-T Fagbenle has portrayed Luke Bankole since the show’s inception, earning an Emmy nomination for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series’ in 2021. As this significant chapter of his life nears its end, he expresses mixed emotions.
“Wow, that puts things into perspective,” Fagbenle remarked. “People often ask me how I feel about it, but I generally try not to think in those terms. The Handmaid’s Tale will always be a part of me. The episodes are there, but, more importantly, the relationships I’ve built will endure, and I feel immense gratitude for everything I’ve experienced.”
“The overarching sentiment is gratitude,” he added. “I’m not one to dwell on nostalgia. I focus on being thankful for the present and for being able to see this show conclude on a high note.” With the announcement of his casting in September 2016, Fagbenle has traversed nearly a decade within this world.
Reflecting on the past few years, he shared, “It fills me with pride. I’m proud of my growth, both as a person and as an artist. Much of that growth is intertwined with the show and the talented people I’ve worked alongside. I’m honored to be part of a project that tackles important political and social issues. It’s rare to find a series that combines entertainment with such significant commentary.”
Fagbenle’s character, Luke, is married to June Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss. Their family is torn apart by the oppressive Gilead regime. In the earlier seasons, Luke often finds himself removed from the action, but in the sixth season, he embarks on a more proactive journey.
“I was thrilled to explore a different dimension of Luke,” he explained. “This season brought in new showrunners who were excited to make bold choices.”
Interestingly, one of those choices allowed Fagbenle to reference one of the show’s iconic lines: “Allowing Luke to grow, to realize his potential was a brave decision, and I think they executed it beautifully.”
As the show approaches its conclusion, Fagbenle acknowledges the pressure that comes with it. “I try to manage external pressures as best as I can. Most of my motivation stems from wanting to honor my craft and do justice to the script and my co-stars.”
When discussing the dynamic between his character, June, and Nick Blaine, played by Max Minghella, Fagbenle explained, “It’s all about the story. I focus on delivering my performance with what’s in front of me and leave the bigger picture to the writers.”
His approach to acting reflects a deep understanding of character dynamics. “In good drama, there’s always uncertainty. The unpredictability of how characters will respond adds to the tension, making for compelling viewing.”
Fagbenle’s journey in the arts began at a young age, starting with a saxophone rented by his grandmother. However, his true passion for acting developed when he entered drama school. “Getting into RADA felt like a miracle; the odds were stacked against me. I saw it as an incredible opportunity,” he recalled.
His career has taken him from the stage to the screen, including notable performances in EastEnders, Hollyoaks, and The First Lady, where he portrayed Barack Obama. “It’s funny to think about,” he laughed. “When I started, all I dreamed of was acting on stage, so the trajectory of my career has been unexpected.”
Fagbenle also made history with Maxxx, a comedy series he created, starred in, wrote, directed, and composed music for. “It was exhausting, but liberating. Creating something from scratch is fulfilling,” he noted.
As for his future, Fagbenle expressed a desire to tackle more diverse roles in film, especially in the sci-fi genre. “I have a soft spot for sci-fi and am currently working on a sci-fi comedy, but I’d love to dive into more serious sci-fi projects,” he shared.
Fagbenle’s aspirations are expansive. “I’d like to explore more personal projects. I’ve always wanted to play Iago in Othello, and of course, I’d love to return to the Marvel Universe. I believe in manifesting opportunities, so here’s to that!”
In reflecting on his journey, O-T Fagbenle showcases an artist not only eager to embrace new experiences but also grateful for the ones that have shaped him.
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