A Breakthrough Role for Representation
Martins Imhangbe, the actor portraying Will Mondrich in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, has made history as the show’s first black boxing entrepreneur.
His character is inspired by the trailblazing Bill Richmond, widely considered the first black boxing entrepreneur in London and a pioneer who paved the way for future champions like Jack Johnson and Muhammad Ali.
“It fills me with pride to be able to honor these people, because oftentimes, these people are erased from history. I didn’t know about Bill Richmond until I got the audition,” Imhangbe shared in an interview.
Navigating New-Found Fame and Responsibility
As the Mondrich family navigates their new-found wealth and status in Regency London’s high society, Imhangbe finds himself in a similar position, navigating the complexities of his newfound fame. He acknowledges the responsibility that comes with representing a non-toxic, healthy black family at the forefront of a period drama.
“It feels like there’s a responsibility to tell that narrative, to put in the work and be mindful of all the sensitivities and the nuances,” he said.
Bringing Authenticity to the Role
To bring authenticity to his role, Imhangbe trained in boxing, adapting to the robotic and particular postures of the era. However, he made sure to infuse his performance with flair and charisma, true to his character’s background as a working-class hero.
“I always try to bring a bit of flair, a bit of enjoyment and charisma,” Imhangbe remarked.
A Promising Future
As Bridgerton continues to captivate audiences, Imhangbe’s breakout role has thrust him into the spotlight, even sparking speculation about his potential as the next James Bond.
While he remains tight-lipped about what’s in store for the Mondrich family in the second part of season three, one thing is certain: Martins Imhangbe has become a trailblazer in his own right, representing a new era of diversity and representation on screen.
