The 2025 Leo Awards were held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver on July 12th and 13th. Arkie Kandola was hired as a local celebrity host.
Here is our conversation with Arkie Kandola.
HNMAG: Were you surprised that the Leo Awards asked you to present?
Arkie Kandola: To be honest, yes. I didn’t expect to be presenting. I felt you had to be nominated. I’m glad they asked me; it’s a great representation.
HNMAG: Were you born in Canada?
Arkie Kandola: Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia.
HNMAG: Wow, a local. That’s rare. When did you become interested in film & TV?
Arkie Kandola: Around 2012-13, there was a social media campaign to submit a spot for a vitamin water.
HNMAG: Great, you made your own commercial and were selected to work with Steve Nash.
Arkie Kandola: We went to Arizona and shot it there. When I came back, I created a couple of characters on YouTube, and I gained millions of viewers. Combining the two, I was able to get Leyla Carriera at Lucas to take a chance on me.
HNMAG: What was the key to going viral?
Arkie Kandola: I think shock and awe. For my culture and tradition, when you add someone who looks very traditional like me, the comedic approach that I have can leave a stronger reaction. I was influenced by the greats like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Mad TV, and Saturday Night Live. I was able to watch what made me laugh growing up in the 80s.
HNMAG: Since your parents came to Canada from England, did you also have a lot of British comedy influences?
Arkie Kandola: My family would watch shows like Goodness Gracious, Mr. Bean…etc. The combination of that as well as some chubby performers who I felt paved the way.
HNMAG: Do you continue to make your own content?
Arkie Kandola: I’ve taken a bit of a break and focused on acting roles. I have propelled by career from day player to guest star. I am also learning a lot that will improve what I make.
HNMAG: Did you also attend any classes?
Arkie Kandola: Yes, I trained in Vancouver. I took some classes with Andrew McElroy. I did the reverse of most performers, as I booked work first, then I went into classes.
HNMAG: You would have more confidence that way.
Arkie Kandola: It’s also like I’ve been paid to go to school.
HNMAG: Are you working on anything right now?
Arkie Kandola: I’m in pre-production on a true story about Michael Jackson’s private chef who worked his way out of a cult in the 70s. I’m the executive producer (EP).
HNMAG: Is this the first production that you’re EP on?
Arkie Kandola: Yes, we’ve done some preproduction on something called The Book. I’m not going to be handsome forever, so we want to pivot to work on projects that will tell the stories from our perspective and culture.
HNMAG: Will it be shot in Canada?
Arkie Kandola: This production is a true story. It’ll be filmed in Vancouver, so we will be cheating it for LA.
HNMAG: Vancouver is used to be cheated. Scout the West End for the palm trees, that’s LA, no problem.
Arkie Kandola: Right, the four trees at Sunset Beach.
HNMAG: Yes, and on Harwood near Thurlow, in front of a low-rise apartment building. A bit more subtle. Do you have any recommendations for our readers?
Arkie Kandola: Definitely watch How To Die Alone on Disney+. It’s a great series and my best work to date. Natasha Rockwell, the showrunner, just got nominated for an Emmy for White Lotus.
HNMAG: What was that experience like?
Arkie Kandola: We filmed How to Die Alone in Toronto. I’m known to bring myself to the page. I didn’t know about her notoriety as a top writer for Saturday Night Live. We’re doing our first scene together. My character’s best buddy is DeShawn. So we’re Shaun and DeShawn (Christopher Powell). I’m the brown guy on this black show. I felt like I needed to bring my thunder. First time she let it slide, second time she let it slide, third time, she said, “Arkie, come over here. Can you stick to the page, baby?” I replied Done. I didn’t leave the page for the rest of the series.
HNMAG: Was your role a costar?
Arkie Kandola: I was a recurring guest star.
Arkie Kandola is not only one of Vancouver’s most talented comedic performers, but he is also an executive producer. He started doing his now thing and learned a lot along the way. Arkie is passionate about his culture and roots and is working on sharing those stories with the world. We are very excited to see what is next for Arkie Kandola.