Oz - Auditions

Harold Perrinau, Seth Gilliam(Clayton Hughes) and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje audition for the Augustus Hill role. Eamonn Walker auditions for Said, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje auditions for his role as Simon Adebisi. This was filmed in 1997 before season 1 began.

[@Thomistica]

Eamonn Walker had that character nailed before the show even began.

[@Toracube]

Oz was perfectly cast.

[@marcuscarlsson5995]

Did they have real prisoners or ex prisoners in the series? Chucky Pancamo looks like an excriminal. He got Hells Angels tattoo or maybe it was fake tattoo

[@cyns6965]

I love Adewale and Harold both as actors and for their portrayal of their characters. However, seeing their auditions back to back for the same role... Harold's got much better delivery with those lines. You can tell he's feeling the voice they were written in.

[@Dmanddog36]

Marcus Carlsson only two prisoners were actually in prison, One was chucky pancamo and he actually auditioned for a biker gang role (because he really was in the hell's angels) but they thought he looked more italian so they gave him that role. I believe the other was poet but i forget what for

[@jadayoung36]

DmanDdog

[@thanksfortrumpcnnmsnbcandh8771]

Marcus Carlsson chuck zito and poet

[@rustykuntz94]

I couldn't imagine any other actor playing Hill other than Harold.

[@YodaMiyagi]

Actor who plays Adebisi actually one of the nicest folks in real life

[@Mozes316]

Eamonn always gives Said those seemingly "crazy eyes" that always made me think he was about to snap at any moment. Dude played that role to perfection.

[@jnyerere]

Eamonn Walker is a BEAST!!! Like he is seriously one of the most underrated actors ever!!!!

[@NPCSingularity]

As a fan of British Comedy, after watching him on In Sickness and In Health as the flamboyant Winston, he surprises me with every role I’ve seen him in since. He’s an legendary actor.

[@cullyx2913]

👍

[@ShaneAnthony1776]

every single actor for every single character was perfect for each of their respected roles

[@roncur]

Facts

[@crakatoot5480]

Method Man was pretty crappy

[@TheJamesJosh]

Eamonn Walker is absolutely amazing.

[@rustykuntz94]

He currently is Fire Chief Bowden on NBC's Chicago Fire. Does an excellent job as always.

[@davidbarry111]

His facial acting is fucking superb

[@nicoledezzutti7455]

His audition was the BEST I've ever seen for ANY show. He's amazing! 😍

[@theextramile7438]

He was born to play Kareem Said.

[@Aivottaja]

So weird seeing Adebisi's actor say Hill's lines and talk in a non-threatening way. Especially with that British accent :D

[@prowlie]

Its weird seeing him normal as opposed to the craziness of adebeis...... he owned the part so well....... well actually all those actors did so well .. JK Simmons to this day I cannot see anything but Vern

[@vinnievincent85]

Yeah Adewale is a real good actor because it seriously looks more "fake" when he is not acting like a psycho.

[@hardcorenativextreme]

prowlie escpecially in them state farm commercial

[@FuglyFatt]

prowlie Try watching Chief Bowden in Chicago Fire without thinking about Saïd. And to a lesser extent, Nurse Jackie or The Sopranos without thinking about Whittlesey.

[@til_thasmokeclearz853]

+prowlie fucking shilinger

[@smutleybutcher]

Whoever else auditioned for the role of Said must've felt like complete frauds compared to Eamonn Walker. Now that, is proper acting.

[@coconrain1983]

Omg Adewale with his British accent!! Insanity! This show was so perfectly cast. Harold is perfect for Hill, Eamonn perfect for Said, Adewale is amazing as Adebisi!

[@MrrrPiccckles]

Harold Perrineau was the perfect Augustus Hill the others would have been terrible as Hill

[@MarcusLeonard307]

***** Yeah I loved his narrations

[@luket.7468]

Oh my god could you imagine how bad Carver from The Wire would be as Augustus hahaha

[@shannonprince4602]

Like Highlander, There could only be ONE!!!

[@shiestyrecords3225]

low key.... id like to see Father Gabriel as hill

[@Govanmauler]

Said was such a boss !

[@wadewilson8011]

Such a great LEADER!

[@brett444]

Saids audition gave me chills

[@Plague_Doc22]

God this show is great. Just started watching it again for the 8th time. My favorite series of all time.

[@Flavorful_Chunt]

Same. I revisit it regularly.

[@WorthyDirtyJersey]

I'm so glad Adebisi rolled with the accent he had in the show. He was my favorite character hands down. Absolutely hilarious

[@TearYouApart360]

I loved Adebesi. He was so unpredictable and imposing.

[@seaque.]

I can't imagine Adebisi as Augustus Hill, not even have to talk about Clayton.

[@BerserkerSloth]

Clayton was perfect as his character cause I absolutely hated him 😂

[@Cake7Eater]

Wow, Eamonn Walker had his name written all over Said's part. He nailed it.

[@imreadyreadygogo]

"You still my bitch, Beecher!" "Shut the fuck up!" The look on his face LMAO!

[@nopasaran3561]

This show was so ahead of it's time it's crazy. It's so humanistic and still not naive or dumb. It is a show about the most extreme human types being shown as humans.

[@Protoman85]

Humanistic? How do you explain all the religiousness then?

[@nopasaran3561]

@@Protoman85 The show actually never shows any religion being real or any god existing, but it shows humans seeing, or hearing, or seeking god in very weird or desperate situations. It's humanistic because it shows how true a religion can feel for the personal individual. While the world around him or her is the opposite or doesn't understand.

[@jenn5774]

Its crazy how many actors came up from OZ, almost everybody in this show went on to star or play some major memorable role in some other top10 TV hit in its time. Sopranos, lost, nurse jackie, Sons of anarchy, the wire, and im sure a bunch more.

[@ahrencarlon366]

This show legit has the greatest acting and casting I have ever seen in any tv show, no show today can ever exceed the amazing talent and quality of this show.

[@lovenlightman]

Wo Eamon Walker -What an actor... The series one of the best ever made in my opnion kickt of most of these actors career After this Adewale-Was knows as Adebisi- And got to play in lost and in movies. The person who played Hill got cast in Lost as well.

[@BigDog91527]

Great castings, great selections. It's fascinating how the actors look so missplaced in one scenario while in another it's really spot on what type of character they should be.

[@TheSatanshunter]

4:54 Wow!! that voice.... it's so sweet and kind, he really went all the way with making Adebisi's such a scarey guy

[@Isabella-nh5dm]

When OZ originally played, I had a very busy life and seldom watched TV. I had not seen this show although my brother used to watch it and told me how good it was. I only just watched it recently and this was a show worth watching. Kudos to HBO for taking this series on. It was truly a ground breaking series. HBO was made a smart move and took a great risk given the times. The actors were incredible. It is no surprise that so many of them moved forward in their careers as a result. OZ excelled because of the incredible actors, the unique concept and the wonderful writing. Granted, some seasons had scripts that seemed to have been 'off' but, taken as a whole, it was excellent!!

[@marcuscarlsson5995]

My top 3 characters is 1. Karim Said 2. Vern Schillinger 3. Simon Adebisi

[@MartinSeptimII]

1. Kareem Said 2. Jefferson Keane 3. Ryan O'Reilly

[@cyns6965]

So hard to choooose. I think I have to go with 1. Keller 2. O'Reilly and 3. Beecher. Even though I think he's a whiny beeotch, without Beecher the show wouldn't have been nearly as F'd up.

[@Dmanddog36]

Marcus Carlsson 1) hill 2)adebisi 3)shillinger

[@thesilhouetto]

+Marcus Carlsson 1. Ryan O'Reily 2.Ryan O'Reily 3.Ryan O'Reily

[@61akra12]

1. karim said 2. simon adebisi

[@EcksPression]

Eamon's audition was great. What a pro!

[@romankim8736]

Adewale is so slim here he, he mustve done a great job till the series that he became so huge

[@Wtnd911]

The way they ended up casting the show, was PERFECT. Im watching all the seasons through again now, and i just cant believe it. You end up getting to invested in it all. All tje characters, everything

[@cun7us]

You can tell in the first season all the actors were a little nervous, but that nervous energy turned into something great. By season 2 they were in full swing and everyone fit into their role perfectly.

[@osmrui]

before two days I finished oz and now i miss him so much , i very anjouy when i watch it oz join to my top 10 series

[@theextramile7438]

When I was 12, I used to watch this show every Sunday nights when my parents went to sleep. I have learned English thanks to this incredible tv show. I have so much love for all these amazing actors! It is not surprising to see the great evolution of almost everyone of them on tv during the past 20 years. I am now doing a full rerun of OZ at 33 and I can tell, watching this at 12yo is pretty f*cked up... Lol

[@christopherseat9871]

The greatest cast of all time

[@angiearthur1408]

Eamonn Walker, lawd have mercy, that man is too damn fine. 💖😍

[@Chris_34]

"best OZ auditions ever" - Agamemnon Busmalis

[@PNL_King]

how the fuck have i not seen this until now

[@Protoman85]

+Spiderman it was only on the DVD box set as far as I know

[@PNL_King]

Johan Öberg no shit.. this is crazy

[@raf.nogueira]

Me too

[@jaganjacfan]

Didn't know that others tried Perrineaus part. His the perfect fit, they suck so bad for it, especially Adewale. But he is perfect Adebisi. Is there audition for Schillenger, I soooo want to see that :D

[@rustykuntz94]

jaganjacfan JK Simmons has blown up, he’s everywhere now

[@johnslade9751]

Adibisis actor is so well spoken and polite it's incredible how well he did The character

[@TheDzudas]

Said was born for that role

[@lindajohnson662]

Just got into OZ a couple of years ago. Absolutely one of if not the best series ever made. I have watched from season 1 - 6 @least 6 times. Cast great in their roles. Perfect match-up. Love it, love it!!! Peace ✌!!!

[@bullhead4963]

dont know bout y'all but i can totally see adewale in hill's role with his natural voice. and one for thing for sure, nobody in that cast wouldve nailed adebisi like adewale did. NOBODY. full stop

[@blingmaster1049]

The cast they chosen was spot on! They even picked the perfect gang leaders to each click! ✊💯👊🔥

[@factoryusa666]

Acting is awesome!!! Love the art.

[@unconditionalluv]

They all fit their roles perfectly, this show is well casted!

[@ashleeeeeeeeee_]

greatest cast EVER!!!!

[@laurentborioli1326]

I can't imagine the goosebumps about, when you see Eamonn audtioning for Kareem Said, and after the first line, you know it's him. It's fuckin him, same for Harold or Adewale.

[@rezadroidjr]

perfectly well cast the get it what it deserve they get, precious cast!

[@brianrunyon266]

Nice clips of auditions. Oz was a pretty awesome show.

[@venaretro5444]

Was?

[@eminsergi6869]

+Vena Retro what was he supposed to say? Was is okay

[@rustykuntz94]

+Vena Retro I think he said was because its been off the air now since 2003, had a 6 season run.

[@clone800flamme]

I heard of this show once and literally binged it😂 Such good, raw television

[@drunkdave5677]

Hahahahahahahaha Seth Gilliam as August had me dying!

[@brawmedia]

One of the favourites . Just powerful and shocking to watch . Stood out . Didn't take sides in religion or life itself just expressed how it is and was . So unique and amazing . Love it . The cast as many have mentioned is epic . Legendary in my eyes and never forgotten

[@lonelyrunnersplaylist8857]

This show was in another level...for me one of the greatest shows ever made.

[@vicksburg92]

I was obsessed with that show.

[@0mnicide]

Best narration of a show ever.

[@StatenProductionsInc]

It would have been interesting to see Adebisi to do an afterlife narration.

[@sof4183]

very hard part of the job for actors, being tested based on nothing, got no props for it just pure acting with no mere preparation, get rejected most the time, quite the ungrateful job acting is.

[@novelchaser3556]

Radamenti not really. There are veteran actors that still audition! It’s amazing

[@andersonhenderson3281]

Adebisi sure Nigerianned up his voice between the audition and filming.

[@fathergabrielstokes4706]

HBO's Oz is a masterpiece 🔥

[@Alex-tx2em]

adewale was casting as agustus hill?!! never knew that

[@dustinplatt6882]

Harold: “When you take revenge on somebody, you are actually paying them the highest compliment possible. It's like saying, you affected my life to such an extent that I must reciprocate. I must affect your life as deeply as you have mine. Revenge may be the ultimate Hallmark card. Yeah. When you think of it like that, the cliche is true: Revenge is sweet.” Adebesi: *TIIIIIIIITS*

[@stevesandford1437]

STUNNING CASTING!!! (Interesting to watch the actors FIND THE CHARACTER on the page in audition...) How Difficult that must be for the actors!!! And EVERYONE NAILED IT IN THE END!!! Credit to the Actors, Casting Directors and Directors... xx SF

[@MonsieurCKC]

oh that's funny. I'm sure the part with Eamon Walter was used when the jew at season 6 explain his flashback in Istanbul where he met him.

[@d-logan5280]

YES!!! I wondered at the time why they'd go to the trouble of having a lineless hazy flashback to Said with a different hairstyle, after they'd already killed him off. Like did they call him in just for that, have him do it before he left etc.

[@bubblez920]

Eamonn Walker was on point. Like always.

[@TerenceThomas-bw2jn]

Its Funny Eamonn Walker , is Nigerian/ british in real life , he speaks so convincingly with the American accent !

[@gaviriak]

I had 1 year and a half when this Motherfucker show started? 😂😂😂😂 and i'm so a Huge fan! I think i born so late 😭😭😭😭 this way better than today's Shit !

[@ttttkk2]

I just begin to watch OZ. Never had a dull moment.in this show

[@m.houston6643]

Imagine 5 seasons of Adebisi in Hills role 😂 Show would have a totally different vibe

[@user-gt7vn9lz2m]

Eamonn Walker nailed it at first take

[@sevimsizpanda2391]

kareem said 4 ever.

[@PaperPlanes24]

Eamonn Walker walked so Sterling K. Brown could RUN! 😭

[@nedisahonkey]

Love Adewale's Fela Kuti shirt.

[@snakebeing756]

I couldn't play a part in a show like this.

[@gotrunk12]

woaw, clayton hughes nearly got hill's role

[@Unkuuu]

Henry really killed his audition.

[@slickyjapper]

The cast should reunion for 20th anniversary.

[@lennard07]

So this is where that footage from the series finale came from

[@veganize]

always funny, in retrospect, to see these guys cast for other roles!

[@stannisthemannisbaratheon1039]

Adebisi was a straight up Gamgsta

[@Kaatil29]

What a great cast man..

[@angelwild9145]

Very very cool! By far my favorite show❤️💋!

[@vinnyavalanche]

I can see y the cast said that man was perfect!

[@o.r.3489]

please bring back your other oz videos

[@drakeloki4214]

Adewale looked a bit awkward auditioning for Hill but he looked great auditioning for Adebisi. He was born for the role.

[@NPCSingularity]

Hearing Adebisi in an American accent is crazy. Would have been interesting if Adewale had used an American accent in the show.

[@cygnustsp]

Very cool to see how great actors still need great direction to be most effective

[@Vanessinha91Pucca]

Holly Crap, See Adebisy and not being scared is odd

[@cullyx2913]

Legendary show,legendary cast

[@BrunaClaptons2]

Kareem Saïd the best ✊

[@samsjoe1139]

This is a tresure a golden ring. What a wonderful vidéo. Keep it safe

[@gisseblair]

Omg! Adebisi with an english accent! So hooot!

[@JavierRodriguez17565]

Adewale looks like he could stringer bell’s brother

[@JnEricsonx]

And then you find out both of them are British.

[@lilykaiser3902]

great acting, big suspense and lots of eye candy in this show :)

[@MUFFINHEAD1985]

Adebisi's real accent. Fucking incredible actor.

[@AwfulWaffle8474]

Adabisi scares me even to this day haha

Fella was a crazy motherf*cker.

[@deniselima2861]

Adewale, great actor

[@sethcashman1011]

They made the right choice(s).

[@shapolfab]

Absolutely!! he such an amazing actor! shakesperian and all! He think he is very underated! I don't understand why he is not being cast in more films!

[@elijahbrink4596]

Eamonn Walker's pic is shown quickly in Season 6.

[@billyjesus5442]

anyone know where we can get the oz sound effects