William Stanford Davis of ‘Abbott Elementary’ Explains Why ‘Location Matters’ | ‘What No One Tells You’

What does it return to get your profession started successful entertainment? Beyond nan accepted elements of talent, grit, and charm, a immense portion of what makes aliases breaks group is timing. Before landing his star-turning role arsenic Mr. Johnson successful “Abbott Elementary,” character William Stanford Davis spent complete 40 years successful Los Angeles keeping himself fresh for his shot, moreover astatine a moment’s notice.

“You can’t travel to Los Angeles claiming that you want to beryllium an character and unrecorded successful places for illustration Rancho Cucamonga aliases Palm Springs aliases up successful beautiful Santa Barbara,” he said connected nan astir caller section of “What No One Tells You.” “You sewage to beryllium capable to beryllium available.”

Davis shared that much than a bad audition, not being capable to show up erstwhile casting needs you “can costs you not only a job, but perchance your career.” Though self-tapes person expanded nan pools from which talent are sourced, yet roles are much apt to spell to those who are closest to nan action and consenting to driblet everything should an opportunity travel along.

“I person friends who telephone me, ‘Can you thief my girl tin you thief my son?’ First point I inquire wherever do they live,” Davis told Future of Filmmaking, “because a batch of group travel retired present pinch stars successful their eyes and it conscionable doesn’t activity that way.”

Most importantly, Davis preached patience successful each endeavors arsenic awesome things travel to those who wait. He often waited years betwixt roles, taking connected jobs arsenic a limousine driver and telemarketer, but ne'er mislaid his footing arsenic a performer and ever remained prepared. He moreover went connected to thatch acting classes successful LA aft racking up years of experience.

“You gotta put successful your time, you gotta salary your dues,” said Davis. “And portion of that is you mightiness get a occupation coming and you whitethorn not get a occupation until 2030.”

Watch Davis’ section of “What No One Tells You” below.

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