Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to CJ WILLIAMS. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi CJ , thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

If I recall correctly I may have been in my 2nd or 3rd year as an actor, still extremely Green in the industry and still Non-Union. I started to make a name for myself by networking and fortunately doing well with the projects I’d been cast in; webseries, commercials and industrials mostly. I was cast to be a lead in an independent film which showed great promise of exposure and the script was amazing and the story had a wonderful message. We had already been through multiple table reads and all parties involved were excited about the project.

I received a phone call from the director basically telling me they wanted to recast my role with “named talent” because it would help boost the films visibility/credibility. I was promised they would still “fit me in the story somewhere.” I was crushed and upset, but I also understood that it was a business decision and this industry can be tough. That same night I was watching a Youtube video by Romany Malco and oddly enough he was discussing how actors need to create and shoot their own stories. There were multiple reasons he gave as to why but the main one he drove home was, you’re expendable if you don’t. If you’re not the creator of the art then you are expendable. With the recent news of my role being recast his words lit a fire in me. I began to write, then eventually produce and shoot my first movie which went on to win in festivals along with my second screenplay.

Being recast was the catalyst to me having a multi-award winning movie and screenplays.

CJ , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Not sure how far to go back here but I’ll give the headlines. I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago (“Englewood in the house”) I’m the youngest of 5 children (4 older sisters) yes they tortured me. I spent 6 years in the Marine Corps and eventually moved to Northern VA where I currently live with my wife of 14 years Jessica and my son CJ.

As for starting in the industry it sort of came out of nowhere. I was told on different occasions that I should consider modeling. It was basically a case of hearing the same thing so many times that you just had to go for it and see what happens. I ended up getting some shots done and putting them out there and interestingly enough the first project I booked was a web series not a modeling gig. They said I “looked” the part and asked me to audition. I knew absolutely nothing about the process and I was completely nervous but I apparently nailed it and that started my acting career.

With every set I was fortunate to be on I picked the brains of actors/directors/crew who had been in and around the industry longer than me. I became a sponge, I worked hard and I networked my ass off. Eventually my name was being brought up in rooms that I wasn’t in and more opportunities came my way. I found casting agencies in my area and submitted my headshot and resume (or lack thereof) and found myself being cast as an extra in the 3rd Season House Of Cards!

Getting to experience a set like that made me realize acting was more than just a hobby for me, it’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Every audition was a chance to get better, and lucky for me, I did. After a few years I was able to build a theatrical and commercial reel and used social media as a tool to market myself even more. I ended booking my first Union commercial and that made me eligible to become a part of SAG. You know It’s funny how the universe works, because once I became eligible to join SAG all of my auditions were for Union productions. Once I landed my first Co-Star role (Dopesick on Hulu) I knew there was no turning back for me.

One of the things that I’m most proud of since I’ve been on this journey, is that I never stopped, I never quit. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve came SO CLOSE many times early on in my career before I really knew how much I would love the craft. There were, and still are, so many No’s, so many rejections, so much uncertainty in this business that it you aren’t strong enough, you aren’t sure about yourself, and if you don’t love it, it can and will push you away. Had I given up I never would’ve worked with Rosario Dawson on “Dopesick”, Forrest Whittaker on “Godfather of Harlem”, Kelli Giddish and Mariska Hargitay on “Law and Order” and the incomparable Tyler Perry on “All The Queen’s Men.” Acting alongside these people, whom I admire and grew up watching would’ve slipped through my fingers if I had given up when it got tough for me.

So If were to leave anyone with a message, as corny and simple as it may sounds, NEVER QUIT, NEVER STOP CHASING YOUR DREAMS. You could be one audition away from an opportunity that could change the trajectory of your career and life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to do what I love and share it with the world! As scary as that may seem because people can be brutal LOL. However, I think for any profession in life if you enjoy it and you love it, it will never feel like work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The end goal for me is to be able to do this and support my family for as long as I’m able. Along the way I hope to inspire young creatives, captivate audiences, and use my artistry to uplift my community. I cannot imagine anything more fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: imdb.me/cjw
• Instagram: @cj_theactor
• Facebook: CJ WILLIAMS

Image Credits
1, Northern Va International Film Festival 2018 2, BET’s “For What It’s Worth” Panel Discussion 3. Quinoa Film BTS 2019 4. BET’s “For What It’s Worth” Red Carpet