We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deke Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Deke, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I owned my own Gym in Reno, Nevada and had begun local Acting. I had just signed with a modeling agent in Reno. They sent me on an audition for a movie which was originally called “Double Down”…go figure, it was filming in Reno!!! It was 1979 or 1980. The casting director, April Webster (very well known, cast all of JJ Abrams projects, and has been in the business for decades – she is also a wonderful person) cast me in a role to throw none other than Kevin Costner off the Mogal Bridge on the Truckee River. Kevin, was so nice, helpful and a complete pleasure – I think I made $50

Deke, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I stated – I owned my own gym in Reno at the age of 19 – Started off cleaning toilets – became an assistant Manager, and eventually was given the opportunity to buy the place, after the stripe-mall it was in burned to the ground. The owner basically gave me ownership, and I was then liable for the outstanding bills – Took care of them buy negociating a few $10,000 bill down to $1000 – and it was mine!! Kane Hodder – a very well known stunt man was a member of my gym. Kane played Jason in 6 of the “Friday the 13th” films. He encouraged me to go to LA as I was starting to a book of local and professional roles in the Opera’s, etc. Opera???!!! Yes. Another member was a guy who really became my best friend and Mentor, Howard Hoffman. Howard starred in the Local Opera’s and also did work in NY. He said I should go and watch the Opera (Carmen) that he was starring in along with several Broadway Actors. I did – I then imitated the “Toreador” song that he sang in the Gym the following day – Song story short, Howard insisted I meet the Conductor of the Nevada Opera – I did, and with Howard guidance and Voice training I began a string of several smaller supporting roles in the operas.
Maggie Banks, the choreographer of the Nevada Opera’s (Maggie did was the assistant choreographer for the original “West Side Story” nearly all of Elvis’s and Juliet Proust’s movies,)
Maggie strongly encouraged me to go to LA
So – I did – I am ever grateful for Kane, Howard and Maggie

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I moved to LA I got into some very good acting classes – I had to learn to go MUCH smaller for Film – I had really only done a LOT of stage upon my arrival in LA in 1982

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?

Working with Academy and Emmy award winning Actors is really Cool – especially when they are cool – which, sadly is not always the case. As a coach – I am Thrilled to see the Actors I coach on TV, winning awards, and living their dream!!

Contact Info:

• Website: NextLevelActing.com
• Other: DekeAnderson.com