Over the years, I have had the pleasure of interviewing lots of people, ranging in age from about four to eighty-four years old. I’ve learned so much from every encounter. A lot of these interviews happened because of my work as a host on the show Hollywood Close-Up. I co-created Hollywood Close-Up with fellow actor and producer Wayne Frazier, which focuses on creating your own career in the entertainment industry. Each episode includes a close-up interview with one of Hollywood’s finest working actors, directors, producers, writers and other industry professionals. One of the best parts about my time on the show has been the opportunity to speak with the young actors who are just starting out in the business.
One interview that stands out in particular was with actress Saniyya Sidney. Saniyya visited Hollywood Close-Up about a month after her movie, Hidden Figures won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 2017 SAG Awards and just days before she attended the Academy Awards because both of her films, Fences and Hidden Figures were nominated. What an honor for such a young actress. As you can imagine this interview was full of great stories from Saniyya about working with Viola Davis and Denzel Washington. She even shared with us how she “left this world” when she found out that both of her films were nominated for an Oscar. She said that upon hearing the news, she ran around her house. I think that regardless of what age you are, if you hear that you are nominated for an Academy Award, you will probably run around your house. To watch the interview with the SAG Award winning actress, click below.
Another one of my favorite interviews was with actor, Andrew Fox. At the time, he was thirteen years old and our youngest interviewee on Hollywood Close-Up. He was literally just starting out in the business and this was his first interview ever! I can honestly tell you, you would never know it. Andrew was so well poised in his interview. He gave some great advice for not just young actors, but all actors. He shared that you can’t give up and to follow your dreams. Take a listen to the full episode featuring Andrew, here.
Photo Credit: Patrick David Photography
In order to share all of my favorite interviews, this blog would need to go on for many pages. So for now, I will just share one more. Actress Melissa Gomez stopped by Hollywood Close-Up when she was in the fifth grade. At the time she was not only out there auditioning and booking commercials, but she was running for student council president! Her advice for those just starting out included to not be nervous, be yourself and a reminder that they (referring to casting directors) want you to succeed. Melissa had amazing energy and kept Wayne and I on our toes. Feel free to listen to Melissa’s full interview with this link.
I must say these kid actors always had some of the greatest advice that was incredibly refreshing. I am grateful for each opportunity to chat with the future of Hollywood. I learned that no matter what age you are, self confidence and staying true to oneself is key to making it in this industry.