‘Abbott Elementary’ Star William Stanford Davis Wants More Actors to Say ‘No’

Davis cited a test he gave while teaching acting classes in Los Angeles, where he asked students if they were willing to do nudity. Many, as he said, immediately responded, “Oh, yeah, sure,” but to Davis, this meant, “They didn’t think about the question.” If they’re willing to do nudity, that’s absolutely fine, but not even trying to understand why your character might strip down indicates they would “do anything for a job.” Instead of just saying yes to everything, actors should consider why they’re the best fit for a role and use that to guide their choices instead.

Emphasis mine. So basically he's just saying don't apply to every role, pick the roles that you know you're the best at, the roles where you can really "Wow" the casting/director.

I think that's fair, but I imagine that's difficult when you have no job and are looking for a job. Especially so if it's your first few jobs and you don't have much of an acting reel yet.

2 comments

It's a nice sentiment, but seems a bit easy for a successful actor to say. For a struggling one they may not have such a luxury.
Davis cited a test he gave while teaching acting classes in Los Angeles, where he asked students if they were willing to do nudity. Many, as he said, immediately responded, “Oh, yeah, sure,” but to Davis, this meant, “They didn’t think about the question.” If they’re willing to do nudity, that’s absolutely fine, but not even trying to understand why your character might strip down indicates they would “do anything for a job.” Instead of just saying yes to everything, actors should consider why they’re the best fit for a role and use that to guide their choices instead.
Emphasis mine. So basically he's just saying don't apply to every role, pick the roles that you know you're the best at, the roles where you can really "Wow" the casting/director.
I think that's fair, but I imagine that's difficult when you have no job and are looking for a job. Especially so if it's your first few jobs and you don't have much of an acting reel yet.