It was wonderful to work with Colman Domingo this issue, and chart his career path from New York to LA, from theatre to film. His journey has been a steady burn, the labours of a hard-working actor who has found success later in life and ensured his longevity. I’m very drawn to his story, I’m a similar age and I’ve also worked consistently and it’s only been in the last decade that things have stepped up to what he describes as his ‘harvest stage’. I was inspired to hear his acceptance of change – the changes to him and the changes to New York City where we finished our interview during the week of his SNL debut. Colman’s story also resonates with me as we visited two theatres that were integral to his path. I feel comfortable in those spaces as both my parents worked in the theatre and I grew up playing there. The idea of kismet also plays into Colman’s life – another thing I feel linked to. While in LA, we visited a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf that was the place that kicked off his involvement in Rustin, the film that changed everything for him, and was also the location for his first billboard in Los Angeles (also for Rustin). I love the idea of chance changing the entire course of a life.
As part of my bi-coastal cover story, I spent time with Colman over Oscar weekend in LA and although he was going to parties as a celebrated artist his humility shone out and I feel that that’s often a marker of people who have found success later – because they’ve known tougher times. But being humble and authentic was also present in my shoots with younger artists. Spike Fearn is so connected to his hometown of Coalville in the UK and wanted to create work there. It was incredibly refreshing to meet an actor who didn’t just want to move to LA and was keen to work in his own way. Also marching to the beat of his own drum – quite literally – was Lewis Pullman. The son of a beloved actor who’s grown up in Hollywood, Lewis is reverential of his lineage and pragmatic about his career. I like that he felt he would take a lifetime to figure out acting – just because he had a famous dad, he didn’t have all the answers.
And shooting Ellie Bamber in Lucian Freud’s former studio was an amazing privilege, not only because I’m such a fan of Freud’s work but also because Ellie was ‘at peace’ with whatever anyone thinks. That stuck with me because it’s a place all creatives hope to get to in life – and all four of my subjects this issue seem to have found that sweet spot. That’s inspiring and humbling for me. And I hope for you…
GREG WILLIAMS
Founder, Hollywood Authentic
