The Art of Timing: William Stanford Daviss Lesson on Location, Availability, Patience, and Networking in the Entertainment Industry

The Art of Timing: How the Career of Actor William Stanford Davis Illustrates the Importance of Patience and Availability In the world of entertainment, success is often a combination of talent, grit, and charm. However, a crucial factor that often makes or breaks an individual's career is timing. Actor William Stanford Davis, who recently landed his star-turning role as Mr. Johnson in "Abbott Elementary," spent over 40 years in Los Angeles honing his craft and being ready for his shot, even at a moment's notice. Davis's advice to aspiring actors is clear: "You can't come to Los Angeles claiming that you want to be an actor and live in places like Rancho Cucamonga or Palm Springs or up in beautiful Santa Barbara. You got to be able to be available." He emphasizes the importance of being close to the action and willing to drop everything at a moment's notice, as not being able to show up when casting needs you "can cost you not only a job, but possibly your career." Davis's own career illustrates the importance of patience and persistence. He often waited years between roles, taking on jobs as a limousine driver and telemarketer, but never losing his footing as a performer and always remaining prepared. He even went on to teach acting classes in LA after racking up years of experience. "You gotta put in your time, you gotta pay your dues," he said. "And part of that is you might get a job today and you may not get a job until 2030." Davis's story is a reminder that success in entertainment is not just about talent and hard work, but also about being in the right place at the right time. His advice to aspiring actors is to be patient, be available, and always remain prepared for the next opportunity. In addition to Davis's personal journey, his story also highlights the importance of networking and building relationships in the entertainment industry. Being available and willing to work with others can open doors that may not have been possible otherwise. Davis's willingness to take on any role, no matter how small, helped him build a reputation and establish himself as a reliable performer. To learn more about the future of filmmaking and "What No One Tells You," visit our new Future of Filmmaking landing page and sign up for our weekly newsletter, "In Development." Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and updates.