My interviews of 2012
by jbfreelancewriter | created - 02 Jan 2012 | updated - 26 Dec 2012 | PublicI'm starting 2012 off with a bang with the fabulous (and very busy) Brian Anthony Wilson. (Just reading his IMDb profile makes me tired!) You can check out all my interviews at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jblairbrown
1. Brian Anthony Wilson
Actor | The Postman
Brian Anthony Wilson was born on February 22, 1960 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for The Postman (1997), Limitless (2011) and Law Abiding Citizen (2009). He has been married to Greer M. Richardson , PhD since September 30, 2005.
Wow! Just reading his profile makes me tired! Brian Anthony Wilson has got to be one of the busiest men in the business! And downright gracious, too. He was my first interview in 2012 and I had a BLAST!
Hear the interview in its entirety here: http://bit.ly/vJhpy1
Blog post: http://bit.ly/wSA39j
2. Hilliard Guess
Producer | Ticker
Born in Detroit, raised in the 'hood near San Francisco, youngest of five in a family pegged "The Cosby Show in the Ghetto." Hilliard's a former actor/dancer who transitioned to screenwriting over 16 years ago.
He's a fun, ex-80s Mod/Punk with a knack for writing underdog/redemption stories in the ...
Hilliard Guess charmed us with his wit, talent and volunteering spirit! This actor-turned writer/producer/director is taking Hollywood by storm - and we're along for the ride! Hear all about him right here: http://bit.ly/A3z2FC
Blog post: http://bit.ly/ykRozf
3. Davetta Sherwood
Actress | Venom
Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Davetta Sherwood is an accomplished actress, musician and model.
Sherwood began her career in entertainment as a child print model before venturing into acting. She began taking acting lessons and her first role was a feature in the music video for Elektra Recording ...
DAVETTA STONE WOW'ed us with this interview! An Emmy-nominee and NAACP Image Award Winner, this hot, young actress and singer just released her debut album. You can hear the entire interview right here: http://bit.ly/zWuKCS
4. Damon Gupton
Actor | Bates Motel
Damon Gupton is known for Bates Motel (2013), The Divide (2014) and Whiplash (2014).
Gupton shared some wonderful stories about his upbringing (shout out to Mom!) as well as his disappointment over the recent cancellation of his TV show (NBCs Prime Suspect...I'm still peeved about that one!). It was a great interview that left us wanting more. You can hear it all right here: http://bit.ly/w7HR6d
5. Will Dalton
Actor | Loving
Will Dalton, a native of Eden, NC, is a rising actor known for his outstanding performances in both film and television. His captivating on-screen presence and dedication to his craft have made him an actor to watch in the entertainment industry.
With roots deeply embedded in the artistic community ...
He definitely missed his calling: Will Dalton should have been a comedian. Funny, sincere, polite and talented, this actor had me in stitches during our Feb 1st interview. Hear it here: http://bit.ly/yzYGvM
6. Erik McKay
Actor | The Night Of
Erik McKay is an American actor. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Known for his performances in Blindspot (2015) episode Blindspot: The Big Reveal (2019) as Reggie, The Night Of (2016) episode The Night Of: The Art of War (2016) as DeVaughn, The Father's Love (2014) as Reece and Power (2014)...
We'll talk with McKay about training with "greats" like Bill Duke; his performances on award-winning projects (The Situation, 44); stage performances (A Soldier’s Play); and his writing endeavors. He's got a lot going on and we're just the ones to get it out of him. He'll be here on WED, Feb 8th at 7pm EST. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/xSXRMo
7. Richard Lawson
Actor | For Colored Girls
Richard Lawson was born on March 7, 1947 in Loma Linda, California, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for For Colored Girls (2010), Poltergeist (1982) and How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998). He has been married to Tina Knowles since April 12, 2015. He was previously married to Denise Gordy.
What a delight! Lawson's enthusiasm and insight into, not simply the industry but its pitfalls as well, were an eye-opener - and is evidenced by the feedback and immediate climb in archived listeners following the interview. We just HAVE to have him back! Hear why at this link: http://bit.ly/y5mqfQ
8. Mike Jerome Putnam
Animation_department | The Avengers
Born Michael Jerome Putnam, Aka Jerome Hamilton he was placed in foster care and adopted at age 3
After serving and retiring as a Sheriff's Deputy In Oregon At Age 50 in May 2010, Hamilton decided to become a serious full-time actor and model, He landed his first modeling gig for a Luis Vuitton ...
Mike Putnam aka JEROME HAMILTON came onto the show on Feb 20th. His motto is "Life starts at 50!" and proved the truth of that statement by telling us how he has appeared on some of TVs most popular series, as well as the recently released Denzel Washington/Ryan Reynolds film "Safe House," and his recent turn in the upcoming Steve Carell/Jim Carrey flick, "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone." Hear the whole interview here: http://bit.ly/zbeKPQ
9. Tony Clomax
Director | King's Ransom
Tony Clomax is an award-winning writer-director known for the highly acclaimed viral series 12-Steps To Recovery and the Aspire TV documentary series The Graduates NYC, which was produced by Al Roker Entertainment. Clomax also wrote and directed the series DATE.LOVE.REPEAT. Which streamed on Amazon...
The writer/director of one of the most popular web series (12 Steps to Recovery) is our guest for Mon, 2/27. Find out how he invented these eccentric characters; what we can expect from the series in the coming season; and more. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/xk1noI
10. Hawthorne James
Actor | Speed
Hawthorne James began life on the south side of Chicago to tremendously loving and supportive parents Robert and A.M. Alene. He attended Catholic school from kindergarten until the family moved to Michigan when he became an honor student in a public school; a bad mix.
Hawthorne's very extraordinary ...
From his turn as Big Red in The Five Heartbeats, to Se7en with Pitt and Freeman, Mr. James is a force to reckon with! Our interview on Mar 12th was NOTHING SHORT OF PHENOMENAL!
I'm officially labeling this one as a classic. Check it out.
http://bit.ly/Ar3MZo
11. Tiffany E. Green
Actress | Silver Linings Playbook
Tiffany E. Green is known for Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Myra's Angel (2014) and Phels High (2023).
WOW! What a great interview! And we think 2012 will be HER year! (Films with Robert Deniro and Will Smith, respectfully.) Green is far wiser than her years and was more than pleased to share her knowledge with us. We're sure she has a bright future ahead.
You can hear it here: http://bit.ly/zvPFOI
12. Roy Williams Jr.
Actor | Black·ish
Roy Williams, Jr. is an American actor born at Schofield Barracks Army Post in Hawaii to Roy and Sherri Williams. Roy can be seen in television series such as Dad Stop Embarrassing Me, Blackish, Being Mary Jane, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Act. You can also see him starring in films like ...
To start out the month of May, we had a GREAT time with actor Roy Williams Jr. This fine actor (we mean that in every sense of the word) is making his mark in the industry...and he's just getting started.
Find out all about his background and where he's headed next at this link: http://bit.ly/IgzqIT
13. Irma P. Hall
Actress | The Ladykillers
Irma P. Hall was born on June 3, 1935 in Beaumont, Texas, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for The Ladykillers (2004), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) and Collateral (2004).
We couldn't have been more excited about this one! Irma P Hall, a phenom in the industry, and several of her colleagues discussed their film "Changing the Game," which also stars Sean Riggs.
Click the link to hear the interview: http://bit.ly/Im9Fpm
14. Koran Dunbar
Actor | Greencastle
Koran Dunbar was born on November 26, 1981 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Greencastle (2012), Confused by Love (2015) and Surprise, Surprise!!! (2014).
Koran Dunbar has appeared on nationwide TV (Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Real World 20, MTV Beach House, etc), and infamous comedy venues (Hollywood’s HaHa Café). He is also the writer, director, and actor of the film “Greencastle,” produced through his own production company (From Rags 2 Riches).
Here's the interview in its entirety: http://bit.ly/KbpqPw
15. Karen-Eileen Gordon
Actress | Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Karen-Eileen Gordon is an American Actor who stepped memorably into public awareness with her completely improvised turn in the HBO comedy, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" opposite Larry David. Many projects later, her roles and sessions continue to win her global fans. Born in Philadelphia, Karen-Eileen ...
I was thrilled to learn that Karen (who was already scheduled for the show) just signed a deal for an extended appearance on one of my favorite shows, A&E's "The Glades."
She was a great guest! Hear all about her climb to success here:
http://bit.ly/MIlsDo
16. Skye Dennis
Actor | Myra's Angel
Skye Dennis is known for Myra's Angel (2014), A Christmas Prayer (2022) and The East End Boys.
Actor, writer, director Skye Dennis of Philadelphia appeared on our program in late June. We heard about his upbringing and how it affected his life course to write compelling scripts. You can hear it here: http://bit.ly/Mp3rdd
17. Michael McCallum
Writer | Buffalo
Michael McCallum is an award winning director/writer/actor/producer/editor who was born in Lansing, MI where he currently resides. He started acting in 1997 and started his film company, Rebel Pictures, in 1999.
His first three feature films, Fairview St., Handlebar, Lucky, all screened at ...
Michael McCallum of Rebel Pictures shows you don't have to have a Hollywood address to rumble with the big boys. Hear what he has to say about filmmaking right here: http://bit.ly/LUiTia
18. Said Faraj
Actor | Green Zone
Lebanese International Actor. An award winning actor and producer. Since the age of 7 he always dreamed of becoming an Actor. At age 16 while war was going on he fled and came to the USA. First he landed in New York 1983, from there he flew to California. where his dream to become an Actor Started....
In July, this 'naughty' guy delighted us with his charm and his "dreams-really-do-come-true" life story. His positive outlook on life, as well as his determination for the future makes him one of best interviews anywhere. Ever.
Said Faraj's the personification of tenacity! http://tinyurl.com/97b7v3l
19. Xango Henry
Actor | Seeds of Arkham
Xango Henry is known for Seeds of Arkham (2011), Call Me King (2017) and Die Fighting (2014).
Xango Henry is a community activist and a celebrity fitness trainer. This international star has been featured on NBC's Chuck, HBO's Curb Your Enthusiam, and in nearly 35 films and music videos. And Henry's most recent gig is the highly-anticipated TNT show, The Great Escape, the latest vehicle from uber-executive producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer!
He joined us in early August - bringing a boatload of listeners!
Listen to his story here: http://tinyurl.com/958r99m
20. Devin E. Haqq
Actor | Ambition's Debt
Devin E. Haqq is an Emmy nominated producer, a member of the Roundabout Directors Group Cohort 4, a member of the Fiasco Theatre Acting Company, an IFP alumni, and a Finalist for the 2020 HBOAccess Directing Fellowship. He has appeared Off-Broadway at the Barrow Group, Epic Theatre Ensemble, HERE ...
Actor and filmmaker Devin E. Haqq joined us in August for an insightful view of the entertainment industry. A wonderful guest whose passion and creativity far exceeds his years!
http://tinyurl.com/cq4mcfe
21. LaTonia Phipps
Actress | Didn't I Ask for Tea?
LaTonia Phipps is known for Didn't I Ask for Tea? (2015), The Hunt with John Walsh (2014) and Say It Louder.
Latonia's back to talk about the new stage production "Children of Killers," based on the horrific stories of the Rwandan uprising. A remarkable story by writer Kitori Hall (Mountain Top).
You can catch it here: http://tinyurl.com/bnykv3g
22. Hani Al Naimi
Actor | The Hurt Locker
Hani is an Arab American actor, writer and director of Palestinian descent. He was born in Bethlehem and spent the beginning years of his childhood in Beirut, Lebanon. At age 9 he attended Fettes College for Boys in Edinburgh, Scotland and then Hurtwood House in Surrey, England where he completed ...
What an honor to have actor Michael Desante on my show. Featured in films like the critically acclaimed "The Hurt Locker," Desante discussed his passions, struggles and what next for his career.
The interview was a huge splash! Listen to it here: http://tinyurl.com/cy37vfk
23. Tony Lo Bianco
Actor | The French Connection
Tony Lo Bianco has appeared in numerous films, television programs, and stage performances, both on-screen and off as a writer, director, and producer. Onstage, he won an Obie Award for Best Actor in Jonathan Reynolds's "Yanks-3, Detroit-0, Top of the 7th". Following his memorable performance as ...
Tony Lo Bianco has made a name for himself as an actor, writer, director, and producer. He was here to promote his one-man stage production portraying former New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in "The Little Flower,” which has been hailed by critics and LaGuardia’s own family members. It was a privilege to hear his stories, and learn from this distinguished and talented actor. I am truly humbled.
Hear why: http://tinyurl.com/cskh7lg
24. Chazz Palminteri
Actor | The Usual Suspects
Bronx-born and raised Chazz Palminteri was a natural choice to continue the Italianate torch in film. In the tradition set forth in the 1970s by such icons as director Martin Scorsese and actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, John Cazale and Joe Pesci, Palminteri has brought grit, muscle and an ...
Chazz Palminteri joins industry insider Dominic Antignano, and Manhattan Film Institute (MFI) co-founder and actor/writer Tony Spiridakis on Monday, Sept 24th at 7pm EST to discuss their recent and future projects that will propel the careers of many up-and-coming artists. You can hear it here: http://tinyurl.com/bqx4dlq.
25. Mykelti Williamson
Actor | Forrest Gump
Perhaps best remembered for his touching performance as "Bubba" opposite Tom Hanks in the Academy Award-winning Forrest Gump (1994), Mykelti Williamson is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, who has been steadily honing his craft since he first began acting professionally at the age ...
This talented actor joined us on Monday, Oct 1st. Known for his portrayal as the beloved Bubba in the award-winning film Forrest Gump (opposite Tom Hanks), Williamson continues to be one of the busiest actors in the biz!
Hear the whole thing right here! http://tinyurl.com/8dnmfqq
26. Nakia Dillard
Actor | Law Abiding Citizen
Actor, writer, director, and entrepreneur, Nakia Dillard is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As a child, his love of arts introduced him to a whole new world of colors, animation, and imagination. Being extremely talented in this field of artistry. Nakia anticipated this as a life career and ...
This actor is on the road to success, after appearing in several films in 2012. We discussed his start in the industry, his goals moving forward and his entrepreneurial success with Aikan Entertainment (pronounced I-Can).
Find out all there is to know about Nakia Dillard!
http://tinyurl.com/cog6ear
27. Charles Anthony Burks
Charles Anthony Burks is known for The Place Beyond the Pines (2012), Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005) and Lenox Avenue (2009).
We were privileged to have this writer along with producer Brian Rolling and actress Athena Colon - all reps from the new popular web series "Lenox Avenue," and what a show it was! They're a great bunch of folks who (obviously) enjoy each other's company.
Hear it here: http://tinyurl.com/byfd7wu
28. Brian Rolling
Director | Father's Day
Brian Rolling is known for Father's Day (2009), Odessa (2012) and Over You (2008).
(See #27 for show description.)
http://tinyurl.com/byfd7wu
29. Athena Colón
Actress | Jessica Jones
Athena Colón is a bilingual, native New York actress, teaching artist and acting coach. Athena has worked as an independent teacher and coach in New York City for 10+ years. She has trained with former Telsey + Company casting director Heidi Marshall as a coach and joyfully prepares actors for ...
(See #27 for show description.)
http://tinyurl.com/byfd7wu
30. Windell Middlebrooks
Actor | Scrubs
Windell Middlebrooks was born on January 8, 1979 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for Scrubs (2001), Body of Proof (2011) and The Suite Life on Deck (2008). He died on March 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Interviewing Windell Middlebrooks was a delight. Not only did he alter his schedule (I was late getting on the air!) but it went off without a hitch! He's a true pro and we thank him for his graciousness in accommodating us.
http://tinyurl.com/arff8s6
31. Tonya Williams
Actress | The Young and the Restless
Tonya Williams is an award-winning actress and advocate with British, Canadian and American citizenship. Born in London, England she is an only child of Justice G. Williams Q.C (deceased) and Korah Williams a retired Registered Nurse and Midwife who are both Jamaican. When she was almost one her ...
What a show! We talked about everything under the sun: acting (of course), The Young and the Restless (naturally), colonoscopies (yes, colonoscopies!)....We were just two sistas kickin' it. Ahhhh, what a welcome change.
Hear all the gory details here: http://tinyurl.com/b2yt3pm
32. Koran Dunbar
Actor | Greencastle
Koran Dunbar was born on November 26, 1981 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Greencastle (2012), Confused by Love (2015) and Surprise, Surprise!!! (2014).
Yes, he's back! But this time he's on the hot seat. I put some tough questions to Koran (like, "Why was the only Black woman in the film also the meanest?" Yes...I went there). He passed with flying colors. It was great! You can hear the whole interview here:
http://tinyurl.com/ajr2t24
33. Vincent Spano
Actor | Baby It's You
Born in Brooklyn, Vincent developed an interest in acting at a young age and was pursuing it professionally by age 14. A year later, he earned a co-starring role in the play "The Shadow Box" and a minor role in the movie The Double McGuffin came two years after that.
At age 18, Spano was cast in The...
What an absolute gem! I knew Spano was a gifted actor (hey, we only have the best here), but I have NO CLUE that he had such vast knowledge behind the camera as well! So we're thrilled to know that he's embarking on his first full-length directorial debut in just a few months! Listen all about this great project right here...
http://tinyurl.com/a69q6hj
34. J Michael Briggs
Actor | Hard Sun
Actor, J Michael Briggs was born in Houston Texas. His career in entertainment started out in music. In 1989 while attempting to further his music career in Hollywood, J Michael, on the advice of actor friend, Peer Ebbighousen, started to do background work to make extra money. While working on a ...
This was our second go-'round with actor J Michael Briggs...and it was fantastic! We caught up to him "on a whim" and he was able to accommodate us. This guy is great. Not yet a household name, but it's coming...we're sure of it. Why? Because he's a great actor, an all-around good guy...and he deserves it!
Find out why here...
http://tinyurl.com/a4ovevb
35. Joan Benedict Steiger
Actress | The Incredible Hulk
Joan Benedict Steiger was born in Brooklyn, New York and became a performer at an early age studying ballet & tap dancing at seven. Her first recital was at the famous Brooklyn Academy of Music. Her mother sent her abroad to Rome, where she became a young student at the Rome Opera Ballet School, ...
What a wonderful time we had with Ms. Steiger when we learned all about her life and loves, and the amazing book she's looking to write about it all.
http://tinyurl.com/a4tah5z
36. Tanna Frederick
Actress | Two Ways Home
Tanna Frederick was born on August 11, 1977 in Mason City, Iowa, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Two Ways Home (2019), Hollywood Dreams (2006) and Irene in Time (2009). She was previously married to Henry Jaglom.
WOW! Talk about a busy actress! I was tired just listening to her talk about her activities! She's got a lot going on...and acting is just ONE of them. Learn all about her here: http://tinyurl.com/adyekmd
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