Nothing Can Stop Him In His Real-Life Pursuit of Happiness.
So…let’s meet Mr. Billy Blanks Jr.
ACT: Please tell us a little about your childhood.
Billy Blanks, Jr: I grew up in Boston with my Mom, Gayle, my sister Shellie, and my Dad. Music, dance, and the arts have pulled at me as long as I can remember and Michael Jackson was one of my biggest inspirations. At age nine, I was cast as Stymie in the “Little Rascals” and there it all began!
I remember being at the theater when 42nd Street was auditioning and rehearsing. I was young and was told I couldn’t be in the production so they let me stick around and help out. I’d watch the cast rehearse and then I started picking up on choreography. I had absolutely no dance training whatsoever, but was able to learn the steps rather quickly. The director saw me backstage one day doing the tap choreo and was amazed at how effortlessly I picked up on it. He decided to put me in the show and I was the only kid cast. I knew at that moment I wanted to do this!
During that time, my Dad moved to Los Angeles to work as the bodyguard for Dukes of Hazard star, Catherine Back, better known as Daisy. The family moved out later and I have been here since.
LA is the perfect place for you to really pursue your passion for the arts. Did you get started right away?
Denne historien er fra Issue 30-utgaven av ACT Dance Model Sing Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra Issue 30-utgaven av ACT Dance Model Sing Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Actors And Basketballs
Since the early 1900s and the birth of the Stanislavsky Method, actors have been on a continual quest for truth while acting.
Cruising Into Your Performance Career
Beyond the glamour of Hollywood stardom or Broadway fame, performers can find nearly unlimited avenues to practice their craft, or carve out a career making full use of their talents.
We can all learn from the amazingly talented &delightful young actress: Shree Crooks
All children have a natural sense of play, a kind of creative curiosity that helps them discover who they are and make sense of their ever-expanding experience. Some kids pick up sports, or dance, or art, and some kids want to be actors!
And a…5,6,7,8 Dance!
Salemah Gabriel, who was born in California and raised in Tennessee, is one of today’s up and coming industry professionals to watch.
Billy Blanks, Jr.
Nothing Can Stop Him In His Real-Life Pursuit of Happiness.
A Hardworking Performer
Chinese-British actress, KUNJUE LI chatted with ACT Magazine about life in Tibet, her acting dreams as a child, and her roles on the hit TV drama “Razors: The Return of Jack the Ripper” and “Ancient Assassins” on the Discovery Channel.
Five Quick Tips to Change Your Life! Dealing With Rejection
Dealing with rejection can be a very devastating, scary and unpleasant occurrence. However, in life we take many risks with decisions, people, investments, money, etc; and with risk comes the probability that rejection may occur. The reality is you will be rejected at some point in your life and learning how to cope and deal with rejection can be the difference between resilience and future success or unhappiness and becoming stagnant. Here are some common and effective ways to deal with rejection:
Meet A Hardworking Performer
TROY D. WILLIAMS aka “Hollywood” has taken the acting world by storm. The nickname “Hollywood” was given to him by his friends, because of his confidence, flashy style of dress, and his overall swag. He has appeared in over 20 productions in his first full year of acting. Williams has really begun to make a name for himself in the industry. With many upcoming projects, he is not looking to slow down anytime soon. His future looks very promising.
Meet Thomas Kyriakos… Getting The Shot
ACT Like A Pro caught up with Key Grip Thomas Kyriakos at his home in Stockholm, Sweden while he was prepping for Cine Gear Expo, the premier four-day event in L.A. for professionals engaged in the technology, entertainment and media industry.
Passionate, Enthusiastic, Helpful: David Blue
Meeting David Blue for the first time feels like getting reacquainted with an old friend. He’s instantly engaged and his neighborly demeanor creates a welcoming space. At this point, it doesn’t even feel like I’m here to interview him, but more to have a nice afternoon chat over coffee.
