Abbott Elementary School star Tyler James Williams is opening up about his early years in Hollywood, and the impact that experience had on him.
He reflects on his first breakout role: ‘I was trying to find myself in front of everyone’
In a recent interview with GQ, Williams looked back on the journey that led him to the lead role in one of TV’s hottest family sitcoms.
Back when he was only 12 years old, after being on shows like small bill And Sesame StreetTyler’s big break came when he took on the lead role in Everyone Hates Chrisplayed the role of teenage Chris Rock.
Although the role presented a difficult learning curve, Williams noted that it left him with “the most useful information” he has ever received.
“I learned how to do a gig within two or three months. It is the most useful information I have ever had in my life.”
However, despite introducing him to this “helpful information,” Tyler also noted that his time on the show coincided with “the most awkward years of his life.” [his] life.”
“The moment this happens is also when the internet is becoming more ingrained in the industry. So I’m going through the most awkward years of my life, everyone can see. I think my voice broke non-stop in seasons two and three.
Williams summed up the situation by pointing out, “I’m trying to present myself in front of people. And everyone has an opinion and is used to giving their opinion.
He went so far as to call the experience “traumatic” and added that, because of growing up in the public eye, he “still gets[s] triggered by things that are part of everyone’s childhood.”
“It was an injury. I’m still excited by everyone’s childhood stuff. Every time someone approaches me, no matter what they recognize me for, it tells me at this moment that I am seen.
He added that, while overcoming this trauma with therapy, “high vigilance” was a big issue he had to deal with.
“The high level of vigilance is one of the things that we have to deal with, because I will listen to the conversation of everyone in the room. I could hear my name being called from two or three tables below. I could see how many people were following me when I walked in the door. And that’s not healthy.”
Tyler James Williams says he ‘didn’t like the path’ he was following
In addition to the personal challenges that his on-camera adolescence put him through, the actor also dealt with some of the pressures caused by his job, which he “recognized quickly.” .
In fact, Williams cited an interaction he had with a Everyone Hates Chris producer in which they stated, “I will never consider you anything else and you will probably never work again.”
Although the actor noted that the comment was “probably a joke,” it still affected him deeply.
However, rather than get discouraged, Tyler admits that he “decided to stop and pivot” to hone his skills.
“When I was 17, I realized that I didn’t like the path I was on, so I decided to stop and turn the shaft. I met a really good acting coach and I turned down everything I was offered.”
After finally taking on roles in projects like Dear white people And Zombiehe eventually formed a relationship with Quinta Brunson after meeting on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show. Of course, his end led to Brunson picking Williams in Abbott Elementary School.
What do you think of Tyler James Williams’ comment?
