Today we’d like to introduce you to Barb Willis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Barb. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began acting as a child on set with my dad, who was also an actor at that time. I don’t think I knew then how much I would come to love acting. Back then, it was a way to spend time with my dad and have some fun. I went away from acting for many years, except for school plays or small short films rarely. Instead, I focused on Martial Arts where I began competing, earned my Black Belt, and later on, began teaching. It was my love for many years and still has a special place in my heart. I was living in Florida after graduating college at Florida State and was reevaluating what I wanted to do with my life. I got so much joy from acting that I decided that was my true dream and I would move to Atlanta to pursue it. I arrived in February of 2016 and have loved it here ever since. It did take me about the first two years to find my footing in the industry, but I feel as if I’m on the right path now with a great team behind me. I love the actors and the community here in ATL and I’m so glad I chose this area to pursue my dreams.
Has it been a smooth road?
The first two years were difficult because I didn’t really have anyone to guide me in the industry. I did some background work and tried to audition for short films, but wasn’t having much luck. I received some advice when I first got here that I should grow out my hair. It was short at the time and this person told me I’d have a hard time getting cast with it that length. So, for the next year and a half or so, I grew it. I hated the length and it didn’t feel like “me.” As a non-binary queer actor, I wanted to be as fully myself as possible. I couldn’t compete with women who felt comfortable looking a way I didn’t. Once I decided to fully embrace who I am, I cut my hair and started to act more myself. It was instantly met with more success in the following months than I had in all the time prior. It was validation that I could be myself and find a place in this market. I hope others feeling the same way that I was also realize this and are able to put their true selves out there. We can always appreciate more stories from more people from diverse backgrounds.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a film/tv actor here in Atlanta. I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to be myself as a non-binary queer actor and find success here. I’ve had so much support from the people around me. My only hope is that as there are more non-binary/ trans actors emerging on screen that I may be able to meet them and hopefully, work with them one day.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Atlanta. I like that it doesn’t feel as overwhelming to me as NYC. I think I would have been lost in the shuffle there. LA was too expensive and I wanted to get my footing somewhere close to home in FL first. I thought maybe one day I’d move to LA, but with so many opportunities here in ATL, I’m not sure of that anymore. There are great actors here and on top of that, our casting directors and agents really push for us to be successful. I think we’re on our way to find our identity as Atlanta and not just an alternative for the other two major cities. I also love that actors are willing to help each other here. I think we realize that there’s room for us all and we can help build each other up rather than only compete. That sense of community, specifically at Nova House, has helped me tremendously here. I wouldn’t be where I am without the help of other actors and I hope to give that knowledge back to other upcoming actors as I continue to move forward in my career. Also, shout out to Brandon Reece, a local ATL photographer, for amazing headshots for actors here in town.
Contact Info:
- Website: barbwillis.com
- Instagram: thebarbwillis
Image Credit:
Brandon Reece
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