Meet Wil Cooks of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wil Cooks.

Hi Wil, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Nearly 40 years ago, I began my professional career in Atlanta as a high school English Teacher and Coach. Later in the profession, I transitioned into Counseling and other administrative roles. In 2011 my family and I had the privilege of living in London, England. We returned to the States in 2014, where we lived in TX, CO and returning to ATL in 2020 – during the peak of the pandemic. I had done some fitness modeling in London and tried my hand at Lifestyle modeling and commercials while in Denver. I experienced moderate success despite having no background in performing arts. At the time, those were nothing more than hobbies. After retiring, I decided to embark upon a second career in tv/film full time. I was 60 years old. I began as a background actor to test my interest. As I learned more about the craft and the industry, I enrolled in several studio acting classes. The journey has been unsettling, uncomfortable, and unpredictable. However, whether in class or on set, the accomplishments feed the drive to continue.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any of life’s journeys, sometimes the road is smooth, the view is beautiful and your destination feels certain. But there are also times when the road is rough,
the view is difficult and you are not sure if you’re going to make it. Frederick Douglass said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” This is new for me. It is exciting and challenging. It is rewarding and humbling. You have to decide how much you are willing to invest in yourself. Progress comes at a price.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor. I love to be able to add to a story in a way that is unique to me. I am most proud of the fact that I continue to enjoy the journey of becoming an actor and I am proud of the TV, film and modeling roles that I have booked since beginning this journey.

What’s next?
I look forward to learning more, growing more, giving more, being more – all of which require change.