Exclusive Interview with Veteran African American Actor John Wesley

I was born John Wesley Houston and have more than 30 years as a classically trained actor with experience on stage, television and film. I’m also of the generation of activism, social reform and have an extensive love for the craft of acting. I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego a Bachelor of Arts Degrees from the University of San Diego. I also majored in Political Science there.

I am also a veteran of the United States Army. I hold the distinct pleasure of having worked with some of the world’s finest performers and directors, from Denzel Washington to Albert Finney, Barbra Streisand to Tim Burton, James Earl Jones to Michael Apted, James Spader to Morgan Freeman…and the list goes on.

indieactivity: Did you study acting?
John: Yes. I did. I started acting in 1975 and fell in love with the art of acting – it is something I was born to do. It has been a wonderful experience and is a Grand profession. I am an Artist who creates Characters as well as an interprets of the writer’s words through my own Truth.

indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
John: I am a Method actor. As a Method actor, I utilize the art of experience. I bring the character forth by building the character internally rather than externally. The focus is on the character’s inner life, which is birthed out in the performance.

indieactivity: You are an experienced actor, how much work do you put into you scenes?
John: Well, as an experienced actor, I bring the necessary creativity, energy and focus needed for the role. All roles are different and require different energy. As an actor, you adapt to the needs of the role.

indieactiivty: You have worked in theatre, TV & film, with a career that spans 1963-2017. Why do you still do it?
John: I love the work! It is what I was created to do! Theatre, TV, Film – they are different mediums, but they give the actor the opportunity to emotionally convey the story by the writer.

indieactivity: How does the work you do on one show, say “Stop or my Mom Will Shoot” compare to another, say “The Midnighters”? 
John: The differences come in with the cast and crew. The energy was different. Stop or My Mom Will Shoot was lighthearted. Stallone kept us energized and laughing on the set. The Midnighters was a much more dramatic piece. Director’s I’ve worked with give me a lot of latitude. They recognize my years of experience and ability to convey what they’re looking for in the character

indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role: considering the cast, the physicality, the terrain, the climate, weather and the demands of the show?
John: As with all roles, I study the script and run through it many times prior to the shoot. As an experienced actor, you must come to the set prepared. That is the job. Working with various cast members is again, part of the job. We are all there to serve the characters and bring the script to life.

indieactivity: When you shot “The Animatrix”, how did you create that character from a script into a person?
John: In most films, I don’t get direction. The director trusts me to bring forth the character. There is more instruction for stage and television. But the process is the same. We all have experiences that we can draw from. As a veteran actor, I have many!

indieactivity: You have extensive experience working in theatre, explain how a creative choice in theatre compares to a creative choice in film?
John: Theatre is a wonderful medium! The interaction with the audience gives the actor immediate reaction. But it also involves being bigger – making your character larger. It takes more to convey on stage than on film. With film, you have to bring yourself down – not as pronounced – smaller. The camera picks up subtleties that doesn’t happen on stage.

indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
John: One of my most memorable Characters is Torro Chombe from the Mini-series Atlanta Child Murders. I played a militant Activist who activates the community to take action to protect themselves…another memorable character was “Sweets Walker” leader of his quintet from the series “Dirty Dancing”. This character was created to tell the civil rights story of the 60’s. Too bad the series ended after 1 season. Another one was my character in Heat of the Night’s Vic Glendon, husband of Denise Nicolas. Working with her allowed me to do some of my most complex work. All of my episodes were written by Carol O’Conner.

indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
John: What I want most is for the Director to be clear about what he wants from the character. No vagueness. If I’m clear, I can bring it.

indieactiivty: What actors do you enjoy collaborating with?
John: Robert Guillaume, James Avery, Denzel Washington, James Earl Jones… the list is too long to mention. The reasons and the experiences were different, but they were profoundly enjoyable.

indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
John: Acting is different today than it was when I started. Actors studied the craft and built upon their skills. Today most casting directors want stars or reality stars. If you’re striving for a long-term career, I would advise training. The industry has opened in many ways with cable channels, the Internet…You have to be ready to tackle any medium and bring what’s needed to the character.

indieactivity: What are you current projects?
John: Currently I’m working to book my one-man performance ‘Fredrick Douglass: In His Own Words‘ to schools and organizations. In this performance, I embody some of Douglass’ most passionate letters and speeches while interweaving some of today’s contemporary issues.

I recently brought this performance to an audience in San Diego and audience members were brought to tears as themes from the recent tensions around the country intersected with issues of the past. This is a timely and educational performance that I’d like to bring to more of our youth.

I’m also looking at a few other projects.

indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
John: My credits are extensive, but I’ll share some of my more recent projects: Under the Radar, a 2017 Short Film as Daniel McMullen, Raising Kings, 2016 Short Film as Ronald King, Under the Radar, 2015 TV Series as Daniel McMullen, The Mechanic, a 2015 Film as Daniel McMullen, The Midnighters, a 2016 Short Film as Chester.

Learn more about John Wesley HERE