Today we’d like to introduce you to Vincent Washington
Hi Vincent, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The summer of my third year in college, I needed some extra cash like any other college student. I stumbled across a website for background/extra work and it seemed easy to do and I have never been on a movie set, so I thought it’ll be cool. Sitting there on set watching how a movie is made was surreal to me and seeing the lead actors do their thing lit a fire inside of me. I had a thought that I did not intend to say out loud in the moment, and it was “I can do that”. My fellow background actor sitting next to me whom I was pantomiming with replied, “go for it, why not”. Ever since that moment, I have been going for it full throttle and that was 7 years ago. And in that 7 years, I’ve grown so much as an actor and human being. I often don’t look back to how far I’ve come because I feel like I’m just now scratching the surface of who I’m meant to become. And I believe that’s what’s gotten me to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If there were no struggles in my path, it wouldn’t be worth going for honestly. My struggles made me who I am and it’s fueled me. Whether it was dealing with anxiety or driving around the city trying to find a safe place to park so I can sleep in my backseat. Early on, I struggled with believing in myself and battling anxiety. Having to convince myself before I go on camera, that I deserve to be here and trying to quiet that negative voice in my head saying, “everyone is looking at you and they think you suck”. To feel like you bombed an audition or work day on set and at the end of the day you have to go back to your car to sleep. At moments, to be brutally honest, it felt defeating and maybe I was making a mistake. A mistake in not reenlisting in the military, a mistake in dropping out of college to chase acting, and a mistake to move into my car to afford acting schools, Many nights was spent crying in that backseat begging God to give me an answer. But the answer was there the whole time, this is what being a true artist was about. Being uncomfortable, sacrificing and suffering. We all want the life and beauty of the butterfly, but we don’t want to experience the cocoon stage.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a television, film, theatre and voice over actor. I’m most proud of the people I have around me. I feel everyone on my team is truly there for me and work tirelessly to see us win. The people around you is a direct reflection of you, and it’s a reflection I am proud to see. And I believe that plays a major role in what separates me. I never feel pigeon holed in a genre or medium. I feel like everything is on the table for me to go after. Being versatile and unafraid of risk and just focusing on the pure joy of this beautiful craft.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I did a play not too long ago and had the privilege to share the stage with Dan Martin, who I think is a great actor and wonderful man. Every night that the play ran, he and I would wait in the wings together smiling like kids in the candy store and to see his eyes light up with a big grin before our cue was a constant reminder to have fun doing what you love. If it’s not enjoyable to you anymore, find a new profession. Dan Martin is an older man, he could be my father but in that moment, he was a kid. And I am blessed to have work with him and so happy I picked that lesson up from him. Thank you Dan
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