Amber Williams, A Dallas native and graduate of TWU, has appeared in films such as Run, B.O.O.S.T., and Frackers. She has since taken her craft internationally, and shares her acting story with us.

ILID: How did you get started in acting?

Amber: I remember being in my first play at 6, and if you let my dad tell it, I was born for theatrics. However, in all honesty I never really knew that being an actor was even a possibility for someone like me. It always seemed like a far-off fairy tale just out of reach. Embarrassed by my dreams, I kept them inside, like some precious secret. I continued to act in stage productions over the next 15 years of so. It wasn’t until I was about 22 that I got lucky and was cast as a featured extra throughout the 5th season of Friday Night Lights in Austin Texas. It was there that I got some of my first experiences on camera. I was surrounded by others like me who all had similar dreams. Everything I’ve ever wanted didn’t seem so much of an impossibility anymore.

ILID: Is there a particular actor that you studied growing up?

Amber: Two words. Angela. Bassett. That woman emotes for her life. I first saw her in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” I was 5, far too young to be watching such a film, but I was entranced by everything that she was. As I grew older I began watching all of her films I could get my hands on. I continue to try and build upon my craft with her as my inspiration.

ILID: What was your favorite film project that you worked on in Dallas?

Amber: That’s easy! The Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich. I have never been covered in so much blood. It was AWESOME!

ILID: Are there certain character roles that you prefer over others?

Amber: I am open to trying on different hats as an actor. I will always prefer dynamic characters with complexity and depth over 2 dimensional (thugs, prostitutes, etc.). A lot of the roles previously available to POC actors were 2 dimensional in nature, but this is something I see changing every day.

ILID: Now that you’re working internationally, what are some immediate
differences that you noticed with International projects versus US-based?

Amber: Acting is definitely a highly respected art overseas. The style and stories and styles vary throughout the cultures that produce them. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of. In the US I love the risks that we take with our projects. We have so much persuasion through our stories, and the world takes notice.

For more about Amber and her work please visit her official page: www.amberwilliamsoficial.com.