Guy Wilson talks life, Days of Our Lives, new projects and much more! Read more here --->
Photo: NBC
I recently got the opportunity to speak with the wonderful Guy Wilson. I was a fan of his going into the interview, but I am even more of a fan now. The insight that he has into life and work was absolutely amazing to learn about. We chatted about life, Days of Our Lives, new projects and much more!
Guy's introduction to acting came thanks to his mother who had a part in producing a production of A Christmas Carol. Guy, who was nine years old at the time, was asked to play Tiny Tim. He happily accepted without knowing what all that "yes" entailed. Because of that experience, he fell in love with the theatre. "I had the most magical experience." And as he grew older he fell in love with television and screen work as well. "That's when I decided I really wanted to pursue screen acting."
He had the opportunity to play in several shorts and had guest spots on some major television shows over the years. One of his favorite roles came when he got to play opposite one of his inspirations Bryan Cranston on Breaking Bad in 2013. "Being able to work with him was amazing because of the natural leadership he exudes on set." Guy was in awe of the quality of work that Cranston provided as well as his graciousness towards everyone on set. He also stated that when he is feeling frustrated about his career he looks to Cranston. "The fact that he got his most exciting role later in life demonstrates we should never give up on our dreams."
Another man that inspires him in the business is Ken Corday. "He and I have a really strong friendship. And getting to know him during my time on [Days of Our Lives] and being in touch with him since I left the show has been a really powerful experience. Just from his guidance, and his leadership, and his example."
And as for Days of Our Lives? Guy stated that being able to play Will Horton was nothing short of a blessing for him. Guy along with castmate Freddie Smith and the show made history in 2014 when Days of Our Lives became the first soap opera to show the wedding of two male characters. Wilson stated that the most exciting part about the role for him was the fact that he got to be an ambassador for marriage equality. Guy, who has volunteered in the past with AIDS Project Los Angeles, has always kept the LGBTQ community close to his heart. As an ally for the community, he felt a "tremendous responsibility" while playing the role of Will, but also felt that he was up to the task. "I hope I did it justice." And he certainly did!
Wilson describes soaps as a "unique" and fulfilling experience and expressed how his time on Days made him learn something very important. The value of teamwork. "You can't just go to work thinking how is my performance going to be." The art of collaborating and connecting is definitely an important part of the work. "How can I best inspire someone else and how can I allow myself to be inspired by others?" He added that he would love to step back into the soap world if the opportunity presented itself.
Guy has certainly been busy since leaving Days of Our Lives in 2015, playing in several roles in shows like Youthful Daze, Rizzoli & Isles and Code Black. He recently got the chance to film a couple of episodes for the CBS hit NCIS: Los Angeles. He played Gunner's Mate Michael Skinner in the show's Season 10 finale recently and divulged to us that he will be in the Season 11 premiere on September 29th, 2019. He kept mum on the details but said he "may or may not be continuing on NCIS: Los Angeles."
He also has a new film titled Disappearance which is available now on Amazon. Guy plays a detective in the intriguing mystery about an author who disappears from his sailboat one night. "I think that the best mystery stories that are effective work on two different levels." The first level is the mystery that the audience is presented with and how it'll be solved. The second part is what lies beneath the surface. "What was really fun and memorable for me with the [film] was being part of an ensemble cast where every character has some secrets. Every character needs to discover something about [themselves]." He expressed that is how Disappearance sets itself apart from other films in the genre.
Also as an aspiring screenwriter, Guy has a few projects in the works. He told us that he has several things in various stages of pre-production and that he couldn't wait to let us in on the details of when he could.
As for Wilson's home life, he enjoys his cozy little spot with his two beautiful cats. "I think it's easy to get into a routine and never leave the apartment." So, he tries to make it a point to get out into the world and connect with people and his local community. He enjoys watching English and American soccer and baseball and keeping up with his fitness. He is also a travel lover. He just recently got back from a trip to Nicaragua, which he called a "very special experience." "I went there with the desire to get out of what's familiar to me." And of his trip, he discovered beautiful human and ecological experiences. He took in the amazing wildlife and landscapes and got to interact with Nicaragua's kind and compassionate citizens. "It recharged my imagination. It recharged my spirit. It was definitely needed."
As always I like to ask about something new that fans may not know about our favorite actors. And his response was that he has 25 tattoos that most wouldn't know about because we don't get to see them onscreen. We talked about being drawn to tattoos because of the creativity involved. He finds them "another form of artwork" and that having his body act as a canvas for talented artists is special.
So, what is next for Guy Wilson? Well, he is focused on life and getting his projects out into the world. He hopes to one day pursue a career in producing along with his acting. "I like producing because it enables one to empower other artists and bring other artist's visions to life. Bringing together talented people is something that I think is so rewarding."
Soap Opera News would like to thank Guy for such a thoughtful and thought-provoking article. We wish him the best on his upcoming projects. And be sure to check him out in Disappearance on Amazon and in the upcoming season premiere of NCIS: Los Angeles!!
Tori
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