Netflix’s new series “Ratched” is ramping up horror fans for Halloween with its twisted creativity and talented cast. Jermaine Williams has enjoyed his recurring role as Harold and has taken some time out to chat with Nerd Alert News about his experience on the set. Originally from Rialto, CA, this actor/producer is best known for his roles in “The Great Debaters” and “Stomp the Yard,” and will soon be spotted on a Disney TV series called “Sulfur Springs.” Paranormal fans will love it!
Get to know this fellow sci-fi and comics nerd.
Colleen Bement: October is the perfect month to dive into Netflix’s new series “Ratched.” Congrats on your recurring role in the show. What was life like on set?
Jermaine Williams: Wow, the set of “Ratched” was a World of its own. From set design to the writing, I felt surrounded by the 1940s. Stepping onset was easy for me to walk and talk as my character Harold. It also helps when you work with an elite cast and creator as there was on this dynamic project.
CB: Tell us about your character, Harold.
JW: I honestly didn’t have too much of a back story of my character Harold when auditioning. I seriously thought the role was for a small guest star spot with maybe one or two lines. And to my surprise, they asked me to come back for four more episodes. I was elated. Overall I look at Harold as a down to earth humble guy who cares about his job position, but hopes nothing ever goes wrong with the staff or patients of the facility. LOL. As if he thinks every day going to work, “Don’t let there be no mess or drama at work today, Lord.”
CB: I know COVID has turned our lives upside down, but do you happen to have any projects in the works that you can tell your fans about?
JW: Yes. I just got cast for a recurring role on a new Disney television series called “Sulfur Springs” that I will be filming in Louisiana. Really excited about the project. It’s another suspenseful/thriller kind of connected to the paranormal activity realm. This should be fun and interesting. I’m just glad that the industry is taking safety precautions and getting back shooting amazing projects.
CB: Many of our readers enjoyed two of the shows that you had guest roles on: “Veronica Mars” and “Moonlight.” I know it was a while ago, but would you happen to have any stories from either of those sets?
JW: Loved working on “Veronica Mars.” It was my first working with both the beautiful and talented Kristen Bell and funny man Anthony Anderson who played my father in the episode. And I can’t forget about “Moonlight.” Definitely was canceled too soon and not given a chance. It’s a show about vampires. Who doesn’t love vampires? I remember working with lead actor Alex O’ Loughlin, who’s originally from Australia, and being so impressed at well he was able to cover his heavy accent. Very humble and funny dude as well.
CB: How did you catch the “acting bug”? Did you start off young or pick it up later?
JW: I caught the acting bug early about 10 years old. My first TV show was on the Disney Channel on a classic show (that should be on Disney Plus, but it’s not.) called “The Jersey” back in 1998 at the age of 15 years old. I’ve been working in the industry ever since.
CB: Are you into comics? Gaming? Sci-fi?
JW: I’m a huge fan of Sci-film. I love the “Alien” series, “The Avengers,” I grew up on the “Goonies.” My son and I are huge “Black Panther” fans. And two of my favorite superheroes, and are very underrated are Meteor Man (shout out to the genius of Robert Townsend.) and Bruce Leroy from the classic film “The Last Dragon.” (Shout out to Tai Mak.)
Written by Colleen Bement
