Anthony E. Williams Chats Role On Tyler Perry’s New Film ‘Straw’

(Photo credit to Johnny Marlow)

Written by Colleen Bement, Editor

Meet this rising talent in the world of film and television, Anthony E. Williams. As a producer, writer, and actor, Williams is carving out a powerful path in Hollywood with both his on-screen presence and creative vision behind the scenes. Anthony recently played a breakout role in Tyler Perry’s upcoming Netflix feature “Straw,” where he starred alongside Teyana Taylor and Taraji P. Henson. In the film, he played Officer Dickson, an important member of the police force responding to a high-stakes bank emergency led by Henson’s character.

But Anthony’s talents go beyond the badge of this role. As the founder of WMZ Entertainment, he was the driving force behind the award-winning TV pilot “F.A.M.,” which happened to be a heartfelt dramedy inspired by his own life. The series followed the patriarch of a blended family as he navigated the challenges of fatherhood and complex relationships. Written by and starring Anthony himself, “F.A.M.” earned 15 award nominations and four Best Actor wins at prestigious festivals including SeriesFest and the Southern Shorts Awards. The show was a refreshing take that aimed to break down outdated stereotypes of black families on television.

Before making his mark in entertainment, Anthony started out as an electrical engineer. Lucky for us, he found his way to filmmaking. We will no doubt be seeing a lot of Anthony E. Williams, and enjoy our up close interview. 

Colleen Bement: The trailer for “Straw” did its job. It stressed me out and intrigued me enough to want to watch it. I’m very interested in the story because many people have no idea how very difficult it can be for so many stuck in tough situations. That said, what attracted you to this project?

Anthony E. Williams: LOL! Yes, the trailer is intense. I would say Tyler has many brands that he releases. Some of them are comedies and others serious. This came off as a thriller that would keep the audience on the edge of their seats in a way that would ring differently from some of TPS past projects and that excited me.

CB: Tyler Perry is such a force in filmmaking. What was it like to work on the set of “Straw?”

AEW: It’s amazing to be included with such a talented cast. I would also say I’m grateful that this was my 3rd time working with the studio.  I was prepared to shoot 10-15 scenes at one time and often with no second takes. I always say if you stutter during a TPS shoot then you are going to stutter in the film, LOL. So, I always ensure I’m prepared so we can move on to the next shot.  The scale for “Straw” was much different. I recall being on set and Tyler picked up the walkie and told them to remove the drones from the air and bring in the helicopter. Then what I thought was a star got bigger and you could hear the sound.  My eyes were so wide, Mr. Perry just looked at me and laughed.

CB: What can you tell us about the character that you play, Officer Dickson? Is there some part of your character that you can identify with?

AEW: Definitely, Dickson is the police Chief’s (Rockmond Dunbar) right hand man. Anything the chief needs he doesn’t have to move because he knows Dickson will get it done. From the moment the Chief steps on the scene Dickson isn’t far behind. Often in the corporate world you’re the #2 player but you have all the information and often the power. I used that experience and my servant leadership I learned while earning my MBA with Dickson. Even if you’re a director you can be the right-hand man to the VP. I think it shows in the film as well and rings true to many people who stand next to power and yet do the tactical work on behalf of the executive in authority.

CB: Would you happen to have any other projects in the works that you’re allowed to tell us about?

AEW: Let’s just say I have several opportunities in the air right now. With the release of “Straw” this is an exciting time for me.

CB: As a producer and a writer, how does it feel to be the creative force behind projects?

AEW: It’s amazing and has made me a much better actor. I have studied at the Groundlings so improv is my go-to on set, as a writer it advises me to stay true to the script and the story while making scenes and characters my own. Producing has shown me that casting often doesn’t know what they want, they want an actor to come in and show them something they have never seen.  After writing and producing “F.A.M.,” I started booking much larger projects on network TV. Being on the other side of the camera has made a huge difference in my perspective as a talent.

CB: Let’s switch gears to how you made your way to show business. Did you start out with a career in electrical engineering? Please share the story of how you found your way to acting. Did you want to be an actor when you were young?

AEW: I grew up always being in front of the TV. My mother would reward me by setting the code on the cable box when I got good grades and I would watch HBO and Showtime movies I found on the TV guide.  When I won best actor at SeriesFest it was announced in the TV Guide and that was a full circle moment for me. Also, once I asked my father who was a Regional Sales Manager what he would have done if he didn’t go into business, he stated one, he would have gone to Law School at UNC Chapel Hill or  two, he would have become an actor. My sister being the reader in the family had the first covered. I felt I had a better chance of being on “Law & Order” than passing the Bar. My sister went on to get her J.D. from UNC and I’m recurring as FBI Agent Strick on “Law & Order: SVU.” 

As far as business, I didn’t start acting until after I left Eaton Electrical and graduated with MBA from the University of Houston.  I was working at GE at the time in Virginia and was complaining about not becoming an actor. My wife gave me two options: Either accept that I was a business man and move on with my life, or go after it and leave nothing to chance. I chose option 2 at the age of 32 it had made all the difference.  Within a year I started doing student films, taking classes and going to NYC via Amtrak from VA and landed my first commercial agent.

CB: What do you do when you wake up and you’re just not feeling it that day? How do you pump yourself up? I like to ask this question because I always learn something:)

 AEW: Truly, I often have to remember that life is just a dream. A video game, and the decisions we make decide where the story goes next. I may shamelessly ask Alexa ‘WHO IS ANTHONY E. WILLIAMS’ or check my IMDb to ensure I didn’t dream about all the shows and movies. Then I get up and decide how are we going to move the needle forward towards our goals today. How best will I provide for my family and if that isn’t an issue, and I have to decide how to provide and feed my soul.

Check out the trailer and catch “Straw” streaming now on Netflix.

Stay in touch with Anthony

 

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