Sailey Williams
We are most familiar with your role as Byrce “Blue” Westbrook on BET’s long running series “The Game”. What has it been like being apart of such a talented cast?
Unexplainable in the best way possible. I couldn’t ask for a better first job and group of people to work with. Even on the longest days we still always found ways to have fun, keep each other going, and do great work. You have to stay on your toes with these guys everyone is so sharp and on top of it. They definitely keep you in it at all times. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with each one of them.
Season 9 will be the final season of the show. What was it like filming those final scenes?
It was surreal. I never thought about what the end would be like and all of the sudden I was in the middle of it. I think the thing I got out of it the most was just to be present in every moment you can. Closing out Blue’s story knowing that he goes on to be the man we expected him to be when we first met him was a good feeling. It’s not often that shows gets to come to a close and story lines get to be tied up. So getting that on my first show is definitely a special thing.
You filmed two feature films last year November Rule & Breaking Through. What can can expect to see from your characters in each?
In November Rule I play a basketball player that has everyone fooled into thinking he’s a good guy when really he’s a self absorbed ass. He ends up with the perfect girl but blows it and ultimately ends up alone. In Breaking through I play, Quinn Daniels, a guy who is taking care of his younger brother and is doing everything he can to provide for both of them. He’s young, ambitious, and sees his chance to build a business is through managing a dancer in whom he sees potential. The problem is he has to break up the group to get the star and he loses focus
You are producing another film “Lemonade” set to begin principle photography with Hannah Simone of Fox’s New Girl this Spring. What can you share about the project?
Super excited about Lemonade. We also have Thomas Sadoski and Marissa Tomei joining the cast as well. It’s a great story about a guy who’s trying to pursue his dream and meets the woman that gets him as a person even though she is out of his league.
What influences your personal style, any favorite designers?
I find inspiration everywhere but I like to keep it simple and clean. I’ve always been into Steve McQueens since of style. Jeans, tshirt, jacket and a great pair of sunglasses.
What was one of the defining moments that set you on your career path?
I’m not sure if there has been just one yet. There are a bunch of little things but the one that sticks out the most is the night I started my first acting class and realized that after years of just having “jobs” I had finally found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and there was no going back. When you know at your core what you’re meant to be doing you can’t let yourself sit in mediocrity and frustration.
You currently star as bad boy Crash on hit MTV series “Finding Carter” which returned for its second season. What can we expect from your character?
This season Crash is a completely different person. After everything that happened in season one, he realized that he was headed down a bad path and he needed to change some things in his life. Because of that, there are some very big changes coming for Crash that really make him a better person. But, towards the end of the season, he gets caught in the middle of a bad situation that is out of his control.
What was the most difficult part about playing such a troubled & misunderstood character?
Understanding that to him, he usually doesn’t think he’s doing anything wrong. I had to work on seeing the positive side of every decision he was making and try to portray that it was all because of how much he cared about Carter. I also have a lot of empathy for Crash and as the first season progressed, I saw more and more pain inside of him.
You recently completed a role in LETHAL SEDUCTION. Can you tell us what the film was about and your role?
Lethal Seduction is about a boy that gets involved with an older woman and finds out that she is a lot more dangerous than he thought. It’s a bit of a cautionary tale and a story about manipulative relationships.
What influences your fashion choices, any favorite designers?
I’m really simple. I like simple, comfortable looks and styles. You can usually find me in a T-shirt, jeans and Vans or boots. Although, I do have a Calvin Klein jacket that I love.
What can our readers expect from you in the next year?
Hopefully more roles in film. I love television but I really enjoy having a full character arc to play from beginning to end in one project.
You currently star on the hit NBC series “Grimm”. What has your experience been like being apart of such a popular show?
It’s been really fantastic. I came to the show during the third season, so Grimm already had this amazing, loyal fanbase that holds both the characters and storylines to a very high standard. Being welcomed with open arms by these fans via social media and was such a terrific surprise! I honestly wasn’t expecting it. I’m just happy to be here!
You have a pretty unique story about how you were casted for Grimm. Can you tell us a bit about that?
It’s a story I’m sure every other actor in the world hates me for. But I will share nonetheless! About a year ago, I was sitting in my classroom at the University of Michigan. We had two guest speakers, who happened to be producers for “Grimm”, visiting the class. At the end, they invited us to audition for a character on the show, primarily as a learning experience in how to self-tape an audition. The next morning I was on a plane to Los Angeles for a callback. About a week later, I left school to go film the show in Portland. It’s been a wild ride.
What has been your most humbling moment?
I don’t think there is anything more humbling than when a young girl thanks you for creating a strong female role model. I am so lucky to have a writer’s room that took the chance on writing a strong, dynamic female role. I don’t think this character would have been written ten years ago. And I think, based on the fan reaction, it paid off!
What influences your fashion choices, any favorite designers?
My fashion choices are based primarily on my roommates closet! I’m being serious. It is nice to have another girl around with a similar style because your closet size doubles! I’m currently into structured stuff with clean lines. It’s difficult to go this route while still keeping it youthful, but I think Nasty Gal does a great job. I also think my haircut caters to the androgynous look, which I love love love to play with. Other than that, I have been shopping a lot at Reformation and Azalea in San Francisco.
What can our readers expect from you in the next year?
I’m pleased to say I will be back on Grimm as Trubel this season!