William Shannon Williams
Actor
Williams served 20 years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Chief Hospital Corpsman. He served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2013, he earned a B.A. in Theatre from UWF. Throughout his career, he has acted in several films accompanying A-list celebrities.
How did your education from UWF help you achieve your career goals?
The theatre program allowed me to study with several instructors who were very good at their craft. Learning about lighting, set design and costuming only reinforces an actor’s arsenal when developing their characters.
Do you have a fond memory from your time at UWF that you’d like to share?
My first day of class. I was wrecked with anxiety because I was questioning my post-military career choice. I had never acted before, and I was 20+ years older than the average student. I was seconds from talking myself out of leaving the program when I heard someone say that they were stationed in Japan. Meeting a fellow veteran is probably the main reason I stayed in the program that day, and I'm incredibly grateful I did.
What advice would you give students or alumni wishing to pursue a similar path to yours?
Study everything you can about the art, know your lines, and jump in with both feet. Fully commit to your role, and acting will be the most fun you've ever had.