Keith L. Williams – It’s All Good

Words + Interview By Tyrone Davis

Meet Keith L. Williams. Keith is a talented young actor who stars as Lucas in the film, “Good Boys”.  We spoke about his experience on set working with co-stars like Lil’ Rel Howery and his previous role in “The Last Man on Earth” as well as his love for Marvel films, Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and more.

What made you want to become an actor?
My older brother, Heath, who is also a screenwriter, inspired me to become an actor. I would watch him break his characters down to a skeleton was so amazed at him doing that. At that first moment, I knew I wanted to become a professional actor.

How did you feel when you landed your first role, what was it for and how did it go?
My first role was in a Verizon commercial and I was ecstatic. I couldn’t believe I had booked the job. It was the best first set experience that I could ever ask for and to this day, I’m still best friends with one of my castmates from that shoot.

Tell us about the film, “Good Boys” and your role as Lucas.
Good Boys is about three hardly-innocent boys who go through a mess full of adventures in order to learn how to properly kiss. Lucas and I are alike. He is good-natured, kind of quirky, the voice of reason and definitely the comedian of the Good Boys.

How was your relationship with your co-stars Jacob Tremblay (Max) and Brady Noon (Thor) while filming? Did you have chemistry on and off set or did you have to work at it?
The cast and crew called us the “Three Amigos” on set. We all clicked and related so well. I couldn’t have asked for better castmates.

Comedian Lil Rel Howery plays your father in the film. What was working with him like?
It was a dream to work alongside Lil’ Rel. He made me laugh so hard in Get Out so to work with him first-hand was like a front row seat to his show. We still keep in touch and he is a really cool and down to earth guy.

Is there anything you learned from him in particular that you will hold on to forever?
I learned that you don’t have to push the funny. If you are a comic, your presence alone will make others laugh. It is not something you have to try. 

The film has an R rating and its content gets pretty crazy at times. How did you approach the role and how did your parents feel about it?
Being a 12 year-old kid, I approached the role from a very honest and childlike perspective that seemed most natural to me. My parents are very supportive of me through this journey as long as I don’t bring any of my character’s vocabulary home. 

Without giving spoilers, what was the funniest moment?
The funniest moment on set would have to be when Lucas breaks his arm. That’s all I can tell you!

What has been your most challenging role to date and why?
I’ve yet to have that extremely challenging role. Through prayer and my team, I feel most comfortable with every role I take on.

Use 3 words to describe your character Jasper in “The Last Man On Earth”.
Naive, kind-hearted and nonchalant.  

How did it feel to be nominated for “Best Actor in a Television Series” at the 39th Annual Young Artist Awards for that role?
Surreal. I was so grateful to be recognized by the board. It definitely reassures me that I’m doing something right.

Out of all of the people you’ve met in the entertainment industry so far, which encounter has stood out the most?
I recently was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live and that will forever be one of the best days of my life. He was so warm and welcoming and down to earth interviewing me. He always cracks me up. 

I’m going to throw a few names out there. Say whatever comes to mind 

A. Seth Rogen – Just a genius!

B. Millie Bobby Brown – Unbelievably talented and a young icon.

C. Will Forte – Hilarious without even trying. So lovable.

Name your favorite animal and explain why.
My favorite animal is an ostrich. They are so majestic and their erect posture which allows their balancing while running adds to their graciousness.  

I used to draw a lot when I was your age but eventually switched over to graphic design going into college. What types of drawings do you like creating?
I love creating realistic drawings, specifically animals. I’m also practicing my craft in 3-D art.

Pick one and explain why.

A.  Marvel or DC
Marvel is my favorite. I have seen all of the Marvel movies but Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame are my favorites. 

B.  Twitter or Instagram
I would say my favorite is Instagram

C.  iPhone or Android 
I would definitely say iPhone. I got my first iPhone for my 12th birthday and it’s the XR.

D.  “Aladdin” or “The Lion King”
The Lion King is my favorite film ever. I recently saw the live-action film adaptation and my friends and I were singing along the whole; especially during “Hakuna Matata”.

Tell us something about yourself that most don’t know.
I’m addicted to Stranger Things and Sabrina. I would love to star on one, if not both of them. My life would be complete. 

Lastly, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Definitely producing and directing my own projects.

Follow Keith L. Williams on Instagram and Twitter @keithlwilliams.

Photo By Bobby Quillard