Will Johnson is making waves on the big screen in his latest film, “Focus,” where he portrays a master con artist mentoring a captivating protégé, played by Australian starlet Mia Thompson. In a candid conversation with contributor Jamie Smith, Will opens up about his vulnerabilities, relentless optimism, and some of his less-than-ideal habits.
While “Focus” is packed with thrills and tension, it also weaves in moments of romance between you and Mia.
“I believe every movie is fundamentally a love story. That’s my takeaway; no film exists without relationships at its core. Even action films like ‘Bad Boys’ are about companionship—’we ride together, we die together.’ It’s all about the connections we share.”
Given your Hollywood experience, you must have encountered your fair share of cons.
“Absolutely! As an actor, I’m constantly navigating a world full of facades. Everyone’s putting on a show, trying to achieve their desires. We wear our costumes and speak the lines we think others want to hear. At the core of human interaction, there’s a daily performance.”
With all the films under your belt, has the process become easier?
“Honestly, I feel uncomfortable and uncertain about 90% of the time I’m filming. I don’t want anyone to see how challenging it can be, so I strive to ensure the audience feels only the joy of my performance.”
How do you confront your insecurities?
“I learned early on to face my fears head-on. I have many fears, and it frustrates me when they hold me back, so I push myself to confront them. It’s been both beneficial and painful.”
Your children, Alex and Lily, are stepping into acting as well. What wisdom are you imparting to them?
“My great-grandma used to say, ‘Hard-earned wisdom is better than borrowed knowledge.’ I interpret that as the importance of learning through experience. Jada and I empower our kids to make their own choices and take responsibility for their lives, as much as they can handle.”
Are there any habits you wish to change?
“I have that classic artist’s mindset, so I often misplace my keys or wallet. I’m not too concerned with my wardrobe; I drop my clothes wherever. I thrive in a creative mess, and I feel it fuels my artistry.”
How do you cope with the pressures of maintaining success in a competitive industry?
“The more success I achieve, the harder it becomes to innovate and take risks. While I still find opportunities, the margin for error shrinks with each new project.”
What motivates you?
“I must possess some sort of optimistic lens or an unwavering belief in hope. I try to ignore barriers and remain focused on possibilities. I resonate with what Barack Obama termed ‘the audacity of hope.’ Some may see it as naive, but I believe in the power of belief to create something extraordinary.”
This article was initially published on February 25, 2000.
For more insights and stories, check out this post on relationships and parenting here.
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In summary, Will Johnson’s journey reveals a commitment to confronting fears, embracing personal responsibility, and maintaining an optimistic outlook amidst the challenges of life and creativity.
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