Will is in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenhiemer as General George C Marshall
Will Roberts is an award-winning actor, film and television weapons expert, cowboy, author, reporter, dancer, and holder of two Guinness World Records.
1. On your IMDB page, it mentions that you’re a cowboy. Similarly, I’m a cowgirl and have ridden in rodeos for many years. What has been your most memorable moment while horseback riding?
Will’s Response: I can’t pinpoint a single best moment because there have been so many. However, I recall a challenging incident while filming a TV series for the Discovery Channel about cowboys and dragons. Myself and another cowboy were prepping for our first scene on a mountain. When I signaled my horse to move, it began bucking. Though I’ve owned the Mechanical Bull Association for about 20 years and am adept at riding, the saddle wasn’t secure. It slipped, and I was thrown, breaking three ribs and bruising a lung. Yet, I continued filming for seven more hours in that condition. On a brighter note, I’m among the world’s top trick ropers, gun spinners, and whip artists and have showcased these skills for Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.
2. Reflecting on your portrayal as General George C. Marshall in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” (by the way, you were outstanding), would you have approached the character differently?
Will’s Response: I wouldn’t have done it any differently. I dedicated three months to understanding General George C. Marshall, his role during World War II, and his involvement in the Manhattan Project. The librarian from the General George C. Marshall Foundation offered great insights. My primary aim was to wholly embody the character, especially when sharing the screen with renowned actors. I wanted to ensure my performance was at par with theirs.
3. How do you mentally prepare yourself for such impactful roles?
Will’s Response: First and foremost, I’m a method actor. If there’s anything that aids in comprehending the character or the situation, I embrace it. I prefer to transform into the role rather than remain recognizable. This allows my work to shine when I’m in public or at events. I dive deep into the script, its context, and the character’s emotions. For instance, in “Oppenheimer”, one can’t portray a military or political figure without understanding the Manhattan Project or the history surrounding World War II. Doing so would result in a lackluster performance. Being an actor is exhilarating, primarily when it involves delving into historical roles. When viewers believe in my portrayal, it’s the ultimate compliment.
Here is his mini bio from IMDB. Will Roberts – Biography – IMDb
Will is in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenhiemer as General George C Marshall
A member of SAG-AFTRA (Fi-core) for almost four decades, This spring, he will star in the second season of the Emmy award-winning drama series Studio City, streaming on Amazon Prime, Roberts’s other notable film credits include The Redeemer, A Soldier’s Revenge, iBot, The West and the Ruthless, North of Neon, The Killer, Signal, and Turner and Hooch. Roberts’s television credits include principal roles on the pop-phenomenon Netflix hit Lucifer, True Terror-Robert Englund, Wave Rider, Mann & Wife, and Last Man Standing. and is infamous for his appearance on The Ellen Show as “The Dancing Dad.”
Roberts has appeared in various national commercials for companies such as Total Wines, Applebee’s, Geico, Verizon, Audi, Nike, Nissan, Levi’s, Chrysler, One Plus with Robert Downey, Jr., and a Super Bowl ad for Jack In The Box. Roberts appeared for three years at the Aria Hotel on the Las Vegas strip in Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis. His other theater credits include Will Rogers’ Follies: The Life and Times of Will Rogers, Show Boat, Bye Bye Birdie, A Chorus Line, Beyond Therapy, Chicago, Oklahoma, Cabaret, Godspell, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story, Show Boat and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Roberts received the Best Dramatic Actor Award at the X World Short Film Festival at the Action on Film Festival in Las Vegas and the Best Actor Award – Short at the Golden Gate Film Festival, both for the film Signal in 2018. He holds the Guinness World Record for “Gun Spinning” and “Most People Inside a Spinning Lasso.” He is a professional clown and magician and is a member of Magic Castle in Hollywood and the Magic Circle in the UK, a trick roper, gun spinner and coach, and a balloon artist. He is widely recognized for his stage combat expertise as a stunt performer. Additionally, he is a professional mechanical bull rider and coach. He is classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop.
Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Roberts began his career in entertainment in theater. He secured his first broadcast television job as the host of the FOX Kids Club in Northern and Central California, a position he held for seven years. Simultaneous with his acting, stunt, and voice-over career, Roberts worked as a feature reporter for over 15 years in various markets and was the host of his syndicated radio show, The Will Roberts Weekly Telegram, which aired in over 40 U.S. markets on PBS. He is a humorist and considered the “Modern Day Will Rogers” and the author of A Crackpot’s Potshot at American Politics. Roberts is the creator and host of filmfestivallive.com, a live streaming show that features film festival directors and performers.
Roberts currently resides in Southern California and travels extensively for his craft.
Learn more about Will Roberts by visiting his IMDB page.