So what is the big deal about the new television series “Will?” There is quite a buzz going on about this show already. If the initial response is an indication, this show will definitely be back for a second season. At the core, what makes this show so appealing is the manner in which the younger version of William Shakespeare is portrayed. The show goes to great lengths to reveal Shakespeare’s genius and cutting edge creativity in his writing. When it comes to casting for the series, the challenge was finding competent actors and actresses who were young enough to support the youthful theme of the show. One such actor is James Berkery.
The 24-year-old is one of several new up and coming actors who the casting director selected to anchor this series. Honestly, the casting director is looking like a genius to this point. Here are five facts about James Berkery to increase your familiarity.
1. He is Relatively New to the Game
Well, I guess it is best to start off with the obvious. No, James Berkery does not have a long list of films and television series under his belt. Before landing his role in “Will” his most notable role was in A Little History of Crime in 2016; however, he has also had roles in Straight White men and Been So Long. Berkery is an actor that has a broad talent base, so he can be expected to amass a rather exceptional and diverse body of work, and “Will” just might be the catalyst that helps him build momentum.
2. He Has a Background in Dance
There are quite a few entertainers in Hollywood who have become well-noted actors that started in other areas of expertise. While models have fared well in Hollywood, there are a number of Dancers who parlayed their dancing skills into long-term acting careers. James also has a background in dancing. In fact, his role in the movie Been So Long was as a dancer. It is not sure how much Berkery would like to integrate his dance background into his acting, but it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.
3. He is Actually a Choreographer
I guess you didn’t take me seriously when I revealed that James had a background in dance. James has built the vast majority of his career in entertainment as choreographer and movement expert, something that he has been fascinated with for as long as he can remember. He likes to focus his choreography on being highly expressive as well as narratively driven. His work is also highly versatile, allowing it to be translated into stage and film movements.
4. He is Irish
James and Mattias Inwood are a part of the new Irish invasion, with both being from Ireland. While Mattias is from Waterford, James is from Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Although he is definitely proud of his Irish roots, James now resides in London, where he runs his choreography studio. He continues to direct and coach actors and dancers for performances in a number of different productions. According to critics, his versatility is what sets him apart from his contemporaries.
5. He Has a Unique Ability to Connect with the Vision of Others
What has made James such as a successful choreographer, and likely landed him his role in “Will,” is the fact that he has an innate ability to quickly connect with the vision of other performers and directors – allowing him to help these individuals lucidly create and realize their visions. He helps bring images to life in the form of movement as a choreographer and verbally as an actor. He is the complete package.
