Crystal Wise
Keith L. Williams
Keith L. Williams at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Talk about adventure of a lifetime. Five kids blast off into space — on accident — aboard the Odyssey II and must take on the role of astronaut while working together on this malfunctioning spacecraft.
That’s the plot of “The Astronauts,” a new TV series that premiered on Nickelodeon on Nov. 13. But perhaps the better adventure is the one that took place in real life — Keith L. Williams, a 13-year-old actor from Mansfield, stars in the show as Martin Taylor. It’s yet another major role added to Williams’ resume, following last year’s film “Good Boys,” produced by Seth Rogen.
He took a moment to chat with Fort Worth Magazine about his latest gig.
FW: How does it feel to be an actor for Nickelodeon?
KW: Well, it feels really good to be an actor for Nickelodeon because when I was growing up, I used to watch Nickelodeon TV shows literally all the time. To actually think, “Oh, that’s actually me on that TV screen,” it’s amazing.
FW: What is your favorite thing about your role on “The Astronauts”?
KW: My favorite thing about my role on “The Astronauts” was living on a spaceship and studying the constellations every day. That was a dream come true. But my all-time favorite was being able to put on my space suit and walk alongside the spaceship. It’s one of the most amazing things in the world.
FW: How does this role differ from your role on “Good Boys”?
KW: This role doesn’t really differ from my role on “Good Boys” because both my characters are similar to myself. They’re both kind, sweet-natured, loyal, and comical. The only difference is that they were two different projects.
FW: How do you balance being a professional actor with just being a kid? When you’re not acting, what do you like to do for fun?
KW: I balance being an actor with being a kid by valuing my free time to practice hobbies, learn new crafts, and virtually hang out with my friends. A few of my hobbies are drawing, singing, and I just started longboarding. When I’m not acting, I’m sitting at home drawing, or I practice my new hobby, which is longboarding. I longboard every day when my little brother gets home from school. I go out with him and go to the park.
FW: How do you manage school and acting at the same time?
KW: I’ve always had a healthy balance managing my schoolwork and acting, and with COVID-19, it’s been an adjustment taking the necessary precautions when working alongside my classmates. I am home-schooled, so that helps.
FW: Has COVID-19 affected your acting work?
KW: Well, COVID-19 has not only affected our way of living but also acting. It’s definitely something to consider working alongside other people. However, it’s been a top priority to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. On set, it was about 50 people. It’s not affecting any future productions at the moment.
FW: What other new projects are you working on?
KW: I’m currently working on a few projects but very excited to share that I’ll be an executive producer on a project with Houston native and author, Tonya Duncan Ellis, and my all-time favorite “Sophie Washington” book series. Sophie Washington and her friends are inspirational role models who are coming-of-age. They show self-respect, friendship, teamwork, and also leadership. I find them to be very similar to “The Astronauts” gang. It’s going to be really cool.
Special thanks to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and Harris Costumes for providing the locale and astronaut helmet for the photo shoot.
