Photo Credit: David Fierro
Ben Watson is one of the stars on the CW’s upcoming ‘The L.A. Complex‘, and he was gracious enough to talk to us about the show, himself and not being afraid to take on roles that other actors might feel could kill their career.
Photo Credit: David Fierro
‘The L.A. Complex‘ was a hit on Canada’s MuchMusic; so much so that the CW picked it up and it’ll be hitting the air on April 24, 2012 so all of you can see what the big fuss Benjamin Charles Watson’s character Tariq was all about. The young actor is surprisingly grounded which is very refreshing as his career has easily taken off with the show and all eyes are on his character which he plays with wonderful depth. ’The L.A. Complex’ debuts on the CW April 24th, and it’s so worth checking out!
Watson moved from Jamaica to Toronto when he was ten years old and chose to go to college first before pursuing his dream of acting. In 2007, he landed the lead role in ‘The Limits‘ and then went on to appear in several tv shows like ‘Warehouse 13‘ before landing the role of Tariq in ‘The L.A. Complex’. For all of you that haven’t heard of ‘L.A. Complex’, it follows the lives of six performers who were given the most likely to succeed banner in high school. And we all know how well that moniker always works out so expect lots of drama (it is the CW, you know).
BEST MOVIES EVER: What made you choose college rather than just jumping into acting like many do?
BEN WATSON: I decided to go to college because I wanted to experience that aspect of life. I felt it was important to broaden my learning experiences because as actors, we never stop learning. There are certain points in life when you know you’re ready. I think that if I left high school and jumped right into acting, most of my life experiences would have ceased to exist.
BME: The LA Complex‚ follows the lives of six performers who were given the death knoll high school most likely to succeed‚ banner. Were you also put in that category during your school years?
BW: I was a very weird kid back in my school days. Throughout Junior high, I was the guy that everyone knew would become an actor.
Photo Credit: David Fierro
BME: When you signed on to The LA Complex‚ did the producers give you the story arc for Tariq or were you just as surprised when the script came as the viewers will be?
BW: I was one of the last actors to be cast in the series, and at the table read I had the opportunity to fully see the story arc of Tariq. The table read was very emotional for me and I was compelled to tell his story. I was definitely surprised with a lot of the script, and viewers will be too.
BME: Do you think the season finale will cause as much stir here in the US that it did in Canada?
BW: I completely believe that the season finale will cause way more topic of conversation in the US. I literally had hundreds of people tweeting me about the season finale and majority were from the US. We are touching on a very taboo subject matter that hasn’t been dealt with in the states and people don’t want to talk about it; but I’m happy to stir up a little controversy.
BME: Tariq is that character who always knows how to find the backdoor to get out of any situation he’s not comfortable with (no pun intended). Were you able to use any of your young life experiences or those of friends to help flesh his character out? What do you like most about his character and least?
BW: I used a lot of my life experiences to bring Tariq to life. Tariq and I are similar in many ways, but also completely different in others. As actors we have to use our life experiences to help us create a character and other times we may have to borrow from someone else, or just create that aspect of the character on our own. With Tariq, I understood his drive, creativity, what he wanted in life and also what was missing. These were the very specific and particular things I pulled from my life to get into Tariq’s mind.
What I like about Tariq is that he doesn’t stick to the conventional road that everyone is expected to go. He creates his own yellow brick road.
I really don’t know if there is anything I like least about Tariq. I’m very objective about what choices when it comes to love, but being Ben I find the root cause of the problem and turn it into a positive.
BME: Where do you hope the writers wind up taking Tariq if the CW picks it up
for a second season?
BW: I really hope Tariq becomes inspirational to our audience. I’d also love Tariq to be a little more risky in his life.
BME: As an artist, you know how being stifled can hinder your art. Do you think that if more hip hop artists felt they could be free to be themselves, this would allow them to create even better music?
BW: ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Once you truly understand yourself, the world is your oyster. If you’re not true to who you are, then you are always hiding. Sure, you may have fame and fortune, but hiding/being afraid of an important aspect of your life will reflect back in your work.
BME: The LA Complex‚ seems more of a show that could fit on Showtime or HBO, so were you as surprised that it got picked up on the Gossip Girl‚ and America‚s Next Top Model‚ network, the CW?
BW: I feel that the CW is a perfect match for The LA Complex. I was utterly amazed when I heard the news. The CW has the perfect demographic and audience. I believe more people will be able to relate more to the show on the CW.
BME: What would be your words of advice for aspiring actors thinking it could kill their career to take on a role like Tariq?
BW: The best advice I can give anyone is to fall in love with the story and what is it that you want to tell.
This is a stepping stone, not a career killer.
BME: One of your quotes is, “One life to live, make the best of everyday by helping other people. There is a bigger picture.” What is your bigger picture?
BW: My bigger picture is to help people. I’m getting the opportunity to do what I love to do and I am blessed. For the past ten years I have worked with disabled adults and it’s rewarding in the sense that I’m helping someone develop life skills. I go back and I work regularly in order to stay grounded. My ultimate goal in life is to tell stories through my acting and directing, but I also want to make the world a better place. My intention is to help people who are struggling with their sexuality, kids being bullied, people with disabilities, people struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, mothers and kids from an abusive background…the list goes on and on. I love helping people and getting them to understand that the world is an INSANE place, but its worth every moment.
Photo Credit: David Fierro
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INTERVIEW: Ben Watson Talks ‘L.A. Complex’, Tariq & That Certain Controversy – Best Movies Ever News
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