God I’ve known this guy forever! We went to the same elementary school, even – and I can remember the first time he visited me in the dorm at Millsaps College, bearing gifts of Burger King and Virginia Slims. We were thespians and members of the Alpha Psi Omega, the Theatre Honorary. I was the lead in his senior directing project. We worked (and got fired) together at WXXV Tv in Gulfport when I graduated, and he pioneered instigating my desire to stay in Los Angeles after I did my design internships. He was a host ( and chef) of our baby shower.

When I first moved to Beverly Hills I was invited to preview his production of “The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged” at the Globe Theatre in West Hollywood. The company he founded with his partner, Dancing Barefoot Productions produced it and they were two of the three leads. I was so nervous for him – this was a big deal – could he do it? I still get a little teary remembering it, because as soon as the house lights went down and the stage lights went up, I knew I was in the hands of a professional. The show was truly wonderful and they went on to produce, among other works, the most amazing production of Twelfth Night that I have ever seen.

He has never stopped acting and honing his craft, from Debate team at Gulfport High, to internships with John Houseman’s Acting Company, to his most recent appearance as the Sheriff in “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas“. He is the embodiment of a professional actor and can entertain anyone, including the Critter. And now he is a member of the Actor’s Gang! This is a big deal y’all – these are the best of the best actors on the West Coast and you recognize the faces when you look over their website.

Congratulations Robby, er Mr. Williams – you have a fan forever in me…