Nothing Can Stop Him In His Real-Life Pursuit of Happiness.
So…let’s meet Mr. Billy Blanks Jr.
ACT: Please tell us a little about your childhood.
Billy Blanks, Jr: I grew up in Boston with my Mom, Gayle, my sister Shellie, and my Dad. Music, dance, and the arts have pulled at me as long as I can remember and Michael Jackson was one of my biggest inspirations. At age nine, I was cast as Stymie in the “Little Rascals” and there it all began!
I remember being at the theater when 42nd Street was auditioning and rehearsing. I was young and was told I couldn’t be in the production so they let me stick around and help out. I’d watch the cast rehearse and then I started picking up on choreography. I had absolutely no dance training whatsoever, but was able to learn the steps rather quickly. The director saw me backstage one day doing the tap choreo and was amazed at how effortlessly I picked up on it. He decided to put me in the show and I was the only kid cast. I knew at that moment I wanted to do this!
During that time, my Dad moved to Los Angeles to work as the bodyguard for Dukes of Hazard star, Catherine Back, better known as Daisy. The family moved out later and I have been here since.
LA is the perfect place for you to really pursue your passion for the arts. Did you get started right away?
This story is from the Issue 30 edition of ACT Dance Model Sing Magazine.
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This story is from the Issue 30 edition of ACT Dance Model Sing Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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Billy Blanks, Jr.
Nothing Can Stop Him In His Real-Life Pursuit of Happiness.
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