Elisha Williams – The Wonder Years

By starrymag | July 5, 2023

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) Fans have been waiting for Season 2 of “The Wonder Years.” They really were loud about their love and how important this show was to them and the landscape of television. What was your reaction to that support? It must’ve felt amazing. 

 

A) The love felt amazing. It was nice to see fans patiently waiting for the show to come back. I’m excited for them to see it too because they’re gonna love it.

 

Q) What can you tease will be explored for Dean in this new season of “The Wonder Years?”

 

A) One thing people will see with this new season is the summer madness, if you will. The summertime means more freedom and more freedom means more adventures. And you’ll definitely see all through Season 2.

 

Q) Acting often shines brightest when an actor finds the similarities between themselves and their character. So. what parts of Dean are similar to E.J.?

 

A) Dean and EJ definitely have some similarities. They’re both the type to bring people together. I’m a playful person and I think it shows when I play my character.

 

Q) Besides your co-stars and Don Cheadle narrating the adult version of Dean, the show has given us so many amazing talents and guest stars but now Patti LaBelle has joined the cast as your grandmother. You’ve worked with Patti before on Broadway. What’s it been like working with her on this project and why was she the perfect fit for this role?

 

A) Ms. Patti is an amazing talent, but more importantly she’s an amazing person. She’s obviously very aware of how big she is, but she doesn’t act like she’s famous. She loves on everybody and is genuinely a pleasure to be around.

 

Q) A middle-class Black family in Montgomery, Alabama in the sixties, during a time of war, division, and civil unrest that heightened the threats to marginalized communities across America, and yet, this show manages to dive into all of that with thoughtful perspectives while never losing that family comedy vibe. As you tackle the ups and downs of the era with Dean, what is something you’ve learned about this time period that maybe you hadn’t known before?

 

A) One thing I learned about that time period I didn’t know before is that clothing is way different than before. That style was a complete change, but I got pretty used to it and learned to appreciate it.

 

Q) Which story or plotline has been the most meaningful one you’ve told so far?

 

A) I think the storyline that had been told that was the most important was the pilot episode. It dealt with not only an event that occurred in real life, but showed the normalcy that people had during those times. A lot of times people don’t realize that those times were similar to now. And it’s nice to see the perspective of that time play on screen.

 

Q) Have you learned anything about your craft or the business from on-screen father Dulé Hill that you will take with you for future projects?

 

A) I’ve definitely learned a lot from working with Dulé. You always have an idea of how things are done and Dulé is the kind of guy to give you a new perspective on things. He’s a great guy to work with and I definitely will use some of his techniques in the future.

 

Q) What are some episodes that fans should look out for this season as a standout? Obviously, the season premiere was stellar!

 

A) An episode that fans should look out for is the Disneyland episode. There’s only a handful of ABC shows that filmed at Disneyland and thankfully “The Wonder Years” is one of them. It was fun to film there, and I can’t wait for people to see it.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “The Wonder Years” that has made it such a fan favorite? Is it nostalgia for the original series, the time period or something else?

 

A) The nostalgia is definitely a part of it, but I think the universal relation is what makes it a fan favorite. You can relate to it no matter what race you are – whether it’s the original series or our reimagined version. You can still laugh, cry and smile at both shows when you watch it.

 

Q) You were recently nominated for an NAACP award, congratulations, and what an honor! What was your reaction to finding out that news and what does that recognition mean to you?

 

A) My reaction was priceless. I wish you could’ve seen it! It’s an honor to be nominated not once or twice, but four times by this organization. It’s always great when your work is appreciated, and I hope to get nominated for even more.

 

Q) Did you always have dreams of becoming an actor, because I know basketball is in your blood thanks to your Harlem Globetrotting father, Harold “Lefty” Williams? 

 

A) I didn’t always want to become an actor actually. I wanted to play basketball just like my dad. In fact, I still do. But acting became a must for me when I did a school play in second grade. The reaction from the crowd when I performed was a memory I’ll keep forever. That day is what really sparked the acting flame for me. And I don’t think that flame will burn out anytime soon.

 

Q) What’s next for you, E.J.? Are you working on any other projects we can watch out for?

 

A) Anything is possible. God can do anything, and I know a door will open if I work hard. But if I had to choose a role for myself, I would go with some sort of superhero role. I’ve always wanted to play one.

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans of you and this show?

 

A) I would tell them to Dare2Dream. I dare them to dream of the highest achievement they can. Anything is possible when they work hard.