EXCLUSIVE Actor Spotlight: D.W. Moffett Interview

From the Chicago area comes a 59 year old actor who has been in several TV shows and movies. The actor we are talking about is D.W. Moffett (Donald Warren Moffett) who currently stars as John Kennish on the ABC Family series 'Switched at Birth', which will be coming back for a fourth season soon.

Some of the movies and TV shows he has been in are 'Headlock' (currently filming), 'Happily Divorced' (TV Series, 2011-2013), 'The Sitter' (2011), Friday Night Lights (TV Series, 2008-2010) and Life Is Wild (TV Series, 2007-2008), just to name a few as D.W's resume is pretty long.

We had the chance to do an E-mail interview with D.W. Moffett. Here what he had to say about his acting career and what advise he would give someone who what's to pursue an acting career.

When did you start acting and why?
I started acting in 1977….during my first year at Continental Bank in Chicago.  I was a young Lending Associate and…well….the acting world just seemed a tad more exciting.

Are there challenges pursuing a acting career?

The first challenge is deciding whether or not you actually WANT to make a career out of it.  Many people love to act, but simply do it on an amateur level….there are tons of wonderful outlets if that’s the path you choose!!  Conversely…if you choose to actually make a living as an actor…well…buckle up.  There’s going to be a lot of rejection…a lot of competition….you’re going to second-guess yourself a LOT….but if you love it…and this is what you want to do with your life….GOD SPEED and go get ‘em!!!

What was your first acting job, tell us about it?
I appeared in my first professional play at the St. Nicholas Theater in Chicago…a play called BARNABY SWEET.  I played the harmonica…and played Barnaby’s young son.  That’s about all I remember…except for having to go ask my boss at the bank for 10 days leave so I could…rehearse a play.  You should have seen the look on his face.

Are you like your character on 'Switched at Birth' in real life?
I definitely set boundaries with my kids…but I’m not nearly the gun-toting Republican that JK is!!!!

Tell us what relationship you have with the other cast member?
Check us out on Twitter!!  It’s a freakin’ love-fest!!

Are they easy to work with?
See above!!

What does fans have to look forward to in season four of 'Switch at Birth'?
When you find out…let me know.  Our creator and show-runner, Lizzy Weiss, holds her cards VERY close to the chest.

'Switched at Birth' has had three seasons for fans to enjoy. What are some of your favorite episode so far?
All ASL….Dance episode….Prom ep from Season 3

Do you ever watch episodes of 'Switched at Birth'?
My 11-year-old son is a rabid fan.  We watch together.

If so, is it weird seeing yourself on TV?
Yes….and after so many years….no.

What does the cast do to get ready for scenes?
Lots of coffee.

Besides 'Switched at Birth', we hear you have a long resume. What are some of your favorites and why?
Traffic.  Stealing Beauty.  Early Frost…..Great stories, great directors.

Currently, you are filming 'Headlock'. Tell us about the movie and your character?
This is going to be a ground-breaking film.  It’s basically INCEPTION for 1/100th of the budget of the original.

Do you have any advice for those wanting to start a career in acting?
BUCKLE-UP.  Make sure this is what you want to do.  Act.  Not stand on a red-carpet, or see yourself in magazines.  Act.  Make sure.

What do you hope your fans can take away from your acting?
Truth in story-telling.

It's hard to find free time while busy on projects. When you do have free time, how do you spend it?
Tennis.  Family.  Pacific Ocean.

Do you have a family that supports your acting?
Yes.  Thank the lord.

Someone who has been acting for several years. Was it hard for you to remember your lines? How do you remember them?
I’ve never had a big problem with learning lines…it’s just boring, rote work.  Saying it over and over until you have it.  It can sometimes be a huge pain…particularly in theater where you have TONS of lines.

Is there anything else you what our readers to know about yourself and acting?
I have been fortunate enough to be able to make a living doing something I love to do.  Find the same in your life…whatever that love may be.  And go for it.

We want to thank D.W for taking the time to answer our question. Be sure to check out his acting work and stop by his site here. You can also follow him on Twitter here.