About this episodeDevon Nixon discusses his roles in 'Winning Time' and 'Snowfall', detailing his preparation methods including …AI summary
Devon Nixon discusses his roles in 'Winning Time' and 'Snowfall', detailing his preparation methods including physical transformation and vocal changes. He shares insights on overcoming childhood rejection in acting, the influence of his parents Norm Nixon and Debbie Allen, and his approach to honoring real-life figures through research and performance.
Key takeaways 5
Nixon prepared for playing his father Norm Nixon in 'Winning Time' by making secret recordings of his father to capture mannerisms and losing 30 pounds to match the physical appearance of the 1980s era.
For his role as Kane Hamilton in 'Snowfall', Nixon intentionally damaged his voice by screaming into a towel for 30 minutes and smoking cigarettes to achieve a raspy, authentic tone.
Nixon emphasizes the importance of theater and stage acting, citing advice from Denzel Washington, noting that live performance requires immediate mastery without the safety net of multiple takes.
He distinguishes between the innocence of childhood acting rejection and the emotional toll of adult rejection, attributing his success in 'Winning Time' to years of accumulated work rather than nepotism.
Nixon's career began at age four in acting classes with Betty Bridges, leading to modeling work and a role in 'To Sleep with Anger' at age five.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I feel like my dad is one of those unsung heroes... if I wasn't his son I might not have heard of him.”
▶ 2:56Nixon explains why he felt compelled to highlight Norm Nixon's contributions to the Lakers dynasty in 'Winning Time'.
“I just wanted to lose my voice and make it a little bit scarier... I screamed into a towel for like 30 minutes before I even went on set.”
▶ 24:27Describing the extreme physical preparation used to create Kane Hamilton's distinctive voice in 'Snowfall'.
“When you're on the stage yeah it's go time... television actors movie actors is like take one take two you have a chance to do different things.”
▶ 32:57Nixon reflecting on Denzel Washington's advice to do plays to ground his acting skills.
“I feel like I earned it... I've been working for so long yeah you know and um it's is i feel like it's my time.”
▶ 17:02Nixon addressing the perception of nepotism regarding his casting as his father.
Chapters & Sections (24)▼
0:00Interview with Devon Nixon on Winning Timechapter3
0:00Interview with Actor Playing NBA Legend's Son
1:54Devon Nixon Discusses His Father's Basketball Career
3:50Parental Influence on Artistic and Athletic Pursuits
5:41Devon Nixon Discusses Playing His Fatherchapter2
5:41Devon Nixon Discusses Playing His Father
8:18Discussion on Snowfall and Family Values
10:49Childhood Influences and Parental Supportchapter2
10:49Childhood Influences on Career Choices
12:52Childhood Memories of Whitney Houston
14:54Childhood Experiences and Rejection as an Actorchapter2
14:54Childhood Experiences and Rejection in Acting
18:14Denzel Washington and Devon's Father Friendship
20:13Nixon's Legacy and Upcoming Acting Roleschapter3
20:13Fan Appreciation for Basketball Legend
22:40Acting Career Goals and Preparation Techniques
24:10Actor Discusses Authenticity in Character Portrayal
27:13Celebrity Interview with Kane and Devon Nixonchapter3
27:13Child Actor Kane's Early Career Beginnings
29:09Nostalgic Discussion of Classic TV Shows
30:35Child Actors Discussing Their Early Career Experiences
32:38Appreciation for Theater Actors and Michael Jacksonchapter2
32:38Theater Actors Immersive Performances
35:09Celebrity Interview with Miles Frost and Devon Nixon
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