Making Waves In Hollywood And The Navy

ARABIAN GULF

05.10.2020

Courtesy Story

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

Before many well-known celebrities such as Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, and Chuck Norris graced the silver screens of Hollywood, they all served in the United States military. Following along a similar path is Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Carlos Williams, a Navy reservist currently deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Williams, who is of Puerto Rican, Black and Native American descent, grew up in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Williams, and his sister Mercedes, were introduced to theatre and music early in life by their parents. After finishing high school, Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Arizona University in Electronic Media and Film. He then persued a career in film editing, set design, and as a radio DJ.
He soon moved to Hollywood, California, to gain production experience working on film sets. His first job in California was working on the production of a pilot episode of a TV show for a major cable network. Williams got his first opportunity to act when one of the actors for the show he was helping produce cancelled and he stepped up to fill the role.
“From there I really enjoyed it,” said Williams. “I was used to being behind the camera and on the production side and that’s what got my career in acting started.”
Williams went on to play mostly military and police officer roles in shows like “Gotham,” “The Haunted House,” “Mysteries of Laura,” “The Good Cop,” and “The Code.”
A few months after moving to Hollywood, Williams had to make a decision because his career alone was not enough to cover his expenses and provide for his son. He eventually decided to go to the recruiting station on Hollywood Boulevard and join the reserves.
“Like everyone else, I thought I was going to make it big overnight, but I needed another source of income,” said Williams. “The Navy was a good opportunity to serve my country, have benefits and still have a regular career.”
Williams is fourth-generation military, but chose to join the Navy, unlike his great grandfather, grandfather and father, who all served in the Army. His career has included tours to Bahrain, a deployment onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and now a deployment with Bataan. Williams said his time onboard Bataan has allowed him to become a more well-rounded Sailor by giving him opportunites to work in all areas of his job.
When it comes to his acting carrer, Williams prefers to let his work do the talking.
“I try to be humble,” said Williams. “I don’t go around telling people about all of the things I have done, whether it’s acting or writing, so a lot of people don’t know much about me until I am in the right environment and I have to talk about it.”
Ultimately, Williams hopes to convert to a Mass Communication Specialist and serve 20 years in the Navy Reserve, with the intention of becoming a chief petty officer or chief warrant officer.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2020
• Date Posted: 05.14.2020 11:40
• Story ID: 369962
• Location: ARABIAN GULF