Right For The Role with John Frank Levey – Details, episodes & analysis

Right For The Role launches on December 11th. Learn what the show is about and hear clips from our first set of interviews in Season 1.

Three-time Emmy-nominated actor, director, and author Eriq La Salle joins legendary casting director John Frank Levey for a candid conversation about breaking barriers and creating lasting change in Hollywood.

This wide-ranging discussion explores La Salle's remarkable journey from a young theater student in Hartford to becoming one of television's highest-paid African American actors. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflection, La Salle and Levey examine how race, representation, and the pursuit of creative control have shaped their careers and the entertainment industry.

Key moments from the episode:

• How a failed Michelle Pfeiffer film project sparked La Salle's transformation from actor to director
• The fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how La Salle almost didn't get cast in ER over a $10,000 dispute
• Why La Salle's impromptu trip to Spain with George Clooney and Noah Wyle became crucial to ER's success
• The complex negotiations and advocacy required to ensure authentic representation of Black relationships on ER
• The unexpected way Coming to America director John Landis changed La Salle's approach to working with actors
• How La Salle maintains a decades-long friendship with fellow actor Michael Beach despite career competition
• What writing a five-book thriller series has taught La Salle about creating deeper, more nuanced stories

This conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone pursuing a creative career, particularly those facing systemic barriers. La Salle's strategic approach to building a multi-faceted career – from acting to directing to writing novels – demonstrates how to maintain both artistic integrity and professional longevity in an often challenging industry.

Resources mentioned:

• Laws of Depravity (Book by Eriq La Salle)
• Laws of Wrath (Book by Eriq La Salle)
• Laws of Annihilation (Book by Eriq La Salle)
• Coming to America (Film)
• ER (Television series)
• Under Suspicion (Television series)
• Chicago PD (Television series)
• The Twilight Zone (Television series)
• A Raisin in the Sun (Play by Lorraine Hansberry)

To connect with Eriq La Salle:

• Website: iameriqlasalle.com
• IG: @eriqlasalle
• Facebook: Eriq La Salle
• X: @EriqLaSalle23
• TikTok: @eriqlasalleauthor

To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/

To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, Right for the Role: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book

Acknowledgments

Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in “hero shots” — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la.

The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.

Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It’s the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)

Actor Sasha Alexander joins host John Frank Levey for a candid conversation about balancing a successful acting career with family life and the pursuit of creative fulfillment.

Drawing from her extensive experience across shows like "Dawson’s Creek," "NCIS," and "Rizzoli & Isles," Alexander shares honest insights about the challenges of maintaining authenticity both on and off-screen. The discussion weaves through her European upbringing, approach to complex roles, and recent journey of prioritizing family while navigating industry changes.

In this episode:

• How Alexander’s Serbian-Italian heritage and European exposure shaped her artistic sensibilities and acting approach
• The contrasting experiences of working on procedural shows versus character-driven series, and the unique challenges each presents
• A fascinating discussion about intimacy coordinators in Hollywood and their impact on directing and acting
• The reality of “having it all” as a working parent in the entertainment industry, and why timing matters more than we think
• Personal reflections on choosing to step back from major roles to be present for her children’s formative years
• What it means to maintain creative fulfillment while navigating the ebbs and flows of an acting career
• A thoughtful exploration of artistic integrity, personal growth, and finding peace with life’s natural seasons.

TV shows discussed in this conversation:

• Dawson’s Creek
• NCIS
• Rizzoli & Isles
• Shameless
• Presidio Med

Connect:

• To connect with Sasha Alexander, find her on Instagram: @sashaalexander
• To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_
• To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book

Acknowledgments

Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in “hero shots” — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la.

The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.

Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It’s the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)

Veteran director Dennis Dugan joins John Frank Levey to share how embracing life's unexpected turns and maintaining a playful spirit shaped his remarkable journey from actor to billion-dollar comedy director.

Through candid stories spanning his early theater days to directing Adam Sandler films, Dugan reveals how every seeming setback opened new doors. His conversation with Levey explores the delicate balance between taking creative risks and building lasting industry relationships.

In this episode:

• How getting kicked out of college led Dugan to the Goodman Theater and ultimately Los Angeles
• The fascinating story behind landing Problem Child by literally standing on a studio executive's coffee table during his pitch
• His unconventional approach to playing Captain Freedom on Hill Street Blues and why staying in character between scenes elevated the performance
• The full-circle moment of Adam Sandler hiring him to direct Happy Gilmore because Dugan had championed him years earlier
• Why he's returning to his acting roots after directing films that grossed nearly $2 billion
• The power of creating your own opportunities, including writing and performing a one-act play to showcase his acting for agents
• His philosophy that "if you wait, you'll be a waiter" and why artists need to make things happen

A masterclass in turning setbacks into opportunities and maintaining creative passion across a five-decade career in Hollywood.

TV shows and movies discussed in this conversation:

• Hill Street Blues (TV)
• Moonlighting (TV)
• Hunter (TV)
• MAS*H (TV)
• The Mod Squad (TV)
• The Waltons (TV)
• Problem Child (Film)
• Happy Gilmore (Film)
• Big Daddy (Film)
• I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (Film)
• You Don't Mess with the Zohan (Film)
• Grown Ups 1 & 2 (Films)
• Just Go with It (Film)
• Jack and Jill (Film)
• Estonia, You Fall (stage play)
• The House of Blue Leaves (stage play)
• Richie Brockleman (TV)

Connect:

• To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_
• To order a signed copy of John's memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book
  
  

Acknowledgments:

Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in "hero shots" — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la.

The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.

Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It's the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)

The radiant Shanola Hampton joins her longtime friend John Frank Levey to share her remarkable journey from a five-year-old with a dream to becoming the lead of NBC's "Found" after her unforgettable run as Veronica on "Shameless."

In this heartfelt conversation, Shanola opens up about how faith, family, and education shaped her path, including a touching story about a minister's prophecy during her childhood that sustained her through years of almost-but-not-quite moments in Hollywood.

In this episode:

• Shanola's leap from beloved ensemble player to leading lady, and what it really means to be #1 on the call sheet
• How she juggles her demanding career with family life, including weekly cross-country flights to be with her kids
• The changing landscape for actors of color in television, from limiting stereotypes to leading complex characters
• Fun behind-the-scenes stories about filming intimate scenes on "Shameless" and her deep friendship with co-star Steve Howey
• Her growing passion for directing and cherished mentorship from John Wells
• The fascinating dynamics of her education-driven family, where she jokes about being the "underachiever" despite her advanced degree

This conversation is a joyful masterclass in perseverance, authenticity, and the magic that happens when artists create safe spaces to do their best work.

TV shows discussed in this conversation:

• Shameless (TV)
• Found (TV)

Connect:

• To connect with Shanola Hampton, find her on Instagram: @shanolahampton
• To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_ 
• To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book

Acknowledgments:
Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in “hero shots” — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la. 

The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy. 

Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It’s the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)

Veteran actor Tim Bagley joins John Frank Levey to discuss his remarkable three-decade career spanning hundreds of roles. 

From his early days studying with renowned acting coaches to becoming a Groundlings mainstay, Tim shares how his commitment to authenticity and continuous growth has shaped his craft and journey as an openly gay performer in Hollywood.

Through candid stories about his experiences on shows like ER, Southland, and Somebody Somewhere, Tim reveals how he approaches each character with empathy and psychological depth – whether playing a flasher, an OCD patient, or a Supreme Court clerk opposite Sally Field. 

The conversation explores how his background in improv and dedication to ongoing training have enabled him to tackle dramatically diverse roles while staying true to himself.

In this episode:

• How Tim discovered his comedic voice through The Young Americans and The Groundlings
• The psychology behind creating authentic characters, even in challenging roles
• His groundbreaking LGBTQ representation on Will & Grace and beyond
• Learning valuable lessons from being fired and the importance of letting go
• His experience with loss during the AIDS crisis and its impact on his career choices
• The value of continued acting training and study throughout one's career
• Working with acclaimed actors like Sally Field and Regina King

Tim's story exemplifies how embracing authenticity, both personally and professionally, while maintaining a spirit of continuous learning can lead to a rich and enduring career in the arts.

TV shows and plays discussed in this conversation:

• Curb Your Enthusiasm (TV)
• ER (TV)
• Hacks (TV)
• Hello, Dolly! (stage play)
• Perfect Couple (TV)
• Shameless (TV)
• Somebody Somewhere (TV)
• Southland (TV)
• Teachers (TV)
• The Court (TV)
• Will & Grace (TV)
• Wings (TV)

Connect 

• Connect with Tim on Instagram: @iamtimbagley, and visit his website, timbagley.com
• Connect with John on Instagram: @john_frank_levey_
• Click here to order a signed copy of John's memoir, Right for the Role.

Acknowledgments

Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in “hero shots” — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la.

The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.

Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris  and Trudi Roth of It’s the TruStory

Actor, director, writer, and producer Noah Wyle joins John Frank Levey to share the fascinating story behind his legendary ER audition and explore his remarkable three-decade career in television. 

In this intimate conversation, Noah reflects on how his role as Dr. John Carter evolved from an uncertain medical student to a confident physician, mirroring his own growth as an actor and person.

From his early resistance to television work to becoming one of the medium's most enduring presences, Noah discusses how ER's groundbreaking approach to diversity, storytelling, and medical authenticity changed both his career trajectory and emergency medicine itself. 

He shares moving insights about working alongside acting legends and the powerful mentorship dynamic between his character and Eriq La Salle's Dr. Peter Benton.

In this episode:

• The complete story behind Noah's memorable ER audition that won over Michael Crichton
• How the Dr. Carter/Dr. Benton relationship broke new ground in TV representation
• Working with legendary actors like John Randolph, Eli Wallach, and Alan Alda
• Noah’s real-world activism inspired by ER's Africa storylines
• The evolution of emergency medicine before and after ER's influence
• Finding creative fulfillment through three decades of television work
• Balancing his career with fatherhood and family life

Through candid stories and thoughtful reflection, Noah illuminates how finding the roles you're right for – both on-screen and off – can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

TV shows discussed in this conversation

• China Beach (TV)
• Dark Shadows (TV - unaired pilot)
• ER (TV)
• Leverage: Redemption (TV)

Connect

• Connect with Noah on Instagram: @therealnoahwyle
• Connect with John on Instagram: @john_frank_levey_
• Click here to order a signed copy of John's memoir, Right for the Role.

Acknowledgments

Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in "hero shots" — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la.

The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.

Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It's the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)