Jejune loves to interview the next generation and hear how they are deciphering the current social and political situation, as well as the health crisis. There’s plenty of flack given to Millenials (who are coming on 40 years old on the older end of the generation’s spectrum) and Gen-Z gets a bad wrap for being a technology-dependent generation; however, these groups of individuals are movers and shakers who are not afraid to share their opinions. Gen-Z’s coming of age story is occurring during a pandemic and that’s nothing to shy away from. We were delighted to interview Keith L. Williams and learn more about how he sees his generation making an impact and envisioning a better future, particularly in light of COVID-19 and continuing to seek out philanthropic opportunities. To us, Keith is out of this world for more reasons than one. The 13-year-old actor stars in Nickelodeon’s The Astronauts as the lovable big-brother character, Martin Taylor, and has worked on titles such as The Last Man On Earth and Good Boys. Keith has big dreams of continuing to shoot for the stars in Hollywood while remaining grounded through supporting causes close to his heart, demonstrated by his work with Palace of A.U.T.I.S.M. Please continue reading for our exclusive editorial with Keith L. Williams.

Where are you based?
I live in Mansfield, Texas.

How did you begin your acting career? Have you always wanted to act?
I began acting when I was around seven years old. My older brother was in the industry and I would watch him break his character’s down to a skeleton and I was so amazed at him doing that. At that first moment, I knew I wanted to become a professional actor. I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, but I figured I can be an actor as well.

Many of your performances have given you the reputation of a scene-stealer (in a good way!). What qualities do you think gives you this reputation?
It’s pretty cool that I’m considered a scene-stealer. I think the qualities that give me that reputation would probably be my comedic timing and my smile, but I’m really just having fun and giving my very best.

Do you have any acting dreams or projects or people that you would love to work with?
I would really love to work with Viola Davis. She’s a remarkable actress who gives masterful performances.

You are currently starring in The Astronauts on Nickelodeon as Martin Taylor. The show’s premise is really fun —five kids accidentally get launched into space and have to learn how to survive while they figure out how to get back to earth. What interested you in this role? Do you connect with your character on a personal level?
When I got the audition for Martin, I couldn’t believe how much we have in common. We connect on so many levels, such as we both like gardening and are protective of our family.

Working on a set of a spaceship must feel really out of this world. What was it like stepping onto the set for the first time?
When I stepped on the set for the first time I immediately looked behind me. It looked just as good as the spaceship in Star Wars. I felt like I was really in space.

In a way, the show is relatable to our current situation with the pandemic since your characters are separated from their families and in (pretty extreme) isolation in space. Do you have any thoughts on how your character copes with that situation and what viewers could take away from it?
Martin copes really well considering the circumstances. He knows he has to stay strong for his sister Doria and he doesn’t want to let her nor their Dad down. The viewers can see that even though Martin’s scared, he holds it together for the group.

You also get to work with five other young actors on The Astronauts. Do you have any memorable stories with your castmates?
Most of our memorable moments were off set. We would watch movies, hang out, and go shopping together.

In addition to The Astronauts, you have been on a lot of different shows. We especially loved your character Jasper on Last Man On Earth. Can you tell us a little bit about playing Jasper and the show?
Thank you! I really loved working on Last Man on Earth. The cast was amazing and I loved wearing all the different costumes. I can’t believe the show related so much to what we are all dealing right now with Covid 19.

Do you feel that Last Man On Earth helped prepare you for what we are living through now?
Working on Last Man on Earth definitely prepared me for the pandemic. We were all isolated in the show so it was like walking back on set.

You were also recently in Good Boys. Can you tell us a little bit about this film?
Good Boys was a dream role for me. Working alongside Jacob Tremblay was a blast and we became instant friends. The outrageous comedy is about three best friends who get invited to their first kissing party. Eager for some pointers, the boys decide to use Max’s (Jacob Tremblay) dad’s drone – which Max is forbidden to touch – to spy (they think) on a teenage couple making out next door.

But when things go ridiculously wrong, the drone is destroyed. Desperate to replace it before Max’s dad gets home, the boys skip school and set off on a hilarious one-day-gone-crazy adventure.

A lot of your acting is in comedy. Is that your genre of choice?
I really love comedy but I’m ready to take on more serious roles. I feel my role in The Astronauts relates more to drama. I’m sure you will see me cross over to more serious roles in the future, but my passion is comedy.

In addition to be a super awesome actor, you also actively give back! You are committed to supporting The Palace of A.U.T.I.S.M. Why is this organization important to you and how did you get involved with them?

The Palace of A.U.T.I.S.M. (TPOA) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing inclusive amusement to children with special needs and their families such as sensory activities with local museums, family fun day at the local race track, entertainment at the local trampoline park, etc. The ability to support this organization has given me a great deal of pride and community involvement.
I became involved with this organization because of a close family friend that was diagnosed with autism. I wanted to help and get a better understanding of this condition firsthand.

What are meaningful ways that you have been able to support The Palace of A.U.T.I.S.M.? What would you like our readers to learn about working with them as an organization?
The meaningful ways I have helped TPOA is by participating in fundraisers when needed and helping spread the word about all the good deeds this organization does within the community.

How are you staying positive during shelter-in-place?
I’m staying focused during the stay at home order by reading and preparing for some upcoming projects. I also love spending time with my family and my pet gecko aka Leo. I recently got a bald python snake named JuJu.

What is your motto in life?
My motto in life is to stay humble and never take anything or anyone for granted.

To learn more about Keith L. Williams, please follow him via the below platforms:
Twitter: @KeithLWilliams
Instagram: @KeithLWilliams
Facebook: @KeithLWilliams

Team Credits:
Photographer: Vince Trupsin
Stylist: Alex Clough and Kelly-Marie Smith
Groomer: Andrea Samuels at Cloutier Remix

EDITORIAL - Keith L. Williams Is Out Of This World