Meet David Basila | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Basila and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is pretty much what an actor does every time we pick up a script and start working on something. You can never play anything safe because life in general does not work that way. The riskier the better!! What’s great about my profession is that you are not right for every role, but you can envision yourself in it and that sort of sets the safety net in place for you so you are able to let it rip and never be afraid to fall. Not every job is right for you. And more often than not you are auditioning for whatever future projects that casting director is doing.. My entire adult life has been centered around change, adventure and doing things I never thought I would do, and going places I never believed I would see. Never be afraid of taking huge risks in life. What you put out will almost always pay off in the end.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love my work. And its even more exciting being based in the Detroit area and learning how to navigate my career from here. This new chapter is exciting and its nice to be home again. My work is everything to me Ive never been the pretty boy type, or the leading man, but I’ve always been fortunate enough to play odd characters, gangsters or just straight up crazy. Its nice being a character actor. You can lose your hair or gain 20 lbs and you actually end up working more. Who knew? I think what sets me apart is that I’m always willing to learn and surround myself with people that push me to be better at all areas in life. Ive been on some great film and television sets over the course of my career, and each new job is a learning experience for sure. Like I always say, Ive traveled the world and Ive danced with Michael Jackson. LIFE IS GOOD!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Detroit is Amazing. There are so many great museums and restaurants now that Ive still yet to check out myself. I would start with The Motown Museum and then hit The Detroit Historical Museum. Then def hit up Mexicantown for food! The river walk on Jefferson is so much fun to chill at and people watch. Summertime there is so lively and vibrant and a great spot to people watch with a glass or two. I also love Charlevoix and Mackinaw Island. As a kid, i was a boy scout and every summer we would go up to the Island to guard the Fort. It was incredible All the fudge you could eat I was also a fat kid so life was good for me. We would also have to go to Lake Charlevoix. As a kid (yes, still fat) ,I would go up every summer with my neighbor and spend a week or so on the lake Beautiful place Beautiful memories. And if you go up there now, its just riddled with bars and restaurants and the cherry pie is amazing! Oh, and The Franklin Cider Mill is a must go!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t even know where to begin. The amount of gratitude I have for every teacher, agent and manger that I have worked with over the years is huge. Ive also been greatly inspired by many of my close friends and how they give back and the amount of support they have always shown me. Ive always been lifted up by my current manager, Jennifer DeRa. She literally wants every one of her actors to live their dream, and to succeed. And be the best at what they do. That inspires me to work hard, and to take on all of the challenges this business can give you. I wish that all artists had that type of support. It’s a game changer. I know this may sound odd, but when I’m down, or had a bad day, or just want to be inspired I go on YouTube and watch old episodes of The Munsters. Don’t judge.

Instagram: @davidjbasila

Image Credits
Troy Blendell (Headshot Main Pic and the headshot on the multiple photo page)