The following interview for Backstage’s on-camera series The Slate was compiled in part by Backstage readers just like you! Follow us on Twitter (@Backstage) and Instagram (@backstagecast) to stay in the loop on upcoming interviews and to submit your questions.
DB Woodside has been with “Lucifer” since the beginning, and while he knows the show like the back of his hand, he’s still finding ways to surprise himself. Namely, in the sixth and final season, he’s slated to make his directorial debut! Breaking down his years in the business (other highlights of his many credits include “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “24,” and Suits”), Woodside recently joined us for an Instagram Live interview to walk through his process and offer advice to other actors who want to jump behind the camera.
‘Lucifer’: How the Netflix Series Is Tackling Black Lives Matter Woodside is experiencing all new “Lucifer” successes since the Netflix pickup.
“I was an athlete for most of my life, so when you’re an athlete and you belong to a team that a lot of people have counted out so many times and you finish strong, there’s a little satisfaction about stomping on the haters. I think people were at times taking unfair shots at ‘Lucifer’ and I think the writers and producers work hard on the show. It’s nice to see people are appreciating that, and it’s nice to get to do it for the fans.”
“Lucifer” isn’t afraid to address real-world issues.
“I know sometimes people want to run to television to escape their life. I feel that way, too, I have my shows when life gets too much. I just want to watch a show that has nothing to do with real life and escape to give myself a break. But I do think there is a responsibility that artists should feel. If you’re going to focus on a show that is talking about the police, I think you have to do some episodes that talk about what’s going on. I think in Season 5, we got a chance to do that.”
Woodside had to advocate heavily for himself in order to get the opportunity to direct.
“Directing is something I’ve always loved, but it’s been challenging to break into that in this industry. I think it’s challenging sometimes when you’ve been in the business for a long period of time and you’re a known entity. It’s challenging for people to see you do something different, to imagine you doing something different. People needed to be convinced repeatedly, and I’m glad I had those people’s help. I had so much support, though, that there was no way I could fail.”
Though it may be exhausting, Woodside advises young actors to always fight for themselves.
“You always have to fight. I thought because I’m a hard worker and because I’ve been in the business for 20 to 25 years, that it should be a natural progression and doors would naturally open up. I was shocked when that wasn’t the case. I would say always keep that grinding, hustler mentality for everything that you want to do in this business. Continue to grind. You always have to push and always have to fight. That can sound exhausting, it is, but it doesn’t mean you can’t take breaks. Just know you always have to advocate for yourself, never stop and persist. Don’t take no.”
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!
