For many, the desire to perform is a dream they set aside for real life. For Robert McComas-Wood, acting was a first love—a passion ignited decades ago in college and community theaters. Though he spent years in other careers, he never truly left the stage behind.
Now, he’s returned to the craft later in life with a renewed sense of purpose and an even deeper well of life experiences to draw upon to bring roles of every kind to life.
“The desire to be an actor never left me,” McComas-Wood affirmed. “Here I am.”
The spark that ignited a career
McComas-Wood’s journey in the entertainment industry began with a role in a university theater as the Cowardly Lion. But it was a child’s embrace that made him realize the affecting and unmistakable impact of storytelling.
“A little girl who was autistic ran up, hugged me, and said, ‘Lion,’” he recalled. That moment remained unforgettable to him, becoming a touchstone of the impact he hoped to make as an actor. “I've been fortunate, and I have done other roles and worked with wonderful people, but that moment the little girl gave to me is irreplaceable.”
Depth through life experience
Life pulled McComas-Wood in different directions, but his passion remained, waiting for the right moment to resurface. After stepping away from acting for family reasons, he rekindled his commitment to the craft, bringing with him years of rich experiences.
“I have a diverse background and can pull from numerous life experiences to enhance a project,” he explained. Years in fields like law enforcement, the military, and education taught McComas-Wood resilience, insight, and empathy—all of which he channels into his characters on stage and screen.
Recently, he’s been cast in roles in television and commercials and more—and still others that allow him to apply more recently acquired skills with accents and dialects, drawing on training he completed with HB Studio, London University, and BBC Acting with Brian Cox.
Backstage powering the path back
McComas-Wood has relied on Backstage for more than a year to keep him connected to new projects and opportunities.
“I check Backstage daily,” he said, citing it for being instrumental to staying engaged with industry professionals and finding projects. For him, it’s a continuous source of leads and connections.
And for McComas-Wood, connecting with others in the industry is essential. He attends classes and industry events and remains ready to help others, emphasizing the importance of staying open to new relationships. For him, supporting others and finding ways to connect are as rewarding as performing itself.
Preparation as the actor’s best friend
Like any actor serious about improving their skills and landing roles, preparation is essential to McComas-Wood’s approach.
He reads the sides several times, analyzing the objectives of the scene, the character’s goals and challenges, and any changes the character undergoes—then he does the same for any other characters in the scene.
After meticulously studying each role, he rehearses and records his lines, reviewing multiple takes to ensure he’s presenting his best work. This attention to detail has become a hallmark of his audition process.
“Tape the scene, review it, tape it again,” he explained. “I usually make several tapes. Look for my best effort, then submit,” good-naturedly adding that the final flourish for every submission is to remember to “always say thank you for the opportunity and then hope and pray.”
Staying sharp in more ways than one
Alongside acting, McComas-Wood teaches shadowboxing part-time and commits to daily workouts to maintain his physical fitness. This dedication doesn’t just keep him in shape but adds to his readiness for roles, no matter their demands.
“I believe my fitness is just as much a part of my toolkit as my training,” he said, demonstrating his holistic approach to the pursuit of being as good a performer as he can possibly be.
Keeping an open, grateful heart
For McComas-Wood, the path back to acting has been one of resilience, humility, and genuine gratitude.
“The best advice I can offer, regardless of the highs and lows, is always follow your heart,” he shared. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized valuing every role as a stepping stone. “It may not be the role you read for, but you’ve gotten your foot in the door.”
He also encouraged aspiring actors to take risks and embrace humor along the way. “Never stop learning,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to take chances. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.”
Returning to acting has strengthened his desire to pursue what he loves most. “I returned full time to what I truly want to do,” he said, reminding anyone with a similar dream that it’s never too late to follow it. “Never stop learning and trying to refine your abilities. Always be nice and be grateful.”
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