Right For The Role with John Frank Levey

John Frank Levey

"Right For The Role" is hosted by legendary casting director John Frank Levey, whose four-decade career and four Emmy Awards reflect his uncanny ability to recognize who's right for the role. As the casting visionary behind revolutionary television shows like "ER," "The West Wing," "Shameless," and "China Beach," Levey has not only witnessed but actively shaped the careers of some of Hollywood's most recognizable talents.

Through intimate conversations with accomplished guests like Eriq La Salle, Sasha Alexander, Dennis Dugan, Noah Wiley, Shanola Hampton, and others, listeners will discover inspiring stories about finding one's authentic path in both life and career.

Drawing from his vast experience, Levey guides conversations that uncover valuable insights about taking risks, advocating for what you believe in, and discovering your true calling.

Whether you're in the entertainment industry or simply navigating your own path, each episode offers honest, unfiltered discussions about defining moments, career transformations, and the journey to embracing the roles we're meant to play.

So join John Frank Levey -- recipient of the Casting Society of America's prestigious Hoyt Bowers Award for Lifetime Achievement -- as he shares his exuberance for the craft and helps listeners find inspiration to discover their own role of a lifetime.

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12 episodes
Updated Yesterday
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Episodes12

Newest first

Yesterday · 44 min
Richard Lawson: Never Fear Forging Your Own Path
Richard Lawson has built a career that spans decades, yet his passion for acting, teaching, writing, and mentoring continues to evolve with purpose. In this conversation, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his creative life, from serving in Vietnam as a medic to discovering acting as his life's calling and developing the resilience that has carried him through thousands of auditions, setbacks, and successes. The discussion explores how personal hardship can become a foundation for growth when you commit to serving others instead of allowing difficult experiences to define your future. Through powerful stories from the battlefield, the classroom, and the entertainment industry, the conversation reveals how empathy, gratitude, and a clear sense of purpose have guided every stage of a remarkable career. The episode also takes listeners behind the scenes of Hollywood, offering an honest look at rejection, career longevity, and the realities actors face while pursuing meaningful work. Richard shares why creating opportunities for yourself matters just as much as booking auditions, how separating your identity from your profession creates resilience, and why maintaining integrity often requires difficult decisions. John Frank Levey and Richard Lawson also discuss the responsibility that comes with mentoring the next generation, the value of remaining in service to your craft and your community, and the lasting impact of choosing purpose over recognition. The conversation closes with thoughtful reflections on legacy, gratitude, and the simple daily question of whose life you can positively influence through your work and your presence. Key Takeaways Serving as a combat medic during the Vietnam War shaped a lifelong commitment to empathy, leadership, and helping others navigate life's most difficult moments. Thousands of auditions, career disappointments, and unexpected detours became opportunities to strengthen purpose instead of reasons to abandon a lifelong dream. Learn how to build a sustainable creative career by balancing personal projects with professional opportunities while protecting your sense of identity. Gain insight into navigating Hollywood with integrity, including the importance of standing by your values when career-defining opportunities challenge who you are. Teaching, mentorship, and daily acts of service can become the foundation of a meaningful legacy that extends far beyond professional achievements. Follow Richard Lawson on Instagram @mrrichardlawson | @hyperlensstudios Connect With Richard On His Websites richardlawsonstudios.com richardlawsonenterprises.com hyperlensstudios.com Follow Richard on TikTok
July 29 · 43 min
Susan Rovner: How Resilience, Change, and Independence Lead to Growth & Success
The experiences that shape your life rarely stay confined to childhood, and the lessons you learn through adversity often influence every major decision that follows. You’re about to dig into a conversation that explores how resilience, independence, and a willingness to embrace change can shape a meaningful career, strong relationships, and a lasting impact on the people around you. On this episode of Right For The Role, John Frank Levey is joined by Susan Rovner to talk about the moments that shaped her path from a determined young woman navigating her parents' divorce to one of the most respected television executives in Hollywood. Together, they explore how listening before speaking, trusting your instincts, and embracing calculated risks can open doors to opportunities that may never have been part of your original plan. The conversation also offers an inside look at the creative side of the television industry, examining how honest feedback, thoughtful leadership, and genuine collaboration help writers, actors, and producers do their best work. From giving constructive notes to navigating difficult career decisions, these stories reveal how respect and empathy can strengthen creative partnerships and build lasting professional relationships. You’ll also get an up-close look at the rapidly growing world of the micro series and the new opportunities it’s creating for storytellers and performers. It also reflects on lifelong learning, career reinvention, mentorship, and why continuing to discover the roles that align with your strengths can create a more fulfilling personal and professional life. Key takeaways from this episode: Childhood experiences can shape confidence, resilience, and long-term career decisions Listening first often leads to stronger leadership, better communication, and more effective collaboration Honest feedback and mutual respect help creative professionals produce stronger work and build lasting relationships Navigating career changes, embracing new opportunities, and making decisions that align with your values is imperative to self evolution The growing world of micro series is creating new opportunities for actors, writers, producers, and emerging storytellers Catch Up With Susan Rovner! Websites: atwist.com | aha-studios.com Instagram: @atwistofficial | @ahastudios_
July 22 · 44 min
Ming-Na Wen: How Authenticity & Gratitude Can Shape a Career
Some careers last because of talent, while others endure because of the character, resilience, and perspective behind that talent. Ming-Na Wen reflects on the experiences that have shaped her remarkable journey, sharing how authenticity, gratitude, and a commitment to lifelong growth have guided every stage of her career. John Frank Levey and Ming-Na discuss the importance of embracing your identity instead of trying to fit someone else's expectations, especially in an industry that has historically relied on stereotypes. Their conversation explores how thoughtful conversations with creative leaders, confidence in your own voice, and a willingness to stay true to your values can create opportunities that have a lasting impact. Every career includes moments when the phone stops ringing, and Ming-Na offers an honest perspective on navigating those quieter seasons with patience and purpose. She explains how investing time in family, personal interests, travel, and new experiences creates a richer life while also strengthening the work you bring to every future opportunity. This conversation also explores the responsibility that comes with success and why using your platform to support meaningful causes creates fulfillment beyond professional achievements. John and Ming-Na examine how advocacy, community involvement, and maintaining a strong sense of gratitude can help you build a career that reflects who you are while making a positive difference in the lives of others. Key Takeaways Embracing your identity creates stronger opportunities than trying to fit someone else's expectations. Career slowdowns become opportunities for personal growth through family, travel, hobbies, and life experiences that enrich future work. Honest conversations with creative leaders can help challenge stereotypes and encourage more authentic storytelling. A fulfilling career includes interests and passions that exist outside of your profession and continue to shape your perspective. Advocacy, gratitude, and community involvement create a lasting legacy that extends beyond professional success. Connect With Ming-Na on Instagram Grab a Copy of Ming-Na's cookbook, Have You Eaten Yet?
July 15 · 41 min
Lisa Edelstein: Embracing Growth, Change, and Reinvention Personally & Professionally
There comes a point in everyone's life and career where choosing a new path is the only way to move forward. Lisa Edelstein joins John Frank Levey for a thoughtful conversation about creative reinvention, personal identity, and the choices that help shape a meaningful life on this episode of Right For The Role. Drawing from her experiences as an actor, writer, and artist, she explains how pursuing creative work for the joy of the process can provide clarity and fulfillment. John and Lisa also discuss the pressure performers often feel to seek external validation and how stepping away from that mindset can open the door to genuine self-discovery. Lisa shares how engaging in creative practices without the expectation of an audience allowed her to reconnect with her own interests, values, and sense of purpose. In addition, this conversation explores the importance of owning your unique background, building rituals that create stability, and making space for creative expression in everyday life. Lisa offers practical insight into how small, intentional practices can help anyone cultivate a stronger connection to their authentic self and continue growing through the simple act of doing. Key takeaways from this episode: Creating for the sake of the process can reduce pressure and encourage personal growth Personal identity, heritage, and individual perspective can become valuable assets Consistent rituals and intentional practices can create stability and connection This episode features practical ideas for starting a low-stakes creative practice and using reflection to better understand their values Follow Lisa Edelstein on Instagram Check out Lisa's Artwork
July 8 · 46 min
John Stamos: The Role That Changed Everything (and How The Beach Boys Discovered Him)
It's the Season 2 Premiere of Right For The Role and, in this episode, John Frank Levey sits down with John Stamos for a conversation about the moments that shaped his career long before audiences knew his name. Together, they explore the value of learning from experienced mentors, why curiosity has remained one of John's greatest strengths, and how paying close attention to the people around you can create opportunities that no audition ever could. As is tradition on Right For The Role, the conversation moves beyond acting to examine the personal work required to build a lasting career. John reflects on the importance of understanding your own experiences (like getting hooked up with The Beach Boys), embracing honesty instead of protecting your image, and recognizing how self-awareness gives performers the ability to connect with both their work and the people they meet throughout their lives. The duo also discuss rejection, career setbacks, and the pressure that comes with high-stakes moments when everything feels like it is on the line. They unpack why many disappointments have more to do with timing and circumstance than talent, how perspective changes the way you recover from failure, and why persistence continues to open doors for people who remain committed to their craft. Throughout this episode: John Stamos explains why becoming a student of experienced professionals helped shape every stage of his career. Both Johns discuss how self-awareness and honesty strengthen both creative work and personal relationships. Hear John Stamos' perspective on handling rejection, recovering from career disappointments, and understanding what is truly within your control. Discover why gratitude and meaningful relationships have remained central to Stamos' success long after achieving fame. Learn practical lessons on finding the role that fits who you are, both in your career and in your life. Television shows discussed on this episode: General Hospital Full House ER Connect with John Stamos on Instagram
Feb 5, 2025 · 46 min
The Roles That Form & Change Us: Noah Wyle on ER, Activism & Longevity in Show Biz
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)
Jan 29, 2025 · 54 min
Taking Pride in Your Career: Tim Bagley on Learning, Growing, and Staying True to Yourself
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
Jan 22, 2025 · 45 min
Leading With Joy: Shanola Hampton on Shining Your Light & Making an Indelible Impact
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)
Jan 8, 2025 · 51 min
Don't Wait, Create: A Hilarious Conversation With Dennis Dugan About Taking Creative Risks Seriously
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)
Dec 18, 2024 · 49 min
Having It All vs. Doing It All: Sasha Alexander on Acting, Parenting, and Finding Balance
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)
Dec 11, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
Control Your Destiny: Eriq La Salle on Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy
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)
Dec 5, 2024 · 3 min
Right For The Role Trailer
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.