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:
Connect:
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.
What is Right For The Role with 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 Eric LaSalle, 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.
The first episode launches December 11th.