JOHNOY Williams is determined to fulfill his life’s dream of becoming a household name in acting.

“I am looking forward to breaking international barriers and to working with top directors,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

He cites American actors Chris Tucker and Nick Cannon, as well as local thespians ‘Ity and Fancy Cat’ Ellis and Paul Campbell among his favourites.

“Their styles of acting and the roles that they play is really why I look up to them,” he said.

Earlier in this year, Williams landed his biggest gig to date: a supporting role in Cannon’s King of the Dancehall. The movie’s plot surrounds a Brooklyn native who visits family in Jamaica and becomes fascinated with dancehall culture.

Entertainers Ninjaman, Beenie Man, TOK, Kreesha Turner, Ky-Mani Marley as well as actor Carl Bradshaw have roles. A release date is yet to be given.

A former student of Buff Bay High in Portland and Edna Manley College of the Visual Arts in St Andrew, Williams got his first break in a 2009 HIV/AIDS awareness commercial.

“It wasn’t just a commercial for me, HIV/AIDS is a reality. And the truth is a lot of persons in my age group are infected. It is really alarming!” he said.

Since then, he has been cast in the pantomime, Anansi and Goathead Soup, in which he played the dual roles of the bus driver and little boy. He has also landed recurring roles in the television comedy series Ity and Fancy Cat Show.

“Ity (Ian Ellis) and Fancy Cat (Alton Hardware) have been my two mentors. I am looking forward to another great season,” he said.

As for his future, Williams remains optimistic.

“I am very happy with the level at which my career is. It is a great feeling. I just know that it can only get better from here,” he continued.

— Brian Bonitto