William Wheeler has caught a case of the acting bug. The Bellevue resident has landed a guest starring appearance on TNT’s hit drama, LEVERAGE starring Oscar winner Timothy Hutton.
After 26 years of acting in his spare time, Wheeler has taken a new approach to his hobby and has launched himself into that world. Wheeler will appear on the Wednesday, August 12 episode of “Leverage,” playing the role of Ray Pennington, a war veteran who’s reputation is compromised when a popular television host smears his name for the benefit of ratings.
“I am very excited to have played a role in Leverage and that I had the opportunity to be a part of a Network show,” Wheeler said. “My kids and my wife are very excited for me and they are anxious for me to pursue my passion for acting.”
Wheeler first auditioned for a smaller role on the show back in June when his agent, Tayna Tiffany made him aware of the opportunity. Wheeler drove to Portland, Ore., to audition for a small part in an upcoming episode of Leverage.
“I read my lines in front of the director and casting crew to the best of my abilities and then left,” he said. “As I was leaving the building, the director caught up with me and asked if I would mind reading for a different part. I thought, why not?”
Wheeler was given some of the lines for the character of Ray Pennington and read for the part. He was thanked and sent home. A week later he got the call and was told he had the part.
“When I got the phone call I was thrilled. I later found out that the role I originally wanted was a very small role and only involved one line in the whole episode. I read for a smaller role, but they liked how I read so much, they considered me for a larger role. That’s a huge compliment.”
Wheeler shot “The Three Days of the Hunter Job” episode in Oregon along with the entire Leverage cast. He stayed in a trailer on set and shot three scenes over the course of a week.
“Everyone in the cast was fantastic,” Wheeler said. “I got a chance to meet them all, talk with them, and get advice about performing. Tim Hutton was extrodanarily giving and generous with his time and it was such an honor to work under the direction of Executive-Producer Dean Devlin.”
On the upcoming episode of Leverage, Wheeler’s character faces off with the character Monica Hunter played by actress Beth Broderick.
In the episode, Pennington returns from war and is put on anti-depressants to monitor his suicidal tendencies. After a long recovery, he is able to live without the medication and takes on a full-time job as a school bus driver. The background story tells of a vehicle accident Pennington was involved in that resulted in the death of two of the kids on the school bus. Although the incident was ruled an accident, Hunter comes after Pennington and attempts to ruin his reputation on national television.
The Leverage team sets out to steal back Pennington’s reputation.
Prior to landing the part of Pennington, Wheeler focused mainly on the theater, small commercial parts and has played as an extra in films including War Games.
“I’m still amazed that my first role on a nationally televised show happens to be one of the main guest stars the show’s episode revolves around that week,” Wheeler said, who is now a free agent and plans to pursue a full-time career in acting. “It may be a little late in the game, but I’m happiest when I’m acting and I figure I might as well go for it. What do I have to lose?”
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
The Three Days of the Hunter Job episode of Leverage airs on Wednesday, August 12 at 9/8c on TNT. For a sneak preview visit http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/?cid=42574. For the entire scoop on Leverage, visit http://www.tnt.tv/series/leverage.
