Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Perpetual Grace, LTD’s Dash Williams

Dash Williams is an exciting fresh face in the industry. The stand-up comedian and talented actor has proven his talent knows no bound. He tackles any genre with ease, whether that’s his starring role in the laugh-out-loud comedy, Fresh Off the Boat, or in the highly-anticipated new noir-thriller, Perpetual Grace, LTD. Pop Culturalist spoke with Dash about his projects, both current and upcoming.

PC: Tell us about Perpetual Grace, LTD, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Dash: Perpetual Grace, LTD is a modern noir-thriller series created by Steven Conrad and Bruce Terris. It’s about James, played by Jimmi Simpson, who tries to take money from Pastor Byron Brown, played by Sir Ben Kingsley, who has been taking money from people under the guise of treatment. I play Glenn, a teen who works at his dad’s pawn shop instead of going to school. He crosses paths with James when he tries to rob the pawn shop. I was drawn to this project when I read the script’s unique blend of thriller and dark comedy.

PC: Perpetual Grace, LTD is a huge departure from Fresh Off the Boat. What has the transition been like going from Brian to Glenn?
Dash: Brian is a very different role from Glenn in that we see how much Glenn’s life changes when he meets anyone who will include him and make him feel important. Brian is much more driven by his own self-interest while Glenn just wants to feel like he’s helping the people around him.

PC: You come from a comedy background. How did your experience with improv prepare you for both Fresh Off the Boat and Perpetual Grace, LTD?
Dash: Improv helps me make choices quickly and confidently, which has helped me a lot when trying to make scenes feel as real as possible. It has also helped me when adapting to the choices of the other actors.

PC: Between Brian and Glenn, which character do you relate to more? Which was more challenging to bring to life?
Dash: I relate to Glenn more because he is always hopeful, even when he probably shouldn’t be. He was also more challenging to bring to life because he doesn’t interact with many people at the start of the series.

PC: What do you think Glenn’s reaction would be if he met Brian and vice versa?
Dash: Glenn would probably be confused because Brian is much more educated than him. Brian would think that he’s a little strange, considering that Glenn doesn’t interact with many people his age.

PC: What can fans expect with Perpetual Grace, LTD? What can you tease about Glenn’s arc?
Dash: In Perpetual Grace, LTD, fans can expect many unique characters. As the series progresses, we learn more about what drives Glenn and how the adventure changes him.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and comedy?
Dash: I have been acting my since I was three, but started off in comedy doing improv when I was seven. That sparked a passion for comedy that has impacted me my whole life.

PC: How are you able to balance living life as a normal teenager and your career?
Dash: It’s like a one-person seesaw.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Dash: The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that you have to be professional on set even if you’re a kid.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Dash: Shark Tank

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Dash: Spy Kids

PC: Favorite book?
Dash: Wonder by R. J. Palacio

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Dash: Hamilton

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Dash: Spice Girls

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Dash: Barry

PC: Hidden talent?
Dash: I can memorize anything.

To keep up with Dash, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Perpetual Grace, LTD on Epix on June 2.