Okay, so a bit of backstory here. When The Walking Dead first came out, I had no desire to watch it. Yeah, yeah, I know...what was I thinking. Well, in my defense, I didn’t think the show would make it to the second season. Eventually I decided to go back to the pilot and give it the three-episode test. I would end up going past three episodes and spent almost two weeks binge watching until I got caught up with the rest of the known world. Which brings me to this.
It was Season Three when fans of the show met Oscar. I won’t go all Wiki with Oscar’s story within The Walking Dead universe, but the character did introduce me to the actor, Vincent M Ward.
Small screen, silver screen, and the stage, Vincent M Ward has dipped his toes in all three. I’m thankful he took the time for this interview. Okay, not just thankful, the nerd in me geeked out. And now, Vincent M Ward. His words, his language.
Let’s get to it!
KD: Okay, I’ll start with this. An actor, sure. But past the silver screen, who is this Vincent M Ward people are reading about in this interview?
Vincent M Ward: I'm Eddie and Virginia's son, I'm Vincent from the small town of Trotwood (still the same). I'm a grandfather of 14. And I'm a leader who focuses on trying to motivate, inspire, teach, preach, and being honest and humble with folks.
KD: I like that. I like all of that. Let's give a shout-out to your corner of the world.
Vincent M Ward: Shout out to Dayton/Trotwood, Ohio...I will make a difference in my community and make you proud.
(Dayton! Trotwood! If you read this, holla back!)
KD: So, I know you as Oscar from The Walking Dead, but you have quite the body of work. When you're out and about, do you still get recognized as Oscar?
Vincent M Ward: Sometimes. Remember, I was always dirty on the show. People notice me for other things that really catch me off guard, but its very humbling and I just smile and talk.
KD: No doubt your role as Oscar cemented your place within The Walking Dead universe. Okay, now we're getting into the holiday season. I mean, it’s barely November and I’m hearing Christmas music. Do you have a favorite holiday memory?
Vincent M Ward: I love Thanksgiving, even though nothing crazy has happened. But I always say don't experiment on my favorite holiday with new recipes. NOPE!
KD: Right? If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it! This one is a three-parter. What genre of music/movies & shows/reading do you listen to/watch/read more than others?
Vincent M Ward: Drama, comedy, and documentaries. I like to watch and enjoy it. even though my wife says I talk too much and she's just as bad as I am. Docs might be my favorite thing to watch, besides sports and MSNBC. I just like to see and hear where people came from or what craziness had has happened.
KD: Seems to be no shortage of craziness lately. A surplus, actually. What is your key to a successful work/life balance?
Vincent M Ward: Prayers, lots of prayers, manifesting, crying. Thanking God for the good and the bad. The future, past, and present. Staying grounded and believing my best is yet to come.
KD: I can understand and respect that. And now the most important question. Coffee, tea, or…?
Vincent M Ward: Neither.
KD: Wait, what?
Vincent M Ward: Water. Tea sometimes. Coffee never.
KD: You're killing me, Smalls.
Vincent M Ward: But I like how it smells.
KD: To me, coffee smells like hope and promise. Two sentence career advice.
Vincent M Ward: The day you decide to give up might be the day your blessing comes. Never give up, never stop believing in yourself, and never judge your career with others you see on social media.
KD: Love that. Especially the social media part. And what are your other passions outside of acting?
Vincent M Ward: My family, travel, and eating.
KD: Why do I have a feeling that the holiday you said you love will encompass all three? What is something you wish you would have known or learned way earlier than you did?
Vincent M Ward: Nothing. I think we all have to go through some stuff. Hopefully, you learn from it and grow.
KD: Personally speaking, I wish I would've learned how to take losing to my son while playing video games a bit more gracefully. He has this way of rubbing it in and talking trash...but I digress. Anyway, how would you describe yourself as far as personality and character?
Vincent M Ward: Outgoing, funny, charismatic. I speak to strangers. Would check one, too - if need be - but I never want to go there. People are crazy.
KD: True that, true that. And how do you think your friends would describe you?
Vincent M Ward: The same as the last question.
KD: But...?
Vincent M Ward: Also they would say I was the same from high school.
KD: Christopher Nolan is one of those people whose movies I'd go see without preview or trailer, just because his name is attached. Ever had a project you did or wanted to do just because someone’s name you respected was attached?
Vincent M Ward: Not really. Only because I get excited for everyone because this crap is hard. Even if a movie sucked, they still got it done and made it happen. People are too judgmental and don't understand what goes on behind the scenes.
KD: Pet peeves?
Vincent M Ward: Lying. Expecting your friends and family to support you, but they be supporting people they don't know more than you. Also, blowing your nose while I'm eating.
KD: I think I just might add that last one to my list of pet peeves! New topic...what, to you, is the greatest aspect of America?
Vincent M Ward: Opportunities to grow and have a better life. We talk about America, but it is worse in other places.
KD: There are multiple wars happening now as I put this interview together. Flipping the coin, what do you feel are the greatest challenges facing America?
Vincent M Ward: Racism, because it's never left. We just see it more because of social media. Homelessness is out of hand. If we can send money and help other countries, then we need to focus on here.
KD: What do you do for relaxation?
Vincent M Ward: Just sitting outside watching tv, playing with my dog, and going to get a massage.
KD: I'm a bit of a tv junkie myself. What would you say is that “aha” moment when you were like, “okay yeah, acting is my career now.”
Vincent M Ward: I haven't gotten there yet. I'm not where I want to be but I'm not where I used to be. I'm still growing and learning.
KD: I can truly relate to that. Especially when I look back down the road I've travelled and how far I've come. Okay, so...what's an unpopular opinion you stand by?
Vincent M Ward: Everyone should be treated the same. I be damn if "I'm always on time but such and such is always late and you baby them." No, someone needs to talk to them. Be professional and respectful to your cast and crew.
KD: Speaking of cast and crew, who has been either the most influential or most inspirational in your career?
Vincent M Ward: Myself. I've seen a lot, but never have I thought about selling my soul for fame nor money. No one knows where a person is financially, emotionally, psychologically. Only the person knows. What the public sees is sometimes different how it is in real life.
KD: Can you tell me about a "wow" moment you once experienced?
Vincent M Ward: Recently in my new movie coming out called Seven Cemeteries. I had a fight scene with Danny Trejo and I was like WOW this dude is short...lol. But he plays so many massive characters.
(Shoutout to Danny Trejo! Love you, man!)
KD: What are one or two things that you wouldn't mind others knowing about you and your world?
Vincent M Ward: Everything you see isn't peaches and cream. You have to have tough skin and you get depressed. Trust me.
KD: I will indeed trust you on that one. Wait, what got you interested in an acting career to begin with?
Vincent M Ward: Getting fired from jobs and one day seeing a play and falling in love with it but never thought about being an actor. I was always an entertainer and liked to perform for people - from playing basketball to dancing in my rap group - but never memorizing lines and acting.
KD: Wait, rap group? No doubt there's a backstory somewhere off in there! If peeps wanted to reach out and connect, what would be a preferred method?
Vincent M Ward: Just inbox me with any questions. I'm supposed to help if i can. My talent isn't just for me, it is to help others.
(Note: I have Vincent M Ward's email, but out of respect for his privacy, I won't be sharing it here. However, for those that may want to connect...)
Vincent M Ward: Just check me out on all social platforms @vincentmward.
My thanks to Vincent M Ward for taking part in my latest interview series, The Backstory. And my thanks to you, the readers. You all are the reason I continue to do interview after interview. Speaking of...more to come in this series, The Backstory.
Take a break from your world...visit for a while in mine. Come often. Stay for a spell.
