Hudson Williams knows that his life will look different now, even if it hasn’t fully sunk in yet.
24-year-old actor starring in Crave’s fierce rivalrymentioned his rapid rise during a recent appearance on Evan Ross Katz Shut up Evan The podcast discusses the whiplash that came after the series’ explosive debut. The hockey romance, which centers on two rival players who are hiding a secret relationship, quickly gained enthusiastic attention from fans after it aired on HBO Max late last year.
“I feel like nothing could have prepared me for it,” Williams said of the attention. “It’s not based on values or human nature, it’s a different existence now. But it’s a different life.”
When Celebrities Stop Feeling Human
Williams likened his current experience to observing a global pop phenomenon from the outside until he suddenly found himself inside that same machine.
“And when you look at these people, like when you look at the Beatles or BTS, there’s an element of ‘It’s not other human beings who are famous,’ and it exists in this weird definition that’s very abstract,” he said. “I thought I could empathize, but I just couldn’t feel enough of what they were going through before. And now this wave of empathy is hitting me, because it’s not easy.”
The change is particularly jarring considering Williams was still working in the service industry until recently. The Canadian actor opened up about waiting tables at an old spaghetti factory just before landing. fierce rivalrythe contrast between then and now feels especially sharp.
The viral moment that changed everything
As the show’s popularity snowballed online, Williams and co-star Connor Storey quickly became acquainted. The response quickly spread. Viral clips, nonstop fan edits, a quick Season 2 renewal, and packed public appearances.
The craze reached a new peak when Williams debuted on the late-night show. tonight show Fans lined up throughout the night and host Jimmy Fallon took notice.
Fame comes with logistics and limitations.
Mr. Williams was grateful, but acknowledged that paying attention makes learning difficult.
“It’s nice when people admire your work, but the truth is that sometimes we get pulled aside to take pictures, even when we go to nooks and crannies in places we never thought we’d find,” he said. “You have to look good, because you can’t just wear sweatpants and look terrible like I always did. All of this is exhausting in a way.”
Even more difficult, he explained, is finding a balance between accessibility and boundaries.
“You can’t sign everyone’s stuff, you can’t talk to everyone, you can’t steal. There’s an element of selfishness,” Williams said, noting that the team includes security guards, public relations officers and agents with their own responsibilities.
“If I stay here and sign everything, including the guards, they have other jobs to do,” he continued. “Publicists need to go somewhere. Agents need to go somewhere. That can be an act of self-interest rather than an act of generosity.” [try] And see you all. ”
gratitude in the midst of chaos
Despite the strain, Williams remains firmly rooted in his hometown.
“It’s hard to complain, because for a long time I was in the stereotype of an actor who was a server and worked his butt off to get any role, paycheck to paycheck,” he said. “Connor and I had to learn in about 30 days what most actors get in five years.”
Other cast members expressed similar sentiments. Francois Arnault, who plays hockey star Scott Hunter, previously revealed that the attention has led him to take a break from social media.
“Actually, I’m having trouble sleeping. I’m having a hard time sleeping,” Arnault said. “I have to delete Instagram. It’s too much for me.”
Series creator Jacob Tierney expressed similar caution, saying he tries to maintain a certain distance from the noise.
“I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t,” Tierney said. E.W.. “I’m very grateful and very excited.”
For Williams, the moment continues to be exhilarating, overwhelming, and impossible to ignore. Fame may have come quickly, but learning how to live with fame has proven to be a full-time role in itself.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
