Show notes
No one shall stop you when pursuing a career as a creative! On today’s episode, Rob meets John Challis, who’s famous for playing “Boycie” in the comedy series “Only Fools and Horses.” Listen as they talk about Only Fools and Horses, shunning away as an actor in this society, following the dream, overcoming failures, meeting the Beatles, geeking about The Goon Show and many more!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
John Challis’ interest in acting started at 8 years old. He watched Peter Pan on theatre and it blew him away. His facility for mimicry started appearing and honed it despite driving his parents insane. He was desperate to copy his favourite characters and he got good at it as a result.
Experiencing to be in society which doesn’t embrace creative pursuit. His dad was a civil servant but John didn’t want to go with that career. Hi figured out he was good at acting and pursued it with full force. John says being in the creative industry won’t be easy but just do it!
Follow your dream and don’t get crippled by fear. You don’t want it but there will be times you’ll be heckled and rejected. It’s a cruel environment and it will be tough. But you just have a go with what you want if you think you have it in you. Establish connections. Get contact lists of producers, clients, big studios, etc. Build your portfolio.
His character ‘Boycie’ opened up new career opportunities for him. John says he just got lucky with his unforgettable portrayal of Boycie. He went through a lot before landing the role. He went to America but it didn’t work out. His acting from a previous audition was noticed by Michael Sullivan. He got his script in the mail. Then, it started skyrocketing from there. His character grew and evolved. Of Fools and Horses lasted for so many years.
Being aware of the problem is a big part of overcoming a failure. John recalls the time he had too many personal problems and had taken a toll on his career. He knew it was happening. He knew it was wrong. He says he was lucky that he met his wife Carol who greatly helped him in his tough times.
Quick Fire Questions: What’s John’s favourite storyline from A Fools and Horses? A scene where Elsie Partridge has a message for Boycie and the Heroes and Villains episode.
What character does he want to play if it’s not Boycie? Marlene Boyce.
What got you in acting: money or art? Earning money from doing what he loves, acting.
Any advice for aspiring actors? Follow that dream.
How’d you like to be remembered? Someone who gives pleasure. Someone who entertains.
Worst advice? “Why don’t you give up and do something sensible?”
Best advice? “Don’t give up. You have to get older to realize what’s for you. Some people are gone in an instant like a firework. Some have a long tail and you are one of those.”
BEST MOMENTS
“It’s not easy these days. But, if it’s in you, do it! You may fail, but someone said, ‘Try again, fail better.’ Try it. 70% don’t and regret it.” – John Challis
“Those burning dreams we have for the creative… they don’t seem to go away.” – Rob Moore
“It’s all about surprising… ambushing the audience.” – John
“If I have money from something I really love doing, that’s a bonus for me.” – John
“Follow that dream. If you’ve got that dream, it’s in you, and you want to do it, just do it.” – John
“Most successful people are very impatient but has to learn patience.” - Rob
ABOUT THE GUEST
John Challis is an English actor best known for his character Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in the long-running British comedy series ‘Of Fools and Horses’ and its spin-off ‘The Green Green Grass.’ He’s been acting for television and theatre since the ‘60s. He’s written two autobiographies, ‘Being Boycie’ and ‘Boycie & Beyond’ telling more about his personal life and prolific career.
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Rob Moore is an author of 9 business books, 5 UK bestsellers, holds 3 world records for public speaking, entrepreneur, property investor, and property educator. Author of the global bestseller “Life Leverage” Host of UK’s No.1 business podcast “Disruptors”
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