RIGHT FOR THE ROLE
BREAKDOWNS, BREAKUPS, AND BREAKTHROUGHS FROM 35 YEARS OF CASTING ICONIC TV SHOWS INCLUDING ER, THE WEST WING, SHAMELESS, AND MORE
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While there are many books that catalog Hollywood—from the classic to the profane, gritty to salacious—few tell the tale of how entertainment’s biggest names became the biggest names.
From George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, and Eriq La Salle to Allison Janney, Regina King, Josh Gad, Lucy Liu, Jessica Chastain, and dozens of other now-household names, Levey knew they had “it.”
In Right for the Role, Levey shares his insight into the casting process along with his persistent belief in the power of collaboration and community. As he documents his evolution from a novice casting director to one of the greats in the field, he also details the transformation of the casting profession and entertainment industry from the intimate perspective of an insider.
Beyond teaching readers how to spot what it takes to make it in Hollywood, how casting has changed since the 1980s (when telephones had cords!), or how to live in a world of glamor and gusto, Levey’s stories also show how to play a central role in a television show’s success without losing a sense of wonder. For any aspiring casting directors, actors or students of Hollywood History, Right for the Role is a must-read.
Testimonials
“John Frank Levey is a maestro, a savant. Like a musician with perfect pitch, John can hear the talent underneath a terrible audition…he speaks a language that we don’t all speak, and he translates that language into performance and something transcendent.”
—John Wells, showrunner and executive producer of ER, The West Wing and Shameless
“I loved Right for the Role. It’s simple, direct and so informative. Great stories!”
—William H. Macy, Emmy and SAG Award-winning actor
“The real stars of our industry are casting directors like John. They don’t only launch careers but also set us up to be a part of our own beautiful, unfolding stories.”
—Lucy Liu, Emmy-nominated and SAG Award-winning actor
“A must read for anyone - especially any actor, any creative, and any television lover! Mr. Levey gives his honest insights on the evolution of the happy "accidents" that created his amazing casting career. ”
- Dawn Grabowski, Amazon
“Casting is destiny. We live and die by it. Our visions would never come to life without the right actor for each part. I can't think of a better insight into the magic behind the truth of filmmaking than the lessons in Right for the Role.”
—William Broyles, Jr., screenwriter and co-creator of China Beach
“John is the type of casting director that truly roots for actors. When you walk into a room with him, you really feel how much he wants you to win.”
—Eriq La Salle, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actor, three-time winner of the NAACP Image Award
“John Frank Levey not only has an eye for talent, but he also loves talent. Not everyone has both, and most people have neither.”
—Rob Lowe, Emmy-nominated and SAG Award-winning actor
“Right for the Role is fantastic. Thoughtful, illuminating, and just plain fun.”
—Lydia Woodward, writer and producer of ER and China Beach