Interview with David A. Goodman

The first time I met David A. Goodman, we were both playing zombies on the set of the SyFy Channel's Zombie Apocalypse (Nick Lyon, Director), starring Ving Rhames, in downtown Los Angeles.  A tall, dark, heavy set man, David seemed to be one of the most experienced and knowledgeable extras I had ever met, and more than willing to share his knowledge with other background extras, while we waited in the holding areas, between takes.  One topic he seemed particularly fond of, was the Six Degrees of Separation From Kevin Bacon drinking game.

Vaughanster:  Are you David A. Goodman (I) on IMDb.com?

David:  NO, that's some other guy.  I'm gonna have to use another variation on my name when I unionize, and adjust my IMDB to include all my credits.  I've made the jump to principal work, in addition to background.

Vaughanster:  What roles have you played in movies and/or television so far?

David:  My most significant role so far is a principal role in an independent film called Silent Life, which will hopefully be released next year.

Vaughanster:  How will your IMDb.com bio read?

David:  Probably D.A. Goodman...

Vaughanster:  Who are some of your favorite and least favorite people you've worked with in the entertainment industry? 

David:  The cast and crew of "My Name Is Earl" were great to work with.  I was with them for parts of three seasons.  I won't mention any least favorites.

Vaughanster:  Where were you born and raised?

David:  Los Angeles; I'm a child of Hollywood!

Vaughanster:  What was your first job?

David:  Some MTV project that I wasn't seen in.

Vaughanster:  How important do you think it is to have and maintain and IMDb profile?

David:  I'm not sure.  It's often inaccurate.

Vaughanster:  Have you won any Kevin Bacon games lately?

David:  No, but I can!

Vaughanster:  What are your favorite foods and drinks?

David:  Fried shrimp, filet mignon, corn on the cob, Kosher hot dogs and fried chicken...

Vaughanster:  Do you smoke, and, if so, what?
 
David:  I smoke the occasional cigar.

Vaughanster:  What are your current projects, or upcoming films or TV episodes you're going to appear in?

David:  I have a short movie shoot next week [March 10-16, 2013].  I'm playing a record executive.

Vaughanster:  How important is money to what you consider success in entertainment?

David:  I consider my work an art form, but I certainly like the money.  If I can make money and do work that people enjoy, it's the best of both worlds.

Vaughanster:  What sort of roles do you usually play? 

David:  Generally, I play whatever I can get!

Vaughanster:  Do you stay in touch with any of the other "zombies" or characters we worked with on Zombie Apocalypse?

David:  Just one, but I'll protect his privacy by not naming him.

Vaughanster:  Did you ever do unpaid work in the entertainment
industry, to gain experience and exposure?

David:  Oh, yes.

Vaughanster:  What would your Bacon Number be on IMDb.com?

David:  I have no idea.  [David A. Goodman's Bacon Number would at least be 3, because he was in "Zombie Apocalypse (2011) with Ving Rhames, who  was in Mission: Impossible (1996) with Dale Dye, who was in JFK (1991) with Kevin Bacon.]

Vaughanster:  Even people who died before Kevin Bacon was born have Bacon Numbers of 3.  Have you ever heard of anyone with a Bacon Number higher than 3? 

David:  I'm not sure what a Bacon Number is.

Vaughanster:  Who are some of the celebrities you've met in person?

David:  Burt Reynolds, Sidney Poitier, and dozens of others...

Vaughanster:  Have you ever served in the military?

David:  No.

Vaughanster:  What roles would you like to play?

David:  I'm open to virtually anything.

Vaughanster:  What celebrities would you like to work with?

David:  Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, and I'd love to work for Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese.

Vaughanster:  Who would you want your children to have as role models, among singers, athletes and politicians, as well as actors?

David:  I have no children, but I think Tom Brady is a good role model.

Vaughanster:  What influenced you to start working in the entertainment industry?

David:  No one; it was solely my idea.

Vaughanster:  Do you have any musical talents?

David:  I play the radio!
　
Vaughanster:  What, if anything, is your "day job"?

David:  I am a working actor.

Vaughanster:  What cities, States, and countries have you traveled to?

David:  Very few, although I enjoy traveling.

Vaughanster:  What languages do you read, write, speak and or understand?

David:  None fluently.

Vaughanster:  How do you intend to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Easter this year?

David:  I don't.

Vaughanster:  What advice would you give anyone who is considering a career in entertainment?

David:  Be prepared for rejection, and develop a thick skin.

Interview by William Mortensen Vaughan