Interview with the LA Complex's William "BIGSLEEPS" Stewart
William “BIGSLEEPS” Stewart is a Canadian actor, script writer, and song writer. He is currently on The CW’s ‘The LA Complex’ as Rook. Check out our interview with William below. We discuss music, ‘True Justice’, Rook’s return, a possible love interest for Rook and Robocop. Be sure to tune into the CW tonight for two new episodes of ‘The LA Complex’ starting at 8pm. You can follow William “BIGSLEEPS” Stewart on twitter @big_sleeps.
How did you get the nick name BigSleeps?
“I first got the nick name Sleepy in Jr. High, because of my eyes. Then years later I was a club promoter and Hosted night with my friend DJ Degree One. He made a flyer for one of our club nights and put “Hosted by BIGSLEEPS”. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I figured if Puffy Daddy can change his name to P. Diddy, BIGSLEEPS ain’t to bad.”
Do you prefer acting in films or television?
“I don’t really prefer one over the other. To me, they are pretty similar. Depending on the size of the role you play, it will determine how many days you will work and how many scenes you have. I just really enjoy acting.”
What has been the most challenging role for you to date?
“I have to say, my role as Andre Mason on ‘True Justice’. He was a very serious and somewhat square character. It was challenging because I’m not that serious in real life. I’m pretty much always joking around and finding a way to make people laugh.”
Did you originally audition for Rook on ‘The LA Complex’?
“The funny thing is, I originally auditioned for the role of Dynasty, before they began shooting season one. When they released the breakdown for Rook season two, my agent called me and said she thinks this would be a perfect role for me. Only because I have managed and have been really close friends with hip hop recording artists.”
Can you tell us about your role in Robocop?
“Well… All I can say is, it a small role and I play a criminal. ;)”
Rook has been missing from the ‘LA Complex’ action? Do you have a theory about where he’s been and if he’ll return? Did he go off to find Tariq?
“Rook is off trying to figure out his life and his relationship with Kaldrick. As far as Tariq is concerned, you’ll have to keep watching to find out. Rook will be back and all I can say about that is, the amazing writers of ‘The L.A. Complex’ have found a great way to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats, the minute Rook returns. As Jay-Z & Kanye would say… “That Shit Cray”‘!”
Who would you love to have a scene with on ‘LA Complex’ that you haven’t had the opportunity to yet?
“Wow, that’s a tough one! I would love to see a scene with Rook & Raquel. Only because Rook is just an angry black man and Raquel is the angriest white girl on the show. I would just love to hear the conversation between the two of them. I can see it now… back and forth miserable banter, one of them says something to strike a nerve, the vexed face stare down… cut to commercial.”
If you had to choose one of your ‘LA Complex’ costars to be Rook’s love interest – who would you chose?
“You’re trying to get me in trouble aren’t you? Oh man! Ok, I’ll answer this question with two answers.
1.) I would say Abby, ONLY because Rook and Abby would have more of chance to meet because she is a singer.
2.) The other reason I would pick Abby, is because it would really piss of most of my friends. They always ask me about her and tell me how beautiful she is. I just mess with them and say… “Y’all should see her before hair & makeup”. I’m just joking. I’ve never seen her without make up.”
Do you have a favorite ‘LA Complex’ episode?
“My favorite episode to date is the one with the rap battle at Kaldrick’s house with Infinite Jest. It’s also my favorite because I got to beat infinite Jest’s ass.”
Who is your favorite band or musician?
“My favorite musician is Michael Jackson, then Stevie Wonder.”
What is the best concert you’ve gone to lately?
“Jay-Z & Kanye.”
What has been the best thing to happen to you since being on ‘The LA Complex’?
“I was in an upscale restaurant and the server and the manager were huge fans of the show. They recognized me and gave me my meal for free. I can’t lie, it was at McDonald’s.”
Which character are you more similar to Rook or Andre Mason?
“I’m more like Rook. We pretty much dress the same and I understand the music industry also. But the biggest similarity between myself, Rook & Andre Mason is that we all look alike.”
Besides acting, what are your hobbies?
“I like writing music and scripts. I also like going to football and hockey games. I like watching ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. Oh, also ‘The L.A. Complex’.”