We are not sure if you recognize this adorable little boy who is now an adult in his mid-twenties. But perhaps you have a glimpse of recognition toward the older gentlemen standing beside him. The little boy is Nick Williams who graduated from the College Experience in 2018 and the man is the late-Academy Award-winning actor, Paul Newman!

Nick was only 7 or 8 years old at the time of his brush with superstardom when Paul Newman was visiting the Double H Ranch where Nick attended a camp for youths with disabilities. (Nick has cerebral palsy but he remains very active in the community.) Paul Newman gave Nick some sage advice in order to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. Mr. Newman suggested that Nick always try out for the talent show at the ranch and to keep his memory alive, which Nick promised to do throughout his future performances as an aspiring professional actor.

Paul Newman also explained it is necessary to practice 24 hours a day, seven days of the week, and all 365 days a year. Mr. Newman invited Nick on his yacht and spoke to him like a fellow adult. This legend’s advice for Nick was to find an agent because that is “key” to getting a foot in the door in this business and to build one’s career in incremental baby steps. Paul Newman mentioned how he started off small by performing theatre for about five years before launching his career in films.

Nick is involved in a lot of thespian endeavors within the Albany community, which will be profiled in a future blog entry! In the meantime, we are pleased to present this blast from the past.