Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Johnson AKA Bobby J.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Robert. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in the small town of Fairfield Texas. In the 80’s it was town of approximately 3500 people. When I was in the 8th grade I started working at the Exxon station right off I45. If I remember correctly I was hired in June of my 8th grade summer, by June of the following year I was fired and rehired from there like, I dunno… 4 or 5 times. Basically, I was the Billy Martin of “The Full-Service Petroleum Assistance Program” For those of you born after 1975 that means I was the guy that pumped your gas. Yes, back in the day we had people that would do that for you. By the time I turned 16, I transferred all the way across the street to the Texaco Station where I climbed the ladder to the guy that plugged your tires (I was classy like that😊). By the time I graduated High School in 83, I really had no idea what I was going to do with my life. My first foray into Junior College was a disaster. I was all over the map with no focus, so I pretty much decide at that time that college was not for me and dropped out. Two months after my 19th birthday one of the local Texas DPS troopers asked me what I was going to do with my life. Of course, I responded with a smart-alecky response to the question. He gave me the steely eyed Texas Trooper stare and knew I should probably pay attention. He pulled a few strings and the next thing I knew, I’m in College Station sitting in the Texas A&M Police Academy.
After graduating, I went to work for the College Station Police Department. Two years later, I accepted a job with the Corsicana Police Department assigned to an undercover operation that worked throughout the region. On the 6th month of the operation another undercover officer with the Midlothian Police Department was murdered after his cover was blowned. Our command at the time decided to be on the safe side and pull the assignment. There were rumblings floating throughout the Intel world which caused them great concern. It was about this time that I met my wife Stacy, who is a 4th generation Corsicanan. The next thing I know I’m getting married and Corsicana is now home.
My wife had a degree from Southwest Texas State University and she encouraged me very strongly to go back to college. (Read between the lines, she told me I was going to school). Now, this was before Al Gore invented the internet and I was working for the Corsicana Police Department and driving back and forth from Corsicana to the Dallas Baptist University Campus Monday – Friday after work to attend night classes. I would also go every Saturday for weekend classes. On Sundays, I would work off duty as security for a local chemical company. I kept this schedule for the next 3 years and graduated Dallas Baptist with a Bachelor of Science degree and then went straight into my Master’s program where I graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Human Relations and Business.
In 1993, one of my professors told me that a Dallas hospital system was looking for someone to take over a security program and eventually explore the opportunity to transition it into a full police program. That led to a 23 year career as the Chief of Police and Corporate Security Director over a system that operated in Dallas, Tarrant and Colling County. It was there that I met a person who would have a significant impact on my life. Lawrence “Larry” Varnado. Larry is that guy that has a voice that sounds like Barry White and looks like a cross between Pit Bull and Vin Diesel. We met in the early 2000’s and became fast friends. Larry is a veteran actor who has appeared in dozens of film and television projects with many recurring roles. Every Thursday we would go lunch at this little hole in the road diner called The Purple Onion. It was tiny place in South Oak Cliff that had probably a hundred black and white framed headshots of actors from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s that had eaten there. For years he had tried to talk me into auditioning for “Open Calls”, basically these are Cattle Call auditions that are opened to the public. At the time, I really didn’t like the idea of even trying to speak in front of folks that I didn’t know. Let alone making a fool out of myself in an audition so I always told him no, that I wasn’t interested. One day he wore me down over an audition for a movie of the week were the specs for the lead character was “Tall, well-built authoritative type with a strong Southern Accent” to play the part of a Texas Ranger. I gave in and took 2 selfies with my 1st Generation iPhone and sent them to the casting director. Two days later, my wife and I were in the back yard with a carpenter. She was standing next to me when my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, so I hit declined. It rang again, and I declined again. It rang a third time and I answered with “WHAT”. I assumed it was a telemarketer. That’s when the voice on the other in introduced herself as Kina. I had replied with “I’m sorry I don’t know a Kina”. She replied with “Kina Bale, you sent me a couple of pictures the other day”. Now again, my wife was right next to me and she heard that response. As she was reaching for the shovel that was leaning against the tree I was breaking out in a sweat thinking about how I really need a complicated passcode on my phone for when I have to take Nyquil. Before the shovel could reach terminal velocity, Kina explained that she was the casting director for the movie that I had applied for and she was wondering if I would like to audition since I fit the specs and had a law enforcement background. Of course, I said yes! Not knowing anything about the business, I thought that I would have a couple of weeks to work with Larry and learn the ins and outs. Kina responded with “Great, I’ll text you the location and I’ll see you at 1o’clock today”. I auditioned but I didn’t get the part.
A few weeks later the same casting director made contact with me and wanted to know if I would be interested in being an extra. I asked her what was involved, and she pretty much said that I would have .003 seconds on screen, no one would recognized me, I would work in the heat for about 9 hours and make next to nothing. Uhm yeah, sounds legit. A couple of days later I arrived at the Studios at Los Colinas. We shot a scene for series that was running at the time and at the end of the day I determined that it wasn’t for me. As I was leaving that night, a guy approached me in the parking lot and said “You look like you would make a good cop”. I’m like Duh! It turned out that it was Peter Horton, who was directing the next episode. So I came back the next week and ended up being the featured extra on Lone Star. I had several great scenes and close ups with David Keith and Eloise Mumford. At that moment, I was hooked on the business.
I did extra work a couple of more times and found out that I really enjoyed the experience of being on set. Because of my law enforcement background, I naturally will watch people. I found myself doing just that on set. Watching, learning, trying to absorb everything about what was going on around me. Taking in the terminology, the etiquette, the overall operation trying to make sense of how everything comes together to make what we see on TV.
After a few months, Larry told me to find a monologue that was 3-4 minutes in length and learn it frontwards and backwards. The reasoning was that once I was comfortable with it, I would apply for representation. Learning the lines didn’t prove to be that difficult. It was a monologue of an American Colonel who was stationed in Iraq. It was very passionate and intense. I applied at CORE Talent in Frisco. Within hours I got the standard rejection email stating the obvious. You have no experience, training or resume. Three days later I received a phone call from the owner of the agency Teresa Natera. We had a short conversation and said that there was something about a look that I had and accent that she liked and she would like for me to audition for her agency. The following weekend was stressful as I interviewed in front of her panel of 4 and then went right into my monologue. I was signed that day CORE Talent. The couple of months had be auditioning for a couple of industrial pieces and local hire commercials then I get THE call! I had an audition for a new pilot episode that was going to be shot the following month. The pilot was the reboot of the iconic show DALLAS! Two days later, I found myself in a casting studio surrounded by people that I recognized from other shows and movies. I was nervous as hell, however I auditioned and felt pretty good about it but did not think anything would come from it. The following week I got a call back and was thrown curve ball after curve ball during the audition. Two weeks later I get the word. I booked co-star on the pilot episode of DALLAS. My character recurred three times over the first two seasons.
This stroke of luck is what really jump started what started out as a hobby and is now another career that has encompassed more than 85 roles in film, television, commercial, and print. In 2015, I booked a role in the move “Trafficked” with Ashley Judd and my friends Patrick Duffy and Efren Ramirez. First shot was up at 8am and because we were shooting in a home that had a huge wall of windows which caused some lighting issues because of the rising sun. This means that we did not have a whole lot of time between takes. The Director (Will Wallace) told me “Bobby J, in this scene I want you to walk up to the bar, take a double shot of whiskey, and then with swagger and attitude walk over to actress (played by a beautiful 21 year old Israeli Actress/Model) and make out with her………can you pull it off”? I looked him square in the eyes as said, “So you want me to take a shot of whiskey, have an attitude and with swagger walk over and make out with a beautiful woman more than half my age?…….I’m company man…I’m on it Boss!” As I said, we didn’t have much time between takes and it was imperative that we reset and shoot quickly. Of course the whiskey that I was to drink was really apple juice. As soon as we started the reset, the props department was busy on another issue so I reached over to the what I thought was the prop whiskey bottle and poured another double shot of what I thought was apple juice….I was wrong. The Director yelled action and I slammed a double shot of 80 proof. After the scene ended we had to hurry due to lighting so I didn’t say anything and did it again because I didn’t want to be “That guy that held up production”. After the 3rd take I was like, “Excuuuuuse Meeeee, blah blah, a little help there….I mean here….whatever”:)
We shot in Malibu and Bakersfield, California. While in Bakersfield, I had a really creepy scene where I was a crooked Texas Ranger working for bad guy played by Patrick. As soon as we finished the scene a lady approached me who represented KOR Talent in Los Angeles. As soon as the filmed wrapped, I was signed by KOR. Later, I filmed scenes for “They Lost Our Baby” and met Actor Edgar Arreola who was represented by Del Corral Agency in New Orleans. The next thing I know I gained representation by Terry McNeal who is the owner of Del Corral. This means I repped by agents in Hollywood, Dallas, and New Orleans.
In 2016, I began a new adventure after retiring from the Dallas area. I was wanting to leave something behind in Corsicana. A city of 24,000 people located 50 miles South of Dallas it has a wonderful charm with its historic downtown complete with brick streets. After being in the acting world I have a pretty good eye for what is needed in front and behind the camera. Myself and local businessman Jimmy Hale met with City leaders who worked closely with us in ensuring cooperation in this venture. Whenever you bring a film crew into a city it can best be described as “Organized Chaos”. With Cast and Crew you can have 50-60 people in town for a month flying through windows, explosions, shootouts, car chases, and 10 car pile ups….then the stunt men roll into town and things really get interesting 😊
Within the first week of our initial meeting, the first call I placed was to Hollywood Director Will Wallace. Will has been a close personal friend of mine since 2013 when I booked a roll in a film that he directed called “Red Wing” with the late Bill Paxton and “Titanic’s” Frances Fischer. There was a movie that he was producing with Florida Director Dustin Fairbanks and he thought we might be a good fit. Dustin had just got back into the United States after being in Europe on a project. He hadn’t even had time to unpack when we flew Dustin and Will into Love Field drove straight to Corsicana and began our pitch while at a Billy Jo Schafer concert. The next night, we were on Beaton Street in downtown Corsicana looking at the beautiful white lights that cover the trees downtown. Dustin looks over, shakes my hand and says “Bobby J, were coming to Corsicana”. This movie was “WARNING SHOT” and it marked my first walk into the producing world. So the next thing you know people are driving down Beaton and they look up and there is David Spade and Guillermo Diaz crossing the street in downtown Corsicana.
While we were starting pre-production for “WARNING SHOT”, The Corsicana Police Chief job became available, 39 applicants, 3 interviews and 2 months later I took the helm at the CPD and I couldn’t have been more happy than to walk through the door of a department that meant the world to me. While “WARNING SHOT” was being filmed, I booked another film from Director George Bennet to bring their movie “FAZ” to Corsicana with me acting in a supporting role as well as Co-Producing the project and my Son Brandon Johnson acting and serving as Associate Producer. Brandon is a junior at Texas A&M and had acted with me in a couple of projects when he was in high school as well as serving as the Key Production Assistant for “WARNING SHOT” and has also worked in Hollywood and New York as well.
We had a two week break between the first two movies. I retired from Dallas on a Friday, on Saturday I flew to LA to film scenes for another movie, flew back to Dallas on Thursday and was sworn in on Friday morning. The next week we started “FAZ”. On the last week of filming I auditioned and booked a role in the movie “UNDYING” which was written and Directed by Hollywood Stuntman James Logan and one of the Producers is my good friend Major Dodge from Dallas. Once I met the team, I came on board as a Co-Producer and we moved the production to Corsicana. During this project I became close friends with Hollywood Legend James Russo and actress Teri Reeves.
In a 4 month period I was able to book 3 motion pictures to be shot in a town that had never experienced the film world. Since then we have had many other movies and television projects filmed in our city with cast and crew from throughout the world. September 6th we will be attending the Hollywood Premier of “WARNING SHOT”, the project that really started it all and took me to the next level. “FAZ” and “UNDYING” will be released this fall.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Less than 1 percent of 1 percent of the US population will ever get utter a word on a major Television or Movie soundstage and less than 1 % of 1% of that will be fortunate enough to become a working Actor or Actress. It’s not easy. As an Actor/Producer/Print Model/Writer I consider my time very valuable. Not from a monetary standpoint but from a productive standpoint. I know people that blame every failure on the excuse of “I don’t have enough hours in a day”. However, they get off at 5 and spend the rest of the evening watching TV until midnight each day of the week. I have kept the same schedule for 30 years, up at 4 am, returning emails, getting my workout in, planning my day, arrive at work at 7:30 home at 7PM, family time and tie up acting/production work. If you notice, I do not list “TV time” in this schedule. This is because out of 7 smart TV’s in my home, I limit myself to about 2 hours on Saturday evening. Anything that is worthwhile is going to be difficult and time consuming or everyone will be doing it. The biggest challenge that most people don’t understand is that I don’t have a whole lot of downtime to socialize. My socialization is usually with industry folks that I am collaborating with. Most people that know me know that when I am in work mode, speak to me in bullet points.
When I first started booking larger projects and producing, it was definitely stressful. However, I learned early on that if I’m uncomfortable or unsure about something it is best that I just jump in and do it over and over and over again. The physical and mental tolls that are taken by the hours and internal politics use to stress me and cause sleepless nights. Now these same issue energize me because I have slayed that Dragon time and time again
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Robert Johnson AKA Bobby J 🙂 – what should we know?
The “Robert Johnson” City Official side of me has had the privilege of serving as a Law Enforcement Officer for more than 3 decades with 26 years at the helm as a Police Chief. This is the most rewarding job I could have. I am the Chief of Police for the City of Corsicana. I could live anywhere in the world and not have to worry about having a “Traditional” job. However, I chose to be a police chief, I chose to come here. I chose to meet the challenges of my law enforcement profession and I chose to remain even through all of the tough times that my blue family have faced. We have some of the best talent in State of Texas working for the Corsicana Police Department and our City is becoming known throughout the country for positive and inspirational stories and activities on many fronts. We have a historical city full of friendly folks. When I am maneuvering in this world I value dedication, preparedness, initiative and most of all integrity and courage. When people hear my name in law enforcement circles it is usually followed by my intense hatred of hard drug use and criminals that prey on innocent and helpless people. In Chief mode, I am methodical and obsessive compulsive about every aspect of the job.
The “Bobby J” side of me in the Acting, Producing, Writing, and Music Promoter world is almost like I divide my brain in several sections with each portion responsible for its own task. For example, most people will think in terms of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7. When I am in my creative mode I’m 1, purple, 32, oatmeal…..SQUIRREL! If you can’t multitask in this business you will FAIL! No doubt about it. Mistakes and failure to meet deadlines cost union fines and your reputation. Every film set, no matter where in the country that it may be, I will know at least 2 or 3 actors or crew members who know who I am or I will meet someone who knows me and my reputation about how I make things happen no matter what the odds are.
My specialized area of performance has to be my signature police, military or cowboy characters that are basically not even acting for me. The funniest role I have ever had will be unveiled in the fall. Thurgood T Birmingham III is a sexy machine. Yall be sure to catch it!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Whenever I hear someone say that they became a success all on their own. It makes me want to scream. No one makes it on their own. Someone had to teach them, give those opportunities to succeed, have patience when they failed, and give them opportunities to advance in the industry. Every agent pushes you as a client, every casting director gives you an opportunity to audition, every director gives you a chance to perform and every person that sees your project, goes to your website. Social media page or IMDB helps to push your career. Not to mention your friend and family that supported you when your time was limited.
I have a very close circle of confidants, mentors, collaborators:
Actor Lawrence Varnado mentored and guided me as I started this crazy ride. We are currently co-creating our next thriller project.
CORE Talent owner and my Texas Agent Teresa Natera. Teresa is an absolute doll who is tough as nails. She is the one who brought me to the dance.
Director Will Wallace has definitely helped to guide me into the next level of my film career. He saw something in me that others did not.
Country Music Legend David Frizzell for teaching me the ins and outs of the music industry as I prepared for the 1st Annual LeftyFest that honored his brother, the Great “Lefty Frizzell”. David has also entrusted me with the legacy of Lefy as the Producer and Writer of the docu-drama “I Love You a Thousand Ways”
Director Dustin Fairbanks, Director George Bennett and Director James Logan for trusting me with your brand and vision.
Actress April Hartman who has been a close friend of mine ever since we first met filming a national commercial in 2011. She has played my wife in so many shows and commercials most people think we are married. Her enthusiasm, encouragement advice has helped me more than she will ever know.
Director/Actor James Logan and Major Dodge. We are the guys that stick together no matter what. I can always count of them when the chips are down.
Most of all my wife Stacy for allowing me the time to pursuit my dreams and supporting me on these crazy adventures. My Son Brandon who is already smarter, kinder and 100 times better than me at everything. He is always with me every step of the way. I have never met anyone that can succeed at everything he tries and my daughter Bailiegh. Everyone in the acting world calls her “Pumpkin”. She gets a kick when major stars will facetime her on her birthday and sing happy birthday to Pumpkin.
The City Leadership of Corsicana Texas and all our wonderful Citizens that allow us to come into town and disrupt the normal flow of things. Our citizens work very close with us and assist us with locations, props, advice, extras, etc. We couldn’t do any of what we do without their support! Thank you City of Corsicana and our Citizens.
Contact Info:
- Website: robertjohnson.actor
- Phone: 972.835.9995
- Email: rjjohnson1145@gmail.com
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