Seattle’s R. Hamilton Wright has been a professional actor for over 35 years, appearing in 130-plus productions. This year, he is back in the director’s chair for ACT Contemporary Theatre’s 48th year of A Christmas Carol, with performances through Dec. 24. Learn about R. Hamilton Wright…
Hometown: I was born in Seattle.
First job: My first job was working on the construction of a new golf course. Mostly I picked rocks and cut brush. I was 16. I made $4 an hour. My first paying job in the theatre was playing Walter the Woodsman in a production of Red Riding Hood at the old Children’s Theatre at the zoo. I was 21. I made less.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: I love to hike in the mountains. Or walk about almost anywhere.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: With the help of dear friends, I quit drinking alcohol in 1985. It saved my life.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I suppose that, professionally, my biggest obstacle is my lack of confidence. Overcoming it is an ongoing process.
Someone who inspires you and why: I am inspired every day by my wife, Katie Forgette, because of her great generosity of spirit. And she makes me laugh.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Work with people that are more talented, more skilled and more experienced than you are. Learn from them. Steal from them.
Favorite quote: Wrong and strong. (When encouraging other actors and yourself to make big choices and go for it in rehearsal.)
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m not a big fan of Shakespeare.
What makes someone fabulous: Listening to others and being curious about the world outside oneself. Also – loving peanut butter.