Ashley Walters: The Unheard TRUTH About Top Boy! "Me & Kano Didn't Have The Greatest Time"

Added: Sep 19, 2023

Walters reflects on his troubled past and the negative attitude he had towards life and other people. He admits to wanting to hurt others the way he was hurt and engaging in destructive behavior that got him into trouble with the police. He acknowledges that he didn't care about himself and had a difficult time exploring his identity as a man.

Despite his troubled upbringing, Walters found success in his career as an actor and musician. He attributes his talent and success to his ability to connect with people and his charm, which he believes he inherited from his father. He also acknowledges the support he received from his family and the black community, which helped him navigate the industry and maintain relationships.

Walters delves into the complex relationship he had with his father, who passed away in 2005. He shares that his last encounter with his father was a transformative experience, where he realized his father's intelligence and understood his own potential. He regrets not expressing his gratitude and hopes that his father knew he was proud of him.

The loss of his father had a profound impact on Walters, and he admits to not fully grieving or processing his emotions. He describes going off the rails and making reckless decisions, including hurting his partner and fathering two children outside of his relationship. Walters acknowledges the mistakes he made during this period and the consequences he still faces.

Walters discusses the challenges of being in the entertainment industry and the instability he experienced for many years. He shares that he faced financial struggles and constant rejection, but his determination and resilience kept him going. He admits that he struggles with hearing the word "no" but uses it as motivation to prove people wrong.

Despite the challenges, Walters remains humble and focused on helping others. He believes in giving back and maintaining genuine connections with people. He acknowledges the importance of treating others well and being accessible, which has contributed to his success and support from his fan base.

He emphasizes the importance of preparation and advises aspiring artists to focus on their own journey rather than comparing themselves to others. Walters reflects on the challenges he has faced, including the loss of his father and his time in prison, and how these experiences have shaped him. He expresses that he wouldn't erase these events from his life because they have led him to where he is today.

The conversation then shifts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Walters admits that the initial weeks of lockdown were tough for him, as he struggled with not being able to work and being confined at home. He discusses the strain it put on his relationship with his wife and the realization that he wasn't ready for 24/7 family time. He shares his experience of feeling depressed and the importance of seeking support from loved ones during difficult times.

The discussion delves into the topic of communication and emotional expression. Walters acknowledges that he has struggled with these aspects due to his upbringing and the lack of affection he experienced. He talks about the importance of learning to communicate and connect with his wife, even though it doesn't come naturally to him. He recognizes the need to work on these skills to maintain a loving and committed relationship.

Walters also reflects on his role in Top Boy and how it has changed his life. He recalls his initial hesitation to take on the role due to being typecast as a "bad boy" in previous roles. However, after reading the script, he was captivated by the complexity and depth of the characters. He discusses the impact of the show on culture and how it has shifted perceptions and opened doors for black actors and stories.

The conversation touches on the challenges faced during the production of Top Boy, particularly in the final season. Walters reveals that there was resistance and a lack of creative input, but he and his co-star, Kane Robinson (Kano), fought for what they believed in. He acknowledges that they may not have won every battle, but the push and pull process ultimately contributed to the show's success.

Walters expresses mixed emotions about the final season of Top Boy. He feels bittersweet about the end of the show because it means losing the close connections he has formed with the cast and crew. However, he also recognizes that it gives him the opportunity to pursue other avenues and explore new roles. He acknowledges the stability the show provided but also the fear of the unknown.

The podcast continues with a question left by the previous guest in for Walters. The question asks what he would say in his last phone call to his children. Walters responds emotionally, stating that he would tell them that he loves them, as he didn't have the chance to have that conversation with his own father before he passed away.

Walters concludes by talking about the importance of maintaining the integrity and resonance of his art. He acknowledges that it can be tempting to compromise artistic integrity for convenience or popularity, but he believes in staying true to his vision. He expresses his excitement for his directing career and mentions that he is working on some incredible projects.