Right For The Role with John Frank Levey
Right For The Role with John Frank Levey
Podcast Description
"Right For The Role" is hosted by legendary casting director John Frank Levey, whose four-decade career and four Emmy Awards reflect his uncanny ability to recognize who's right for the role.
As the casting visionary behind revolutionary television shows like "ER," "The West Wing," "Shameless," and "China Beach," Levey has not only witnessed but actively shaped the careers of some of Hollywood's most recognizable talents.
Through intimate conversations with accomplished guests like Eric LaSalle, Sasha Alexander, Dennis Dugan, Noah Wiley, Shanola Hampton, and others, listeners will discover inspiring stories about finding one's authentic path in both life and career. Drawing from his vast experience, Levey guides conversations that uncover valuable insights about taking risks, advocating for what you believe in, and discovering your true calling.
Whether you're in the entertainment industry or simply navigating your own path, each episode offers honest, unfiltered discussions about defining moments, career transformations, and the journey to embracing the roles we're meant to play.
So join John Frank Levey -- recipient of the Casting Society of America's prestigious Hoyt Bowers Award for Lifetime Achievement -- as he shares his exuberance for the craft and helps listeners find inspiration to discover their own role of a lifetime.
The first episode launches December 11th.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as career transformation, artistic authenticity, and personal growth. Episodes highlight experiences from notable guests, covering topics like Noah Wyle's groundbreaking role in ER, Tim Bagley's commitment to authenticity as an openly gay performer, and Eriq La Salle's conversations around race and representation in Hollywood.
“Right For The Role” is hosted by legendary casting director John Frank Levey, whose four-decade career and four Emmy Awards reflect his uncanny ability to recognize who’s right for the role.
As the casting visionary behind revolutionary television shows like “ER,” “The West Wing,” “Shameless,” and “China Beach,” Levey has not only witnessed but actively shaped the careers of some of Hollywood’s most recognizable talents.
Through intimate conversations with accomplished guests like Eric LaSalle, Sasha Alexander, Dennis Dugan, Noah Wiley, Shanola Hampton, and others, listeners will discover inspiring stories about finding one’s authentic path in both life and career. Drawing from his vast experience, Levey guides conversations that uncover valuable insights about taking risks, advocating for what you believe in, and discovering your true calling.
Whether you’re in the entertainment industry or simply navigating your own path, each episode offers honest, unfiltered discussions about defining moments, career transformations, and the journey to embracing the roles we’re meant to play.
So join John Frank Levey — recipient of the Casting Society of America’s prestigious Hoyt Bowers Award for Lifetime Achievement — as he shares his exuberance for the craft and helps listeners find inspiration to discover their own role of a lifetime.
The first episode launches December 11th.
Actor, director, writer, and producer Noah Wyle joins John Frank Levey to share the fascinating story behind his legendary ER audition and explore his remarkable three-decade career in television.
In this intimate conversation, Noah reflects on how his role as Dr. John Carter evolved from an uncertain medical student to a confident physician, mirroring his own growth as an actor and person.
From his early resistance to television work to becoming one of the medium’s most enduring presences, Noah discusses how ER‘s groundbreaking approach to diversity, storytelling, and medical authenticity changed both his career trajectory and emergency medicine itself.
He shares moving insights about working alongside acting legends and the powerful mentorship dynamic between his character and Eriq La Salle’s Dr. Peter Benton.
In this episode:
- The complete story behind Noah’s memorable ER audition that won over Michael Crichton
- How the Dr. Carter/Dr. Benton relationship broke new ground in TV representation
- Working with legendary actors like John Randolph, Eli Wallach, and Alan Alda
- Noah’s real-world activism inspired by ER‘s Africa storylines
- The evolution of emergency medicine before and after ER‘s influence
- Finding creative fulfillment through three decades of television work
- Balancing his career with fatherhood and family life
Through candid stories and thoughtful reflection, Noah illuminates how finding the roles you’re right for – both on-screen and off – can lead to profound personal and professional growth.
TV shows discussed in this conversation
- China Beach (TV)
- Dark Shadows (TV – unaired pilot)
- ER (TV)
- Leverage: Redemption (TV)
Connect
- Connect with Noah on Instagram: @therealnoahwyle
- Connect with John on Instagram: @john_frank_levey_
- Click here to order a signed copy of John’s memoir, Right for the Role.
Acknowledgments
Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in “hero shots” — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir “Right for the Role.” Learn more at www.heroshots.la.
The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.
Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It’s the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.