HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Every little boy continually dreams of what he is going to be when he grows up...a doctor, a rock star, an astronaut, a fireman, a truck driver, even the President of the United Sates. However, most of these are just little boy fantasies that disappear with age. For comedian David Spates, his boyhood dream became a reality.
Born in West Palm Beach, Fla., Spates grew up as an only child. At the age twelve, he watched Eddie Murphy in Trading Places and knew precisely what he was going to do with his life.
"I sat there watching the movie and listening to the audience laugh," explains Spates, "and it was truly magical. Everyone was happy and right then and there I knew I wanted to be able to make people laugh."
Going on to high school, Spates started sneaking into local comedy clubs and performing just like Murphy had done when he was young. Making himself known, he also earned the distinction of being the youngest person to win a stand-up comedy contest in local clubs.
It was during this time that he attracted the attention of an agent who offered to represent him. Shortly after that he landed his first acting job as a stand-in for Michael Winslow on an Italian Series called Extra Large.
"I learned a lot about the industry during the six months I was on the show," explains Spates. "It also really reinforced my determination to be a successful actor."
In 1997, Spates made the move at the age of 24 from Florida to California.
"I knew it was the place to be," he says. "But wow...In Florida I was a big fish in a small pond and in California I was suddenly just another fish in a huge pond. I didn't know anyone and I knew the trick was to get my self out there. I felt I had to sharpen my skills so I began to take all sorts of acting classes and started writing scripts."
In addition to getting numerous acting roles, both on film and TV, Spates began to make comedy sketch videos for fans to watch on YouTube. It didn't take long for his comedy to became a popular channel on the video-sharing site.
ASM: Where has your career taken you so far?
Spates: I've done a lot — comedy clubs, television, film, written, produced and acted in over 40 videos, written five comedy scripts, worked as an editor, miscellaneous crew and in the editorial departments.
ASM: What got you into the YouTube genre?
Spates: One of my goals is to star in one of the comedies I have written and in order to do that I need financing. While numerous people have read my scripts and really liked them, they feel that a big name star is the necessary ticket. I want to be that star. YouTube is a great vehicle to help make me a well-known household name. It attracts viewer from all over the world and keeps gaining in popularity.
ASM: Other than working on your career do you have any other passions?
Spates: Other than my family, my other passion is basketball. I love it.
For more on David Spates, be sure to visit his YouTube channel.
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