TCU senior plans to continue career in acting
By Kristen Eloe
Skiff Staff

Upon graduation this May, Travis Willingham, a theater performance major, hopes that he does not find a full-time job.

The 6-4 Texas native plans to move to Dallas to pursue a career in television and film. Well, at least that is what Willingham expects to do after he finishes filming “Unchain My Heart” for Paramount Pictures this June in New Orleans.

In the movie, which is directed by Taylor Hackford, Willingham portrays a Marine. The film recounts the life of blues singer Ray Charles and is scheduled for release sometime next year.

As he is no stranger to acting, Willingham took a break from school last fall to film the New Line Cinema production “Secondhand Lions,” which is directed by Tim McCanlies and stars Michael Caine, Robert Duvall and Haley Joel Osment. Due out in September, the drama tells the story of an introverted child (Osment) who travels to Texas to live with his two great-uncles (Duvall and Caine). In the film, Willingham plays a gang member who is beaten by the 72-year-old Duvall.

Somehow between movie roles, local and national commercial appearances and roles in TCU theater productions, Willingham managed to complete his degree plan in four years. He said he looks forward to the opportunity to focus on acting full time.

Willingham said one of his professors, the late department Chairman Forrest Newlin, made an impact in his personal and academic life.

“He really took time to get involved with his students,” Willingham said. “I think he made a difference in all of his student’s lives.”

Willingham said another favorite TCU memory involves the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C., where he competed his sophomore year and placed within the top nine actors in the nation.

When asked what advice he would give to incoming freshmen and current underclassmen, Willingham emphasized the importance of not waiting until the last two years of college to declare a major.

Despite the unstable economy, Willingham appears unconcerned by his slightly unsteady career choice.

“I feel good,” Willingham said. “I think things will fall where they may.”

Kristen Eloe