Throughly busy newsman takes a theatrical turn

Anyone who interviews President Obama is most likely very busy. 6ABC news anchor/reporter Rick Williams, who recently spoke with the commander-in-chief, has a tight schedule.

“My work is very demanding but I love it,” Williams says while calling from his office in Philadelphia. “I have considerable responsibilities but very gratifying work and then I also have to spend time with my family.”

Some of Williams’ precious family time is spent on the stage. He and his 11-year-old son, Nicholas, act in productions of the Moorestown Theater Company.

Father and son are in the MTC production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which finishes its run Saturday and Sunday.

“I love doing it for so many reasons,” Williams says. “I guess it goes back to high school. That’s when I was first involved with a drama club. I was a jock and some cheerleader asked if I would be in a production of ‘Oklahoma,’ and I got bit by the acting bug. It’s great fun and it’s a wonderful experience.”

The newsman enjoyed theater but elected to become a journalism major in the broadcast sequence at Howard University.

“That worked out well,” he says. “I thought I would be on the print side of journalism but between acting and spending time as a jazz DJ, I started to really like my voice and I put it all together.”

Williams has been with Channel 6 WPVI for a quarter-century. “I started when I was 10 years old,” he says with a laugh. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What I’ve done has led me to a wonderful area.”

Williams, who grew up in New York, has been a pillar of the Moorestown community since moving there in 2000. He is a board member for the Moorestown Theatre Company and, until recently, served as a Little League coach.

“I coached Nicholas until he decided that he prefers the arts,” Williams says. “It’s great for me because I still get to interact with him in the theater. It’s been amazing watching the impact acting has had on his self-esteem. He is able to speak easily in front of people, which is something I was unable to do until I was a junior in college.”

Williams’ intense schedule prevents him from making all rehearsals. “That’s how it goes for me,” says the anchor. “I wish I could be part of every rehearsal but that’s just not possible. I make the shows and every rehearsal I can make. I do what I can when I’m not working, but sometimes things at work just come up and I have to fulfill obligations here.”

Like getting a call from the White House to chat one-on-one with the president. “That’s a perfect example of how things happen very quickly in my business,” Williams says. “His staff called the station out of the clear blue sky last month. They asked if a reporter could be sent the next day to interview the president (and) I was asked to go to the White House. I was hoping I didn’t have any outstanding tickets and my taxes were up to date.

“It was an unforgettable day. I got to sit with the president and speak about what was happening (with the government shutdown). He was very gracious, very personable. He thanked me for coming down, but it was my honor. It was an unbelievable opportunity, but so is working with our theater. I’m very blessed to have the family I have, the job I have and the opportunity to act with my son. I don’t know how things could be better for me.”

The Moorestown Theatre Company presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” Saturday and Sunday at the Upper Elementary School, 325 Borton Landing Road, Moorestown. Show times: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Ticket: $15. Information: 856-778-8357.