In October 2009, there was a blog article written by Tom Provenzano about David Dean Bottrell. While it may seem like a love-fest pile-on, I thought I’d add my two cents into the mix about this interesting cat.
I have the good fortune of knowing David mainly through activities at Hollywood United Methodist Church. David is a “you see what you get” kind of fellow - at least he’s that way with me. I love the way his creative mind works, whirling away on varying levels and at all hours of the day/night. And he’s fearless. I’m also impressed by his fortitude in the ups and downs in this industry. So…I decided to chat with David and gain some insight into his world - where he’s been, what’s he’s doing and anything else he’d like to throw out there.
Originally from Kentucky, David’s family moved quite a bit from small town to small town throughout the Bluegrass State and in parts of southern Ohio. As a kid, he was extremely shy but found enjoyment in art. His drawings and paintings received positive attention and that gave him confidence to explore other creative outlets, including stage plays. David discovered he liked being up on stage as a “character” as it freed him. As he states, “Little by little, it just seemed like it was the only path that made sense to me. It was the only thing I was truly good at.”
David made his way first to New York City and delved into the big city life. It was there he learned through his first acting teacher about “personal truth” and “how each of us has a unique viewpoint.” He has learned much from other talented people along the way - “to work hard, to stay focused, to stay flexible, to relax and enjoy the process.”
From NYC, David journeyed to Los Angeles - yet not willingly. He thought of himself as a dedicated New Yorker; yet, 18 years later, he’s still here. Lucky us! For anyone who ever watched Boston Legal, David’s work on the show was phenomenal. I still crack a smile just remembering the creepy Lincoln Meyer and how he just kept coming back and coming back. “That job fell from the sky and totally changed my life. What a character! And to have someone like David E. Kelley writing scenes for you each week???”
Last year, I saw David on stage at the Colony Theatre in Better Angels. It was my first time to see David perform “live” and the audiences loved him as did the Colony Theatre production team. Interestingly enough, he had been away from any kind of live performing for over 15 years. His focus was primarily as a writer during that time. In 2009, he started doing some spoken word shows and ended back on stage. The Colony’s production was invigorating for David. Then came along a pitch from his friend Roy Cruz: “Let’s put together an evening of Meryl Streep monologues all performed by men.” Say, what?!?!?
Not shying from a great opportunity to travel a different road, David decided to join in the effort or as he says, “Suck up my guts and give it a shot. Everybody involved has great respect and love for Meryl Streep. While Streep Tease is a riot, at its core, it is really an homage to this great artist.” Six months after the first performance, the show, at the Bang Comedy Theater on Fairfax, has been extended for the fourth time - June 6 through July 31.
What’s next for David? Well…to learn more, check out his blog: www.partsandlabor.tv.
I asked David if he had any words of advice for other creative artists and I found his remarks well-worth passing on: “Don’t wait for someone’s permission to create something. Don’t get stuck in a game plan that isn’t working. Evolve. Stay open to new ideas. Pay attention to what works. Don’t be jealous. Appreciate and learn from other artists’ work. Forget about your resume. Enjoy it. And get better at it.” Excellent words for living life.
