"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 John Stamos, Noah Wyle, Lisa Edelstein, Eriq La Salle, Sasha Alexander, Ana Gasteyer, and many 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.
John Frank Levey: Four Decades of Being Right For The Role
It’s the Season 2 Finale of Right For The Role and today, the tables are turned! Co-producer Trudi Roth takes over as host and interviews John Frank Levey about the career that made him one of Hollywood’s most respected casting directors. John reflects on the people, instincts, relationships, and experiences that shaped his approach to casting, including the importance of trusting your intuition and understanding the person behind the performance. John and Trudi revisit some of the acto...
26 Aug 2026
Ana Gasteyer: Mastering the Power of "Yes, And..."
What happens when the skills that shape your creative life also shape the way you connect with other people? Ana Gasteyer joins John Frank Levey for a wide-ranging conversation about improv, collaboration, community, perseverance, and the winding path that took her from music and theater in Washington, D.C., to Northwestern, the Groundlings, Saturday Night Live, Broadway, television, film, and a career that continues to evolve. Ana and John explore the influence of improv on her approac...
19 Aug 2026
Katherine LaNasa: The Greatest Rewards Come From Unbreakable Positivity
Sometimes the role that means the most arrives after you have spent decades preparing for it without realizing where that preparation is leading. For Katherine LaNasa, playing Charge Nurse Dana Evans on The Pitt brought together her experiences as a dancer, actor, mother, cancer survivor, and longtime working professional in ways that gave the character a deeply personal foundation. Katherine joins John Frank Levey to explore the winding path that brought her there, from discovering ballet as...
12 Aug 2026
Dana Delany: How to Trust Your Instincts In a Tough Industry
Dana Delany has built a career around following her instincts, embracing meaningful roles, and allowing her personal values to shape the choices she makes professionally. In this deeply personal conversation, John Frank Levey reconnects with his longtime friend to explore where Dana’s creative drive began, from childhood trips to the theater in Connecticut to her early experiences on Broadway and the realization that acting was a calling she had felt since she was three years old. John ...
5 Aug 2026
Richard Lawson: Never Fear Forging Your Own Path
Richard Lawson has built a career that spans decades, yet his passion for acting, teaching, writing, and mentoring continues to evolve with purpose. In this conversation, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his creative life, from serving in Vietnam as a medic to discovering acting as his life's calling and developing the resilience that has carried him through thousands of auditions, setbacks, and successes. The discussion explores how personal hardship can become a foundation for gro...
29 Jul 2026
Susan Rovner: How Resilience, Change, and Independence Lead to Growth & Success
The experiences that shape your life rarely stay confined to childhood, and the lessons you learn through adversity often influence every major decision that follows. You’re about to dig into a conversation that explores how resilience, independence, and a willingness to embrace change can shape a meaningful career, strong relationships, and a lasting impact on the people around you. On this episode of Right For The Role, John Frank Levey is joined by Susan Rovner to talk about the moments th...
22 Jul 2026
Ming-Na Wen: How Authenticity & Gratitude Can Shape a Career
Some careers last because of talent, while others endure because of the character, resilience, and perspective behind that talent. Ming-Na Wen reflects on the experiences that have shaped her remarkable journey, sharing how authenticity, gratitude, and a commitment to lifelong growth have guided every stage of her career. John Frank Levey and Ming-Na discuss the importance of embracing your identity instead of trying to fit someone else's expectations, especially in an industry that has histo...
15 Jul 2026
Lisa Edelstein: Embracing Growth, Change, and Reinvention Personally & Professionally
There comes a point in everyone's life and career where choosing a new path is the only way to move forward. Lisa Edelstein joins John Frank Levey for a thoughtful conversation about creative reinvention, personal identity, and the choices that help shape a meaningful life on this episode of Right For The Role. Drawing from her experiences as an actor, writer, and artist, she explains how pursuing creative work for the joy of the process can provide clarity and fulfillment. John and Lisa also...
8 Jul 2026
John Stamos: The Role That Changed Everything (and How The Beach Boys Discovered Him)
It's the Season 2 Premiere of Right For The Role and, in this episode, John Frank Levey sits down with John Stamos for a conversation about the moments that shaped his career long before audiences knew his name. Together, they explore the value of learning from experienced mentors, why curiosity has remained one of John's greatest strengths, and how paying close attention to the people around you can create opportunities that no audition ever could. As is tradition on Right For The Role, the ...
5 Feb 2025
The Roles That Form & Change Us: Noah Wyle on ER, Activism & Longevity in Show Biz
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 (https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book) 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 (http://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 (https://www.itsthetrustory.com))
29 Jan 2025
Taking Pride in Your Career: Tim Bagley on Learning, Growing, and Staying True to Yourself
Veteran actor Tim Bagley joins John Frank Levey to discuss his remarkable three-decade career spanning hundreds of roles.
From his early days studying with renowned acting coaches to becoming a Groundlings mainstay, Tim shares how his commitment to authenticity and continuous growth has shaped his craft and journey as an openly gay performer in Hollywood.
Through candid stories about his experiences on shows like ER, Southland, and Somebody Somewhere, Tim reveals how he approaches each character with empathy and psychological depth – whether playing a flasher, an OCD patient, or a Supreme Court clerk opposite Sally Field.
The conversation explores how his background in improv and dedication to ongoing training have enabled him to tackle dramatically diverse roles while staying true to himself.
In this episode:
How Tim discovered his comedic voice through The Young Americans and The Groundlings
The psychology behind creating authentic characters, even in challenging roles
His groundbreaking LGBTQ representation on Will & Grace and beyond
Learning valuable lessons from being fired and the importance of letting go
His experience with loss during the AIDS crisis and its impact on his career choices
The value of continued acting training and study throughout one's career
Working with acclaimed actors like Sally Field and Regina King
Tim's story exemplifies how embracing authenticity, both personally and professionally, while maintaining a spirit of continuous learning can lead to a rich and enduring career in the arts.
TV shows and plays discussed in this conversation:
Curb Your Enthusiasm (TV)
ER (TV)
Hacks (TV)
Hello, Dolly! (stage play)
Perfect Couple (TV)
Shameless (TV)
Somebody Somewhere (TV)
Southland (TV)
Teachers (TV)
The Court (TV)
Will & Grace (TV)
Wings (TV)
Connect
Connect with Tim on Instagram: @iamtimbagley, and visit his website, timbagley.com (http://timbagley.com)
Connect with John on Instagram: @john_frank_levey_
Click here (https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book) 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 (https://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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerodmorris/) and Trudi Roth (https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudiroth/) of It’s the TruStory
(https://www.itsthetrustory.com/)
22 Jan 2025
Leading With Joy: Shanola Hampton on Shining Your Light & Making an Indelible Impact
The radiant Shanola Hampton joins her longtime friend John Frank Levey to share her remarkable journey from a five-year-old with a dream to becoming the lead of NBC's "Found" after her unforgettable run as Veronica on "Shameless."
In this heartfelt conversation, Shanola opens up about how faith, family, and education shaped her path, including a touching story about a minister's prophecy during her childhood that sustained her through years of almost-but-not-quite moments in Hollywood.
In this episode:
Shanola's leap from beloved ensemble player to leading lady, and what it really means to be #1 on the call sheet
How she juggles her demanding career with family life, including weekly cross-country flights to be with her kids
The changing landscape for actors of color in television, from limiting stereotypes to leading complex characters
Fun behind-the-scenes stories about filming intimate scenes on "Shameless" and her deep friendship with co-star Steve Howey
Her growing passion for directing and cherished mentorship from John Wells
The fascinating dynamics of her education-driven family, where she jokes about being the "underachiever" despite her advanced degree
This conversation is a joyful masterclass in perseverance, authenticity, and the magic that happens when artists create safe spaces to do their best work.
TV shows discussed in this conversation:
Shameless (TV)
Found (TV)
Connect:
To connect with Shanola Hampton, find her on Instagram: @shanolahampton
To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblB6WlZKLW1OcDFTVmdkeHRmVXlxZGI2U2wzQXxBQ3Jtc0tseWNYQTAwNXMtOEtSY0FJbFp4WGFHa1cyVE9zdnY0d1Y5NThsYUxvallTdGJnX3hyT0tXWTRaMWNsUFEyTjhPRl9HWUo3dXFfWVhkQ3M0U29nekZxYUxrMEQtakVVSlJIR3J4d2dpY0FCOHhOY196NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnfranklevey.com%2F&v=8DOgxNVoVNI) or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_
To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1JxRUxYNTNhSEsyWVNXT0Z5WkRTQ19XaXZHZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttV0JDdV9yemdwNHdlNzA3d29FbkhRNTFGdnZVb0FHcjRHaFk1bkxnZF8yT09NbndLeHg3c2p6dzVqZXUxMjJkbkdzQkdXUTFiVlVpenJHelBDZUtmeUhQWnVRXzNJNVJud3lHN2NTQmJHUzRHdTRBdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnfranklevey.com%2Fbook&v=8DOgxNVoVNI)
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 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFBkZ1d1c2NMNjJTMExIdU5lR2FYY2tiZV8wd3xBQ3Jtc0tsQ1FwaExrdUhkclBhN1VVelplb0Fzdm4xS0tyNzd1VmRCUE1CaVlfejlzbnpEeC1GNnJZYlNURDVic3RTckwzaXk5NmRGa1BsY2doQUN3QnZpZGp0OGpadGNfaWxpSUZKa3ZMZGFJLWpWaDlsUzhHZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itsthetrustory.com%2F&v=8DOgxNVoVNI))
8 Jan 2025
Don't Wait, Create: A Hilarious Conversation With Dennis Dugan About Taking Creative Risks Seriously
Veteran director Dennis Dugan joins John Frank Levey to share how embracing life's unexpected turns and maintaining a playful spirit shaped his remarkable journey from actor to billion-dollar comedy director.
Through candid stories spanning his early theater days to directing Adam Sandler films, Dugan reveals how every seeming setback opened new doors. His conversation with Levey explores the delicate balance between taking creative risks and building lasting industry relationships.
In this episode:
How getting kicked out of college led Dugan to the Goodman Theater and ultimately Los Angeles
The fascinating story behind landing Problem Child by literally standing on a studio executive's coffee table during his pitch
His unconventional approach to playing Captain Freedom on Hill Street Blues and why staying in character between scenes elevated the performance
The full-circle moment of Adam Sandler hiring him to direct Happy Gilmore because Dugan had championed him years earlier
Why he's returning to his acting roots after directing films that grossed nearly $2 billion
The power of creating your own opportunities, including writing and performing a one-act play to showcase his acting for agents
His philosophy that "if you wait, you'll be a waiter" and why artists need to make things happen
A masterclass in turning setbacks into opportunities and maintaining creative passion across a five-decade career in Hollywood.
TV shows and movies discussed in this conversation:
Hill Street Blues (TV)
Moonlighting (TV)
Hunter (TV)
MAS*H (TV)
The Mod Squad (TV)
The Waltons (TV)
Problem Child (Film)
Happy Gilmore (Film)
Big Daddy (Film)
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (Film)
You Don't Mess with the Zohan (Film)
Grown Ups 1 & 2 (Films)
Just Go with It (Film)
Jack and Jill (Film)
Estonia, You Fall (stage play)
The House of Blue Leaves (stage play)
Richie Brockleman (TV)
Connect:
To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ (https://www.johnfranklevey.com/) or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_
To order a signed copy of John's memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book
(https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book)
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 (http://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 (https://www.itsthetrustory.com))
18 Dec 2024
Having It All vs. Doing It All: Sasha Alexander on Acting, Parenting, and Finding Balance
Actor Sasha Alexander joins host John Frank Levey for a candid conversation about balancing a successful acting career with family life and the pursuit of creative fulfillment.
Drawing from her extensive experience across shows like "Dawson’s Creek," "NCIS," and "Rizzoli & Isles," Alexander shares honest insights about the challenges of maintaining authenticity both on and off-screen. The discussion weaves through her European upbringing, approach to complex roles, and recent journey of prioritizing family while navigating industry changes.
In this episode:
• How Alexander’s Serbian-Italian heritage and European exposure shaped her artistic sensibilities and acting approach
• The contrasting experiences of working on procedural shows versus character-driven series, and the unique challenges each presents
• A fascinating discussion about intimacy coordinators in Hollywood and their impact on directing and acting
• The reality of “having it all” as a working parent in the entertainment industry, and why timing matters more than we think
• Personal reflections on choosing to step back from major roles to be present for her children’s formative years
• What it means to maintain creative fulfillment while navigating the ebbs and flows of an acting career
• A thoughtful exploration of artistic integrity, personal growth, and finding peace with life’s natural seasons.
TV shows discussed in this conversation:
Dawson’s Creek
NCIS
Rizzoli & Isles
Shameless
Presidio Med
Connect:
To connect with Sasha Alexander, find her on Instagram: @sashaalexander
To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_
To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book
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)
11 Dec 2024
Control Your Destiny: Eriq La Salle on Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy
Three-time Emmy-nominated actor, director, and author Eriq La Salle joins legendary casting director John Frank Levey for a candid conversation about breaking barriers and creating lasting change in Hollywood.
This wide-ranging discussion explores La Salle's remarkable journey from a young theater student in Hartford to becoming one of television's highest-paid African American actors. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflection, La Salle and Levey examine how race, representation, and the pursuit of creative control have shaped their careers and the entertainment industry.
Key moments from the episode:
How a failed Michelle Pfeiffer film project sparked La Salle's transformation from actor to director
The fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how La Salle almost didn't get cast in ER over a $10,000 dispute
Why La Salle's impromptu trip to Spain with George Clooney and Noah Wyle became crucial to ER's success
The complex negotiations and advocacy required to ensure authentic representation of Black relationships on ER
The unexpected way Coming to America director John Landis changed La Salle's approach to working with actors
How La Salle maintains a decades-long friendship with fellow actor Michael Beach despite career competition
What writing a five-book thriller series has taught La Salle about creating deeper, more nuanced stories
This conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone pursuing a creative career, particularly those facing systemic barriers. La Salle's strategic approach to building a multi-faceted career – from acting to directing to writing novels – demonstrates how to maintain both artistic integrity and professional longevity in an often challenging industry.
Resources mentioned:
Laws of Depravity (Book by Eriq La Salle)
Laws of Wrath (Book by Eriq La Salle)
Laws of Annihilation (Book by Eriq La Salle)
Coming to America (Film)
ER (Television series)
Under Suspicion (Television series)
Chicago PD (Television series)
The Twilight Zone (Television series)
A Raisin in the Sun (Play by Lorraine Hansberry)
To connect with Eriq La Salle:
Website: iameriqlasalle.com (http://iameriqlasalle.com)
IG: @eriqlasalle
Facebook: Eriq La Salle
X: @EriqLaSalle23
TikTok: @eriqlasalleauthor
To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/
(https://www.johnfranklevey.com/)
To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, Right for the Role: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book
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 (http://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 (https://www.itsthetrustory.com/))
5 Dec 2024
Trailer
Right For The Role launches on December 11th. Learn what the show is about and hear clips from our first set of interviews in Season 1.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
44
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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