NOW AVAILABLE!

On Acting... and life
A New Look at an Old Craft
​by William B. Davis

​Dozens of books on acting exist, but none of them are quite like this. On Acting and Life provides both insightful acting advice and the memoir of an acclaimed actor of both stage and screen. Modelled after Stephen King’s bestseller, On Writing, the book is divided into two parts. 

Part one takes readers on a seventy-year journey that begins with William B. Davis, at age twelve, riding his bicycle through the streets of Toronto to his first acting classes, and eventually leads to him starring in the long-running television series, The X-Files. From a summer theatre in Ontario to the National Theatre of Great Britain to the National Theatre School of Canada to the William Davis Centre for Actors’ Study in Vancouver, few have achieved such a colourful journey. Along the way, Davis met all sorts of familiar faces, including Donald Sutherland, Brian Cox, Albert Finney, Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, David Duchovny, and Gillian Anderson, among others. 

In part two, Davis reflects upon and distills what he has learned during his long and varied life. What is acting? How do we do it? How can we do it better? His answers may surprise you. So whether you’re a budding thespian looking for a window into the world of acting, or a seasoned performer looking for new tricks, Davis provides a unique and entertaining view into the craft. ​


William B. Davis' On Acting... and life: A New Look at an Old Craft is now available in print and ebook from most major online retailers.​
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​To order your signed or unsigned copy directly from William B. Davis, please visit his website below...
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Early Praise

​"This book celebrates a lifetime’s passion and commitment to the mysterious realm of acting... It’s a history lesson and an inspiration, reminding the discouraged actor that you never know what’s coming round the corner so be prepared and keep the faith. Gold!"
-Rosemary Dunsmore, leading Canadian acting teacher and actor



"It’s possible you will become a better actor after reading Bill; it’s also possible you will become a better person."
-David Duchovny, star of The X-Files



"Bill Davis’ On Acting is a fascinating tapestry of a life dedicated not only to the Art, but also to do a deeper philosophical grasp of our work."
-Brian Cox, BAFTA award winner and star of Succession

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"Bill’s vast experience, on stage, screen and as a teacher is more than impressive, it’s a rarity in our culture of instant fame."
-Chris Carter, creator of The X-Files



​​"An entertaining, down-to-earth remembrance and a fine guide for actors seeking to master their craft."
-Kirkus Reviews

William B. Davis

After decades of working as a theatre director and actor in Canada, the UK, and the US, William B. Davis rose to prominence as the Cigarette Smoking Man on TV’s The X-Files. Besides appearing in numerous other TV shows and movies, including Upload and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Davis also founded his own acting school, the William Davis Centre for Actors’ Study.

​Davis has written one other book, a memoir entitled Where There’s Smoke . . . The Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man. He lives in Vancouver, B.C., with his wife.

For more information, please visit www.williambdavis.com.

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