Johnny Ray Gill | Tale of a Prospective Gent

Johnny Ray Gill | Tale of a Prospective Gent

Author: Marc Preston Productions, LLC April 24, 2026 Duration: 1:11:20

On this episode of “Story and Craft”, Marc sits down with actor and writer Johnny Ray Gill (“Cross” Season 2 on Prime Video) for a wide-ranging conversation about Gill’s Portland roots in an all-Black Northeast community, his working-class family, and early artistic start in spoken-word poetry inspired by the film “Slam.” Gill shares how a rites-of-passage program shaped his cultural awareness, how an internship with writer Mike Rich opened doors, and how his path led from USC film school to Temple and then UC San Diego’s theater program. He recounts booking “Harry’s Law,” reflects on hip hop’s shift as commerce overtakes art, and explains why he feels artists owe audiences truth. Gill discusses his climate-focused script “Laying Pipe,” his love of animals and nature, learning Spanish, and the serendipitous way he was offered his role in “Cross.”


02:24 From Portland to LA

03:23 Working Class Roots

04:48 Choosing the Arts

08:09 Spoken Word Origin Story

11:28 College Path and Drama School

15:10 Hip Hop and Early Influences

17:10 Art Versus Commerce

20:25 Screenwriting and Truth

22:03 Pitching Laying Pipe

29:45 How Cross Came Together

34:31 Persistence and Knowing Your Vocation

36:31 New Passions Nature and Animals

40:03 Plants Pets Travel

41:40 Indigenous Symbiosis

44:26 Cross Writing Process

45:17 Bobby Trey’s Capitalism

48:34 Shreveport Food Authenticity

51:06 The Seven Questions


For over thirty years, Marc Preston has worked from both sides of the microphone, building a career as an actor and a nationally syndicated radio host. That unique perspective informs every conversation on Story and Craft with Marc Preston. This isn't a standard interview podcast; it's a series of deep, meandering, and genuinely connective dialogues. Marc's endless curiosity drives him to explore not just what his guests have done, but how and why they do it. He sits down with a compelling roster of creative minds-actors from film and television, voiceover artists, writers, musicians, and cultural influencers-to unpack the fascinating, often unseen work behind their public personas. Listeners are brought directly into a discussion that feels like eavesdropping on a great chat between old friends, one that naturally veers from technical craft to personal philosophy. The result is consistently entertaining and offers unexpected insights into the worlds of comedy, culture, and storytelling. Each episode of this podcast reveals the nuanced decisions, the years of practice, and the personal stories that shape art and performance. You'll hear about the awkward auditions, the breakthrough moments, and the simple love for the work that sustains a creative life. It’s that blend of professional insight and human experience that defines the podcast, making it a rewarding listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, society, and the discipline required to excel.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 93

Story and Craft with Marc Preston
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