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Ashley Walters: The Unheard TRUTH About Top Boy! "Me & Kano Didn't Have The Greatest Time"
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If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about the inside world of acting, you'll definitely enjoy our conversation with Cole Sprouse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XP9J3UyTUo From Asher D to Top Boy, prison to fame, Ashley Walters refuses to be told what he can or can’t do. In this new episode Steven sits down with rapper and actor, Ashley Walters. 00:00 Intro 01:37 😢 Ashley Walters discusses his troubled childhood, trauma, and anger issues, leading to a negative attitude and reckless behavior. 04:46 🧠 Walters delves into his therapy experiences and the impact of his absent father on his self-esteem and relationships. 11:06 💔 Walters reflects on his deep desire for his absent father's approval and how it shaped his self-worth and fear of rejection. 15:32 🎥 Ashley Walters shares a poignant story about his father's last days, his own obsession with dying young, and the emotional impact of his father's death. 23:41 😔 Walters hints at unresolved grief and the struggle to cope with his father's loss, even after 18 years. 24:28 🌌 Ashley Walters believes in the universal law and manifestation, feeling that what he gives, he eventually receives. He attributes his success to this belief. 27:14 🚀 Ashley admits to abusing his celebrity status, making reckless decisions, and hurting his first partner, resulting in two children. He acknowledges his past ego-centric behavior. 32:28 🧡 Ashley reflects on the last two weeks with his father before he passed away, gaining a better understanding of himself and his father's impact on him. 37:45 🎭 Ashley attributes his success to his charm, people skills, humility, and maintaining good relationships within the entertainment industry. 47:02 🌟 Ashley describes the rocky and unstable nature of the entertainment industry, where rejection is frequent, but his drive and motivation come from turning those rejections into fuel for success. 48:58 😶 Ashley Walters prefers the opportunity to try rather than being told he can't do something. He values the chance to bring his ideas to the table and learn from failure. 50:09 🎬 Ashley Walters overcame skepticism about directing by making a short film after being told he lacked experience. This experience led him to discover his passion for directing. 51:51 🤝 Ashley advises students to embrace their unique life journeys and not seek to replicate his own path, which includes hardships like prison and loss. 54:47 💔 The pandemic forced Ashley Walters to confront himself, his flaws, and the importance of communication in his relationship with his wife. It was a challenging time but led to self-awareness. 01:00:53 🗣️ Ashley recognizes the limitations of the voice in his head, which can sometimes lead to poor decisions. He emphasizes the importance of seeking outside perspectives and avoiding impulsive choices based on emotion. 01:12:18 😌 Ashley Walters believes in taking action and not just talking about problems, inspired by his mother's practical approach. 01:13:39 😔 Ashley Walters discusses the challenges of bridging the gap with his partner, who may struggle to understand his background and emotional complexities. 01:14:47 🧔 Ashley reflects on his past failures as a father, acknowledging that he wasn't fully present for his older children due to career priorities. 01:16:02 😞 Ashley expresses concern about the generational impact of his distant relationship with his own father and how it may affect his relationship with his children. 01:17:20 Ad break 01:18:25 🎬 Ashley Walters journey with Top Boy 01:31:20 😢 Ashley Walters shares his thoughts about the final season of "Top Boy," 01:36:27 🌍 "Top Boy" has helped opening doors for a new type of shows. 01:38:41 ❤️ Ashley Walters would use his last phone call to tell his children that he loves them, emphasizing the importance of expressing love. 01:37:45 🙌 The last guest's question Follow Ashley: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3RfAyI9 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48f3PZt My new book! 'The 33 Laws Of Business & Life' is out now: https://smarturl.it/DOACbook Join this channel to get access to perks: https://bit.ly/3Dpmgx5 Follow me: Instagram: http://bit.ly/3nIkGAZ Twitter: http://bit.ly/3ztHuHm Linkedin: https://bit.ly/41Fl95Q Telegram: http://bit.ly/3nJYxST Sponsors: Shopify: https://bit.ly/3Zf4qpQ Wework: https://we.co/ceoworks Huel: https://g2ul0.app.link/G4RjcdKNKsbo
Segments Timeline
The Weight of Trauma
Ashley Walters opens up about his troubled childhood, revealing how trauma and anger shaped his early life. He discusses the impact of his father's absence and how it led him to follow a destructive path, ultimately affecting his relationships and self-worth.
"I was obsessed with the fact that I was gonna die young I wanted to hurt people the way I was hurt some of the things that go through my head scared me nice I got 21 seconds to go top boys are in the ..."
Rekindling a Relationship
Walters reflects on the rekindled relationship with his father before his passing in 2005. He shares how this brief connection brought unexpected emotional turmoil, leading him to make decisions that haunted him later in life.
"2005. you had rekindled your relationship with your father yeah and then he died man I never realized it would affect me that much took me to some Dark Places making decisions that [Music] were gonna ..."
Therapy and Self-Discovery
Ashley discusses his journey through therapy and the importance of understanding the subconscious forces that shaped his life. He emphasizes how early experiences influenced his self-perception and emotional struggles.
"Ashley I've got an interesting observation that I wanted to start with i the way you speak the way you've been chatting to me before we started rolling it almost reminds me of someone who has had a bi..."
The Search for Father Figures
Walters shares how the absence of a father figure led him to seek validation from local bad boys and dealers. He explains how this search for belonging influenced his identity and choices during his formative years.
"with undo as we become adults so what is that early context that you've um you've had to reflect on to understand yourself ah man so where do I start um so much I mean look I I I first of all I've had..."
The Influence of Soul Solid
Ashley reflects on his time with the group Soul Solid, revealing that his initial motivation was not music but rather a sense of belonging. He discusses how the camaraderie and support from older members shaped his path.
"um just not having a father figure around um and the places that push me to and don't get me wrong like a lot of people have gone through that and come out the other side and not been like me but I de..."
Anger and Aggression
Walters delves into how his unresolved anger and aggression manifested in his relationships and interactions. He candidly admits to hurting others as a reflection of his own pain and the consequences that followed.
"and I wanted to hurt people the way I was hurt and sometimes I did you know sometimes I did it came out in a lot of different ways some of the people I cared about some of the people were close to me ..."
The Struggle for Acceptance
Ashley discusses the internal struggle of feeling inadequate and the constant battle for acceptance. He shares how the absence of his father contributed to his feelings of not being good enough and the impact on his self-esteem.
"France he used to say he was in France so to me and my younger brothers like any time you know my mom would be like he's in France or someone would say he's in France or whatever that was like code fo..."
The Complexity of Love
Walters reflects on his complicated feelings towards his father, expressing a deep desire for approval despite the pain caused by their relationship. He shares how this longing for connection shaped his emotional landscape.
"of me even though I know that she wanted to and she would always give me the option so anytime he would come she was like would you like to go and I would obviously go and then I'd come back crying be..."
Memories of a Troubled Childhood
Ashley recounts vivid memories of his father, including moments of chaos and disappointment. He shares how these experiences influenced his perception of masculinity and fatherhood.
"being chased by the police in the car you know him pushing my head down in the back I just remember that image of him going like look keep your head down and stuff like that and he was getting chased ..."
Finding Role Models
Walters discusses how he sought out other male figures in his community to fill the void left by his father. He reflects on the influence of these role models and the lessons learned from their lifestyles.
"um so the you know the local Bad Boys the local dealers they became that's to me you know and I started to to follow in their footsteps a bit you know what I mean and adopt the same attitude adopt the..."
Defining Manhood
Ashley shares his misconceptions about manhood, equating it with aggression and toughness. He reflects on the emotional challenges he faced in understanding what it truly means to be a man.
"it is I was having success throughout this this you know throughout this process like making films and successful TV shows and music and stuff like that like so I guess that I had Talent you know I ha..."
The Impact of Abandonment
Walters explores the emotional scars left by his father's abandonment, discussing how it shaped his self-worth and relationships. He emphasizes the struggle to reconcile his feelings of inadequacy.
"where does the anger come from in that situation of like abandonment meeting a father the father not meeting the expectation that you want him to be you're I often hear it with um kids like you're des..."
Seeking Validation
Ashley reflects on his ongoing quest for validation and approval, stemming from his childhood experiences. He shares how this quest continues to influence his decisions and interactions.
"the interpretation was how you interpreted that situation um and I think not in not in that much detail but I guess you know surface wise that that I wasn't good enough you know I can only say that be..."
Lessons from Loss
Walters discusses the profound lessons learned from his father's passing, including the importance of acceptance and the realization that nothing is perfect. He reflects on how these insights have shaped his outlook on life.
"um and that's something that I'm still working on today I'm still working on the whole process of understanding like um you know someone else's opinion of me is none of my business you know what I'm s..."
A Father's Last Days
Ashley Walters recounts the poignant final weeks he spent with his father, who was terminally ill. He reflects on his childhood obsession with dying young and how this shaped his perspective on life and death. This segment captures the emotional weight of their time together and the lessons learned during this critical period.
"to come and see me because you know he knew how I felt about him and he knew he only had weeks left to live and he was like look I have to have to come and see you and he came and he lived with me for..."
Discovering His Father's Intelligence
In this segment, Ashley shares a transformative moment when he realized his father's street wisdom and intelligence, despite his illiteracy. He reflects on the complexity of their relationship and how understanding his father's background helped him reconcile his feelings of resentment and anger.
"wasn't going to survive past that age so I got someone to start filming me every day and I got a friend to just start documenting my like daily life on camera and when I went to Canada to shoot I took..."
Confronting Family History
Ashley discusses the revelations about his father's upbringing and the circumstances that shaped him. This segment highlights the importance of understanding one's family history and how it can influence personal identity and relationships.
"cancer and could hardly breathe he's like I'm gonna be some weed and you know I'll get him some drink and stuff like that and we'll be sitting there for hours like for hours and hours and I just put t..."
The Weight of Grief
Ashley reflects on the emotional turmoil he experienced during his father's last days, grappling with the fear of loss and the reality of his father's declining health. This segment captures the raw emotions of impending loss and the struggle to cope with grief.
"first time I understood that my dad was illiterate like he couldn't read or write so these letters were so like it's just up man it was just like I was like I had no idea that he had that issue and I..."
Lessons from Loss
In this segment, Ashley shares the profound lessons he learned from his father's passing, including the importance of love and connection. He discusses how this experience shaped his understanding of relationships and his role as a father.
"him to have anything to really offer me in the end when I delved deeper into who he was as a person but all the things I was going through with women with life with you know what I mean it was like he..."
The Impact of Death on Life Choices
Ashley opens up about how his father's death led him to make reckless decisions and lose his spiritual connection. This segment explores the darker paths he took following the loss and the struggle to find meaning in his life afterward.
"from his point of view when I heard him talk about it and I was like actually okay I can see why you would be the person that you are and actually maybe you did me a favor by not being there too much ..."
Navigating Grief and Work
Ashley discusses his instinct to continue working after his father's death, highlighting the challenges of balancing grief with professional responsibilities. This segment delves into the complexities of mourning while maintaining a public persona.
"um whilst I was filming and you know it wasn't the best way that I found out um I was filming at the time I was doing a scene with 50. and it was like a really emotional scene um outside on location a..."
The Struggle with Unresolved Grief
In this emotional segment, Ashley reflects on his unresolved grief and the impact it has had on his life. He candidly discusses the difficulty of processing his father's death and the lingering feelings that continue to affect him.
"and um crazy but the one thing I remember from that moment is I went to my trailer I broke down some of the actors came like Troy Bryant she came in and she was just like just hugged me and I was just..."
The Complexity of Loss
Ashley shares the complicated feelings surrounding his father's death, including regrets and unanswered questions. This segment emphasizes the emotional complexity of losing a loved one and the journey toward healing.
"work to continue working I continued working I flew back for the funeral for literally one day did the funeral and then I left I went back to work um I just plowed through and I didn't grieve and I ha..."
Reconnecting with Spirituality
Ashley discusses how his father's passing affected his spiritual beliefs and connection to the universe. He reflects on the journey of rediscovering his faith and understanding the universal laws that govern life.
"your mother as you said is was surprised by your reaction to his loss from him dying I lost I went off the rails a bit you know I went off the rails a bit when the sense of my ego took over and I lost..."
The Reckless Path After Loss
In this segment, Ashley candidly shares how he fell into a reckless lifestyle following his father's death, including promiscuity and substance use. He reflects on the consequences of these choices and the impact on his relationships.
"understanding and I became slightly like yeah just lost you know lost I was you know I drank more I you know I I did I cared less about myself about where I was going and about you know what I wanted ..."
The Burden of Celebrity
Ashley discusses the challenges of navigating fame and the temptations that come with celebrity status. He reflects on how these pressures influenced his behavior and relationships during a tumultuous period in his life.
"children who I love daily um you know came from from that situation but I think that was like a big part of my like you know my reckless sort of rebellious sort of attitude and I I mean the only way I..."
The Lost Tapes
Ashley reveals the heartbreaking story of losing the footage he filmed with his father during their last weeks together. This segment highlights the emotional significance of these tapes and the longing to reclaim memories of his father.
"those years now I think this is fascinating I looked at the back end of our YouTube channel and it says that since this channel started 69.9 percent of you that watch it frequently haven't yet hit the..."
Lessons from a Father's Wisdom
In this reflective segment, Ashley discusses the valuable lessons he learned from his father during their time together. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's roots and how this knowledge shapes identity and parenting.
"but either way you know we had an archive of footage that we created from filming that we never knew what was going to use it for but all the stuff I filmed my dad went into this archive um and when t..."
The Value of Memories
Ashley Walters reflects on the significance of old tapes from his father, likening them to 'gold dust.' He expresses a deep desire to retrieve these memories, believing they could help him and his children navigate tough times. This segment highlights the emotional weight of familial connections and the longing for resolution in unresolved relationships.
"all I really have is those those tapes and they're like they're like my um do you know that movie um things to do in Denver when you're dead yeah they're like you know it's like that to me it's like g..."
Lessons from My Father's Last Days
In this poignant segment, Ashley shares insights from the last two weeks spent with his father before his passing. He discusses the importance of understanding one's roots and how this knowledge shapes his identity as a father. Ashley reflects on the powerful lessons learned about confidence, humility, and the emotional complexities of their relationship.
"right it was obvious um lessons um I think is I got from it what I what I one of the key things I needed and I think one of the key things you need from knowing your dad is knowing where you come from..."
A Father's Love and Pride
Ashley Walters opens up about the love and pride he felt from his father during their final moments together. He expresses regret for not having communicated his gratitude and affection more openly, revealing the emotional barriers he faced. This segment underscores the importance of expressing love and the complexities of father-son relationships.
"person you know that I don't need to doubt myself as much as I do um and he Stripped Away From Me He constantly in that little time I spent with me Stripped Away all the because I was like hiding myse..."
Navigating Regret and Anger
In this reflective segment, Ashley discusses his past anger towards his father, particularly during his father's battle with cancer. He acknowledges the emotional distance he maintained and the regret he feels about not being more supportive. This candid conversation sheds light on the struggles of reconciling feelings of anger and love within familial bonds.
"because I treated him quite bad you know especially when I mean when he was going through his cancer when he told me he had cancer I was like whatever like I don't even believe you you're probably jus..."
The Rocky Road of Success
Ashley Walters shares the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, describing it as a 'rocky road.' He discusses the instability and rejection he faced throughout his career, emphasizing the resilience required to succeed. This segment highlights the harsh realities of pursuing a career in acting and the emotional toll it can take.
"yeah some I I do Envy some of my friends that I know like I've got really good relationships with their dads and dads have looked over their contracts and stuff like that you know I mean I've been a m..."
The Drive Behind Rejection
In this segment, Ashley reflects on how rejection has fueled his ambition and drive in the entertainment industry. He discusses the importance of perseverance in the face of constant 'no's and how these experiences have shaped his work ethic. This insight reveals the psychological impact of rejection and the motivation it can provide.
"your drive and ambition to go that extra mile to work that extra hour to spend an extra hour in the editing studio and I often see in people that when they have that feeling of like some call it impos..."
Embracing My Charm and Humility
Ashley Walters discusses the charm and humility he inherited from his father, which he believes have contributed to his success. He emphasizes the importance of treating people well and maintaining relationships in the industry. This segment highlights the role of personal character in achieving long-term success and building a supportive network.
"gonna I'm gonna struggle to really to answer this Stephen if in all honesty because kind of involves like um it kind of involves digging myself up a bit more than I'm comfortable with if I'm honest um..."
The Invisible Force of Reputation
In this insightful segment, Ashley talks about the invisible force of reputation and how treating people well can lead to opportunities. He reflects on the importance of being genuine and supportive, especially in a world where public perception can change rapidly. This discussion emphasizes the long-term benefits of kindness and integrity in personal and professional relationships.
"you know I'm always about like trying to help other people it's always been a part of me so I think that's helped move me forward and I think especially in in like within the black community you know ..."
The Challenge of Guiding My Children
Ashley Walters shares his concerns about guiding his children in the entertainment industry, acknowledging the difficulties he faced. He expresses a desire to support them while recognizing the challenges of navigating a tough career path. This segment highlights the complexities of parenting in a high-pressure environment and the desire to provide a better experience for the next generation.
"personality ties into what I've been working for so long you know why I've managed to maintain relationships in the industry and um why I have a solid like fan base you know solid base of supporters t..."
The Uncertainty of an Acting Career
In this candid segment, Ashley discusses the uncertainty and instability that often accompany an acting career. He reflects on the financial struggles he faced early on and the emotional toll of not knowing where his next opportunity would come from. This insight provides a raw look at the realities of pursuing a career in the arts.
"I'm yet to know what the blueprint is it's tough you know my students at Kingdom asked me this all is all the time and I'm like all I can teach you is like how to prepare how it's going to happen when..."
Turning Rejection into Motivation
Ashley Walters emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of rejection within the entertainment industry. He discusses how negative feedback can serve as motivation to improve and succeed. This segment highlights the psychological aspects of dealing with rejection and the drive to prove oneself despite challenges.
"you know what was going to happen next you know just whether I was coming or going it was just unstable it's just unstable um and the rejection is immense man like you have to be really tough in place..."
The Journey to Directing
Ashley Walters recounts his journey into directing, detailing how he was initially discouraged due to a lack of experience. He describes how he took the initiative to create a short film, which ignited his passion for directing and allowed him to gain the experience he needed.
"or how to do that thing that you you said I can't do but when someone says you can't do something Ashley Walters you can't do that um how does that feel I don't like to I mean it doesn't feel good it ..."
Embracing Life's Challenges
Walters reflects on the hardships he faced throughout his life, including prison and the loss of his father. He emphasizes the importance of accepting these experiences as part of his journey, stating that they have shaped who he is today and contributed to his success.
"tougher with that over the years and like the directing thing was one of those things because I was told like you know you can't direct it was my own show that I created it was like now you haven't go..."
The Importance of Enjoying the Journey
Ashley Walters discusses the significance of enjoying the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. He shares insights about the relationships and experiences that have enriched his life, highlighting that the challenges faced along the way have been integral to his growth.
"accept that would you erase it would you erase your dad passing going to prison if there was a button in front of you now no I couldn't no really I couldn't well if I erased that then I might have you..."
Coping with the Pandemic
Walters opens up about the struggles he faced during the pandemic, including feelings of depression and the challenges of being confined at home. He reflects on how this period forced him to confront his thoughts and emotions, revealing the impact it had on his relationship with his wife.
"like I don't envy them you know I don't envy them I may want that Lambo but I don't envy where they're at yeah yeah like you know that space that they're in because there's nothing much more to achiev..."
The Voice in Your Head
Ashley Walters shares his thoughts on the negative influence of the voice in one's head, describing it as a source of poor decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of seeking external perspectives and not letting emotions dictate actions, advocating for a more balanced approach to decision-making.
"week I'm going there I'm doing this I'm doing that so there was always something coming um but yeah it was a it was a struggle it it opened up a lot of um a lot of things in our relationship definitel..."
Healing Through Forgiveness
Walters concludes by discussing the concept that 'hurt people hurt people.' He highlights the importance of forgiveness and understanding in overcoming personal struggles, emphasizing that healing is essential for moving forward in life.
"said to myself it's the right thing to do the personality of that voice angry you said yeah at times look there's a there's there's a bit there's a very vengeful person somewhere inside of me I believ..."
Navigating Emotional Communication
Ashley Walters opens up about the difficulties he faces in emotional communication, particularly in his relationship with his wife, Danielle. He contrasts their different backgrounds and approaches to discussing feelings, revealing his struggle to express emotions due to his upbringing. Walters reflects on the importance of understanding and adapting to each other's communication styles to foster a loving relationship.
"yourself run out yeah yeah you said something quite curious there which gave me a train of thought which is sometimes I just want to speak to my my wife Danielle about it now speaking to your wife abo..."
Breaking Generational Cycles
In this poignant segment, Ashley Walters reflects on his relationship with his children and the generational patterns of emotional distance. He candidly discusses the challenges he faces in connecting with his older kids, stemming from his own upbringing and past choices. Walters expresses his fears about repeating the cycle of distant relationships and emphasizes the need for change to foster better connections with the next generation.
"like that like um whereas Dan's family was completely different I'd come home you know to the to to the flat and they'll all be lying on the sofa together like lying in each other's laps her her broth..."
The Struggle of Emotional Vulnerability
Ashley Walters shares his internal conflict regarding emotional vulnerability, particularly in his relationship with his wife. He discusses the discomfort he feels when it comes to sharing emotions and the instinct to fix problems rather than simply listen. This segment highlights the challenges of navigating emotional intimacy and the importance of learning to communicate effectively in relationships.
"but I've given it willingly yeah yeah you know yeah I'm kicking and screaming okay I'll kick it and scream it she's gonna be cracking up at this because I don't even know whether she understands that ..."
The Fixer Mentality
In this segment, Ashley Walters elaborates on his instinct to 'fix' problems rather than engage in emotional discussions. He reflects on how this mentality stems from his upbringing and the pressure to take action rather than connect emotionally. Walters shares insights into how this approach affects his relationships and the ongoing journey to balance being a fixer with the need for emotional connection.
"because something about me feels uncomfortable sharing my emotions is it a defense thing in me you know I'm saying like is it or did I just not learn how to do it or is it both I think it's I think It..."
Counseling and Growth
Ashley Walters discusses the role of counseling in his relationship with Danielle, highlighting the importance of mediated conversations for emotional growth. He acknowledges the challenges of being honest and open without external support and reflects on the progress they are making together. This segment emphasizes the value of seeking help to improve communication and understanding in relationships.
"like that you know my mum was shut up how are you going to fix it uh so you leave be quiet what you know what I mean what's your next steps how are you going to make this what you want to go there wri..."
Fears of Repeating the Past
In this reflective segment, Ashley Walters confronts his fears about the impact of his parenting on his children. He shares his concerns about the emotional distance he has experienced with his own father and how that may affect his relationship with his kids. Walters expresses a desire to break the cycle of emotional detachment and create a more connected family dynamic.
"um you had you had those when you were 17 those kids at 17 18 years old yeah um you went to jail at 19 years old so you were absent for much of that period yeah a lot of the first bits of their life a..."
The Journey of Top Boy: From Doubt to Success
Ashley Walters shares the transformative journey of 'Top Boy,' discussing the initial skepticism about its subject matter and the surprise at its success. He highlights the show's unique portrayal of organized crime and the depth of its characters, which set it apart from typical narratives.
"it's crazy how that all played out yeah yeah it's um it's been an amazing journey you know um never never thought it would actually when we're shooting the first season I remember Kane looking at me a..."
The Script That Changed Everything
Walters recounts his frustration with being typecast in roles and how the script for 'Top Boy' reignited his passion for acting. He describes the script's depth and complexity, which allowed him to portray a character with aspirations beyond crime, marking a significant turning point in his career.
"sick of just being a bad boy or just like I can't keep on playing these same roles like so all I'm getting is after I've done bullet boy I was just getting the same scripts over and over again you've ..."
The Challenges Behind the Scenes
Ashley discusses the challenges faced during the production of 'Top Boy,' including creative differences and the pressures of working with multiple executives. He emphasizes the hard work and dedication required to maintain the show's quality and integrity amidst these challenges.
"that was like aspired for greater like he wanted he wanted to change the face of the game you know his initial intention was that I can do this I'm gonna be the best at it right but along the way I'm ..."
Cultural Impact and Global Reach
Walters reflects on the cultural significance of 'Top Boy' and its ability to resonate with audiences globally. He contrasts its success with other narratives about young black men in London, highlighting the show's depth and the humanization of its characters.
"discussed before so good that it happened that way right and it had that it's space to just not be around and for people to want it back for so many years before we got into the new situation why did ..."
The Bittersweet End of an Era
Ashley shares his mixed feelings about the final season of 'Top Boy,' expressing sadness over leaving behind the relationships built during filming. He acknowledges the emotional toll of saying goodbye to a project that has been a significant part of his life and career.
"we from the beginning we've always Incorporated um what's going on outside of that world like you know like the you know I think in like season one on channel four it was like Mental Health you know t..."
Embracing New Opportunities
As the series concludes, Walters discusses the excitement and fear of pursuing new opportunities in his career. He reflects on the stability that 'Top Boy' provided and the challenges of transitioning to new roles while maintaining his artistic integrity.
"so it gets picked up by Netflix yeah and it becomes a mega mega show one of their their biggest shows of all time um life changes for you hugely you go on this journey for another two seasons on Netfl..."
The Fight for Artistic Integrity
Ashley discusses the importance of fighting for creative vision in the final season of Top Boy. He acknowledges that while they may not have 'won' every battle, the push for their beliefs was crucial in shaping the show's quality and impact.
"um but yeah been a brilliant time did you win the fight when I say the fight you're in um YouTuber fighting to have the show be the way you want it to be are you happy with how it's ended up this fina..."
Cultural Impact of Top Boy
Walters reflects on the significant cultural impact of Top Boy, noting how it has changed perceptions and opened doors for black stories in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of representation and the potential for diverse narratives in future projects.
"think that you the push and pull that happens within that process is what makes the show as good as it is you'll never be able to see the impact it's had on young people's lives all around the world a..."
A Final Message to His Children
In a heartfelt moment, Ashley shares what he would say to his children in a final phone call, emphasizing the importance of expressing love. He reflects on his own experiences with his father and the significance of communication in family relationships.
"think as a foundation as a way of opening the door into the international market accepting what we export I think is really good I think now from here we should push on into telling black stories um t..."
Gratitude for the Journey
Ashley expresses gratitude for the journey of creating Top Boy and the lessons learned along the way. He acknowledges the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the industry and shares his excitement for future projects.
"um yeah Yeah Ashley yes sir I can't wait I can't wait for to see this last season um I share that excitement with everybody else that's listening right now and thank you for creating a piece of art ov..."