Stories From Set: Background Actors Share Their Favorite Central Casting Memories

For 100 years, Central Casting has helped background actors step onto set, experience the magic of production, and create memories that last a lifetime. As part of our centennial celebration, seven background actors share their stories—from their first day on set to the unforgettable moments that shaped their journeys in entertainment.   

Deloris Crenshaw

Happy 100 years, I’ve been with you for 50!

My name is Deloris Crenshaw. I started working for Central Casting in late 1974. My first show was James at 15. For a while, I did mostly high school roles in The Brady Bunch, Happy Days, and Eight is Enough. And I had the pleasure of working with almost every A-list actor in Hollywood at the time, like John Wayne, Steve McQueen, LeVar Burton, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. One of my most memorable experiences was working on the miniseries Roots for 3-4 months as a stand-in.

I have enjoyed a lifetime of fun and pleasure working on sets for Central Casting. Thank you, Central Casting from the bottom of my heart.

Lincoln Brown

I moved to California from Kansas City to get out of my Midwest comfort zone. I worked full time in IT and wanted to pursue acting to see where it could go. When I was on set, I kept hearing about Central Casting—a gateway for background actors to break into the industry. I signed up mid-2023, not expecting much, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Within weeks, I was on my first set. Just being around the lights, the crew and the camera felt electric. I wasn’t starring in anything, but I was part of something—and that meant the world to me.

My favorite show I’ve worked on through Central Casting is a series called Paradise. I played a security guard; the cast and crew were welcoming. Every shoot feels like a small adventure—one that reminded me why I made the leap to California in the first place.

Central Casting has an incredible legacy, too. Just knowing I’m connected to the same organization that helped bring so many iconic films to life makes me feel like I’m part of Hollywood history, even in the smallest way.

I’ve met other actors, writers, and dreamers on set who’ve become friends and collaborators. Every gig teaches me something new—not just about acting, but about patience, professionalism, and showing up ready to work, no matter how small the role is.

Working through Central Casting hasn’t made me famous (yet), but it’s given me exactly what I needed: a foot in the door, a chance to learn, and the joy of being on set. I came from Kansas City with big dreams, and now, thanks to Central Casting, I get to live pieces of those dreams every day.

Elaine Capogeannis

Elaine Capogeannis (bottom left) in 'The Last Tycoon'

I've been thrilled and blessed to be a background actor with Central Casting in between gigs since 1999. My roles through Central Casting have ranged from Dick Van Dyke's mom in a flashback on Diagnosis Murder (where I had a chance to talk with this magnificent actor directly off set) to Alyssa Milano's stand-in for a day on Charmed. But so far the most thrilling was when brilliant Director of Photography Daniel Moder (Julia Robert's husband) featured me throughout 2017's The Last Tycoon as Jennifer Beals' seamstress. I not only got to put my years of acting experience to good use but had a lovely conversation with the kind and hardworking Kelsey Grammer.

Thank you Central Casting and your hardworking casting directors for all you do. When no one else was giving me work, you were. I treasure you so much!

Alexey Borisov

My name is Alexey and I come from distant Moscow. I’ve spent the majority of my life working in television and film as a Lead Designer. Still, the dream of one day working on set at a major Hollywood studio remained exactly that — just a dream.

That dream began to take shape in August 2024, when I registered with one of the most legendary casting agencies, Central Casting. Just one day later, I was booked as a police officer in the TV series Grotesqueries.

From the very first day on set, I found myself surrounded by passionate professionals who truly love their craft. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to take part in dozens of television productions. And each set, every shoot is unique. The amount of effort, passion, and resources that go into capturing a single frame is astonishing.

Background acting has helped me grow tremendously. It gives you confidence and freedom, and teaches you to read the “coded movements” of different professions and social roles. I’ve learned to build an inner monologue for each character — even when simply appearing in the background — in order to enhance the realism of the main scene. With each new shoot, my understanding deepens and my skills grow stronger.

I’m sincerely grateful to the incredible team at Central Casting for this invaluable experience — for helping me take the first real steps toward a lifelong dream.

Fannie Darrell

Central Casting has made one of my wildest dreams come true by allowing me to be a part of the filming industry in Georgia!

Let me go back in time for a minute to 1980 and my first background job as a counter manager in an upscale department store in the movie Stir Crazy directed by Sidney Poitier. I was smitten by the acting bug. But as life happens, I became a mother of 6 kids. I moved to Georgia in 2005 as a retired great-grandmother and discovered Central Casting! And lo and behold I have been on some of the most interesting sets and met some of the most interesting people, not to mention the wonderful training through Central Casting.

The highlight of my most recent work was on Will Trent. I was cast as a non-descript patient and was bumped up to portray a doctor! I have had many other wonderful experiences working through Central Casting.

Just remember, you are never too old to have your dreams come true!

Anthony David

When I moved back to L.A. after my U.S. Coast Guard service, I didn’t really have a clear plan—just a strong pull toward the TV and film world that I’d grown up around. I didn’t know where to start, but I knew I didn’t want to end up in an office or doing something I wasn’t passionate about.

One night, catching up with an old friend over drinks, I mentioned wanting to get my foot in the door somehow. Without hesitation, he said, “Have you tried Central Casting? That’s how a lot of people get their start.”

I’d never heard of it, but the next morning, I looked it up. Back in those days, you lined up early in the morning and you had to get there before the limited spots filled up each day.

Within a few days I was on my first set as a background actor. It wasn’t glamorous, but being there, seeing the lights, cameras, and chaos—it felt like I’d finally found my entry point into a world I’d always wanted to be part of. That simple tip from a friend kickstarted a journey I never expected.

I have been blessed to work so many great productions with so many great people. Thank you to all the fantastic and hardworking casting directors.

Happy anniversary Central Casting, 100 never looked so good!

Tommie Browning-Wright

Central Casting has always held a special place in my life. I’m 69 years old now, and I still remember my father being part of Central Casting back in the 1960s. He owned a horseback riding stable and would lease out his horses to Central Casting for westerns during that era.

My sister and I often went with him to the Central Casting office. I vividly remember my father carrying trays of food—sometimes short ribs, and other times barbecue ribs with potato salad—that he’d wake up early to prepare himself. He brought those big trays up there not just to feed people, but to connect, to build relationships. Yes, he was looking for work, but he also truly enjoyed engaging with the staff and sharing what he had. I could tell that the people at Central Casting genuinely liked my father. They were always kind to him—and kind to us when we visited. That warmth stuck with me.

I don’t know what I love more: being on set at the different studios or just the nostalgic feeling it brings. It takes me right back to those moments with my father, when he was doing extra work or bringing others along—like my brother Benny Moore, who went on to do stunt work.

I’m so grateful for Central Casting. It’s incredible that after all these years, it’s still going strong—helping people through hard times, opening doors, and continuing to be a cornerstone for so many trying to make it in this industry.

Do you have a favorite background role or memory from working with Central Casting? Celebrate 100 years with us by sharing your Central Casting story.