Wrestler turned actor, musician & voice artist - Moondog - his life in showbiz!

Moondog & Jeff Beacher                                              (Photo/Sher)

William "Moondog" Wantland is an actor in film, television and the stage and a voiceover artist as well, with a background as a professional wrestler.

Wantland, now a "mature" gentleman, began his career at the young age of six.  His first acting experience was that of acting in a school play, and he has not stopped acting ever since.

Here is what Wantland had to say about his life in showbiz!...

Partying with Paris Hilton (Photo/Sher)

How did you begin in the business, and did you have a stage name?
 

The turning point for me was when I heard silence from the audience [after he had played a part in a school play]. I knew they (the audience) was impressed with my performance. It was then that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

It's been a struggle, as any entertainer will tell you. Sometimes the work is there and sometimes it isn't. In this business it's feast or famine.   [In addition to Moondog] my stage names are Animal and Wild Bill. I acquired Moondog during my professional wrestling days and it's stuck with me ever since.

I'm from Modesto, CA and was raised by my dad's parents, because my mom was killed by my dad not long after the birth of my younger brother. It was a tough childhood but, it made me strive harder to become the entertainer I am today."

Have you "stuck" with one kind of entertainment, if not, what is your favorite?

I've tried several different types of entertaining but, the ones I like the most are music and acting. I have also done voiceovers in the past. I work radio as well as television and live shows such as, "Beacher's Madhouse" when it's here in Vegas. I also appear as an extra in movies and television shows when I'm needed too." 

What is your training in particular areas of show business?

Once the band Future broke up, the family got tired [of performing together], and everyone wanted to go their own way.  I moved on and picked up small time gigs in different bars wherever I saw a sign for a key board player needed. 

Then I got another big break. I was contacted by members of the groups, Danny and the Juniors and Bill Haley and the Comets. They wanted me to play for them. I was honored. I made several appearances with them and that looks very good on my resume.
Since then I've been working my way to the top and doing what I can to keep my name in the public eye."

 

What areas of work do you prefer over others?

with Jeff Beacher (Photo/Sher)   

I like music first and foremost but, I'll do whatever I'm called to do. I like to do voiceovers and radio work. I also like live entertaining, because I work the crowds very well.

I enjoy working with Jeff Beacher and his Madhouse characters when he's in town (Las Vegas). I am very versatile and can adapt to any type of music or entertainment job I'm asked to do. I'm looking at Santa jobs for the Christmas season and have found several that I am considering."

Do you have family or friends that support you in the business?

 

I have great friends that are fellow entertainers. It's a close knit family and we help each other out whenever possible. My family takes an interest in what I do but, they haven't come to see me perform live yet."

 

Do any particular work experiences stand out in your memory?

Doing Paris Hilton's birthday parties for Jeff Beacher. I enjoy working around all the other celebrities that come to the parties. Working with Jeff has been the highlight of my career so far. He has introduced me to a world I never thought I'd see, let alone
entertain. I've gotten compliments on my performances from some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and that is an honor to any performer."

What is a funny, scary or embarrassing moment that you have had?

The funniest and most embarrassing moment was when I was working with Criss Angel. We were filming a show that was done pool side at a local hotel. Criss hypnotized a group of us and when we were brought out of the hypnosis, we were naked... They aired the
show on television but, blurred out my short comings. However, on the DVD, everything is there for the world to see... 

The scariest moment was in Pennsylvania when I was doing a magic show and working with fire. I was using fire balls and one went too far and accidentally set a lady's hair on fire. It was put out quickly, but we were all still pretty shaken up."

 

Have you worked with other celebrities in the business?

Lou Ferrigno (Photo/wiki)

Again, thanks to Jeff Beacher, I've worked with several other celebrities. Gene Simmons had me on an episode of his show, Family Jewels. Criss Angel has used me on his show a couple of times. It's been a great ride for me and it's far from over!!"

Do you have any casting, gig or set experiences you would like to share?

I've had too many to mention in this article but, the ones that come to mind are my television show experiences that were previously mentioned and my live entertaining at Beacher's Madhouse shows.
 

I enjoy my work on the radio as well. I am an occasional guest host on an internet radio show called "Celebrity Stars." It's on AllTalkRadio.net. 

Live musical gigs are always a blast. When the crowd really gets into the music, and they either sing along or hold flash lights or candles. It's a great feeling of being one."

Is there any upcoming work you know about that you can share with us?

with Hulk Hogan (Photo/Sher)

Jeff Beacher is headed back to Vegas in September with a big show planned. I'm going to be part of that show. I hope everyone will attend because Beacher never fails to put on the best entertainment.

I have a few comic Santa appearances coming up as well as my being Santa for the kids. Then there's the weekly internet radio show.

I'm always accepting gigs. I also act as an extra in movies and television shows. I was an extra in almost every episode of CSI: Las Vegas."

 

How do you see yourself in this business or in any other, for that matter, in the future?

I can't honestly picture myself doing anything else but entertaining. I'm planning to stay in Vegas and keep working on my career. It seems that most of the opportunities are here.

I'll work with Jeff Beacher every time he's in town, and I'll hope to pick up other gigs in between. Maybe some voiceovers or extra roles in movies or television shows."

Moondog, do you have any suggestions to give others who are wanting a career in show business?

Work hard and don't miss out on any opportunities. No job or part is too small to accept. You never know where it may lead you. If you don't try, you'll never know.

Keep your name and face in the public as often as possible. Always remain positive. I wish all of you the best of luck and I hope you achieve your dreams."

 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this interview and express my opinions and views.

It's been my pleasure to answer the questions asked, and I hope I have given some person out there the motivation to go after his or her dream, no matter what it is. Always remember, it can't hurt to try...never give up, tomorrow is yours for the taking."

Robotic fun! (Photo/Sher)

If you need any more information don't hesitate to contact William "Moondog" Wantland at: moondogspike@gmail.com and 702-459-3010 ~ Myspace ~ Beacher's Madhouse ~ OJTalk

Clip from Moondog's wrestling days...