For more than two decades, Lawrence Saint-Victor has built a career in daytime television defined by longevity, versatility, and an evolving creative voice. Best known to audiences as Carter Walton on CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful,” Saint-Victor has spent 13 years bringing depth and dimension to the role while also expanding his influence behind the camera as a member of the show’s writing team.
This year marks a particularly significant chapter in his career, with Daytime Emmy nominations recognizing him on both sides of the storytelling process, for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series and as part of “The Bold and the Beautiful’s” Outstanding Writing Team. The dual recognition places a spotlight not only on his range as an artist, but on a career that continues to evolve more than 20 years after he first entered the world of daytime television.
For REGARD’s 10 Things, we caught up with Lawrence to talk about this milestone moment, the evolution of Carter Walton, finding his voice as a writer, representation, longevity and what continues to inspire him creatively.
You’ve spent 20 years working in daytime television and 13 years portraying Carter Walton. When you look back at the young actor who first entered this world, what would surprise him most about where your career has taken you?
I don’t know if he would be surprised, but he would definitely be pleased. I think he would also be happy to see that I didn’t lose my excitement, curiosity, and childlike wonder.
This year you’re being recognized by the Daytime Emmys for both your performance as Carter and your work as a writer. What does it mean to have two completely different groups of your peers recognize both sides of your creativity at the same time?
It means more than I could put into words. I’m so honored and grateful. I have a lot of gratitude. I’m only here, because of the support of many. It literally takes a village.
You’ve lived with Carter Walton for more than a decade. How has your understanding of him changed and how much of Lawrence has found its way into Carter over the years?
I think over the years I’ve discovered how lonely and unloved he feels. That at his core he’s terrified to be alone. Lawrence and Carter are very different, but we both share the desire to do and be good, even though we may fall short.
There’s a very different kind of power in writing the story versus performing it. What has writing taught you about acting that you didn’t understand before?
It taught me how to really find my place in the story we’re telling. The Birds Eye View of writing helps me see where Carter fits in the overall story. As an actor it’s easy to focus on just your character, but as a writer have to understand all the mechanics of the story.
Your nominations represent a significant moment for Black creatives in daytime television. How do you personally view the responsibility or opportunity that comes with occupying spaces where representation has historically been limited?
I take it with an incredible amount of responsibility and honor. So many Black men and women in front and behind the camera PUSHED open the door for me to walk through. It’s my responsibility to keep that door open.
Daytime television requires an incredible amount of discipline because of how quickly episodes are produced. After 20 years, what is something about the craft that still challenges you?
The speed is always a challenge. I’m very used to it, and some ways find it exhilarating, but it’s always a challenge to shoot that much material in a short amount of time. We shoot eighty to one hundred pages a day. I think at the most I had sixty pages of dialogue in one day.
With “The Bold and the Beautiful” reaching audiences around the world, have you ever had a moment while traveling when you realized just how far Carter and the show had traveled beyond Hollywood?
Yes, we when shot in Italy. Wow!!! It was like we were Tom Cruise. So much love, and so many fans. It was amazing to see how far our reach is.
Fashion has always been part of the visual language of “The Bold and the Beautiful”. How would you describe your personal style when the cameras are off, and what does fashion allow you to express about yourself?
I would say my style is sporty/ urban. I love a nice fitted t-shirt, with some cool designer jeans, and Jordans. I grew up on hip hop, and it’s informed so much of how I see the world. It’s part of who I am, and I like to reflect it in my style.
You’ve already expanded from actor to writer. Is directing, producing, creating your own series or something completely unexpected the next chapter you’d like to explore?
Yes, and yes! I’m always writing and developing projects. The dream would be to have a series sold, and a movie in the theaters. I see myself as an actor/writer/producer, but who knows… maybe I’ll add director one day.
You’re at a moment where longevity and new recognition are intersecting. What are you still hungry to accomplish not because you have something to prove, but because you genuinely want to experience it?
As an actor I want to do more films, as well as experience television in other genres. As a writer I’d love to be in production on a film, and leading a writers room on a series.
Instagram: @LSaintVic
Photos: Salvatore DeMaio