Bill Cakmis
Bill Cakmis (born William John Cakmis Jr. on March 30, 1958) is an American acting coach, actor, author, and motivational speaker. Cakmis was born in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in speech and theater. Career. Upon graduation, Cakmis began his career as an actor appearing in eight films including Hanoi Hilton, six episodics including L.A. Law, featured roles on various daytime serials as well as a daytime role on Days of Our Lives and major roles in twenty professional stage productions and various commercials. In 1986, while on Days  of Our Lives, a friend asked Cakmis for coaching help. After that friend won some awards, word spread and his coaching business flourished. Over the years, his clients have included Lisa Rinna, Melinda Clarke, David Semel, Bob Goen, Crystal Bernard, Phil Stacey, Tim Nichols, Neil O'Donnell, Debbi Fields (founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies), and Lance Bass. In addition, Cakmis has worked with over seventy local television stations, national news networks, and cable news networks and recording companies. Cakmis has written three books, "It’s Not What You Say… Mastering the Art of Powerful Communication", "Coffee With Cakmis", and "The Secret  of the Elves Elite" as well as several scripts for film, videos, multi-media interactive software, theatre, theatrical presentations, and speeches. Awards. Bill’s accolades include National Telly Award (writer), National Telly Award (host), L.A. Weekly’s “Pick of the Week”(theatre), L.A. Times “Pick of the Week” (theatre) and the L.A. Weekly Theatre Award for “Best Comedy Writing” (theatre).