From a “slight interest” in his teen years acting has become a staple in the adult life of 72-year-old William “Buddy” Hallberg Jr.

And now, the time and talent the Vicksburg native has donated to his hometown’s stages has been rewarded.

Following the March 7, opening-night performance of “Southern Discomfort” at the Vicksburg Theatre Guild’s Parkside Playhouse, Hallberg, who has performed in local productions since 1957, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the group’s board of directors.

Terry Welch, president of the Vicksburg Theatre Guild, said the decision to give the award to Hallberg was unanimous.

“He’s been so wonderful for so many years, and everybody around here loves him,” Welch said. “It’s kind of like how Hollywood has Cary Grant, we have our Buddy. We’re definitely lucky to have him.”

It was a “thank you” for Hallberg, but he said he felt as if he should be doing the thanking.

But while the guild paid thanks to one of its long-time actors, it was Hallberg who said he felt he owed the thank you.

“I’ve been so blessed to be a part of all of this,” he said. “Many wonderful memories and wonderful people. I’m very gracious for what I’ve been given.”

It was only the second time the local thespians’ group has bestowed such an honor. The first went to Georgina Stanfield in July 2006. Stanfield, 82 at the time, had played Old Kate in the guild’s recording-breaking “Gold in the Hills” for nearly 40 years. The 1890s melodrama has been performed in Vicksburg since 1936.

Hallberg said his road to local acting fame began 54 years ago when he hit the stage for the first time as a senior in Carr Central High School’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

“I really only had a slight interest in theater at the time, but I soon realized it turned on a light inside of me.” Hallberg continued his acting during the two years he attended the University of Mississippi. He then returned to Vicksburg and began working for Standard Oil and was soon given a part in a local production of “Detective Story.” It wasn’t much later he started a long stretch of playing the villain in “Gold in the Hills.”

“Oh, what a role,” Hallberg said, noting it was one of his favorites during his acting career. “That play was written around that character.”

Hallberg has tried numerous other roles, explaining that “when you become a certain age, no costume or amount of makeup in the world can keep you looking like a 35-year-old villainous city slicker.” One of his other favorites was playing the part of Tevye in the “Fiddler on the Roof.”

In addition to the stages in Vicksburg, Hallberg has appeared in plays in Jackson and Monroe, regional commercials, narrated documentary films and even played a supporting role in the 1976 movie “Ode to Billy Joe,” starring Robby Benson and Glynnis O’Connor.

Hallberg played Billy Joe’s father, Dan McAlister. Hallberg said a talent agent in Jackson led him to the role.

In the past few years, Hallberg’s life outside of acting has been no stranger to change. After working at the Standard Oil for 20 years, Hallberg worked at local car dealerships and beverage companies and at “Sumthin’ Diff’rent,” a retail flower shop he owned and operated with his wife, Betty.

His life has also been no stranger to family tragedy. In the past few years, Hallberg’s wife died from cancer, and his oldest son, William III, died in an accident. His other son, Miles, lives in Spartanburg, S.C.

But one constant through it all has been acting.

“You know, I wish I had some deep, sentimental meaning as to why I continue doing this,” Hallberg said. “But honestly, I just enjoy it. That’s it. Some guys like to golf, others like other things.

“And I’ll continue to do it as long as I’m physically able and as long as they have roles for fat old men like me,” he said. “I don’t expect anybody to call me in to play the lead in any romances anymore.”