Actor, producer, and creative multi-hyphenate Don Worley, whose unconventional path to Hollywood has been anything but ordinary. A Texas native, Don first found his love for performance through theatre, magic, and comedy before studying theatre at The University of Texas. His early on-screen experiences in D.O.A., True Stories, and a Clint Black music video set the stage for a life of storytelling, even as his career took an unexpected turn into law. After building a thriving national practice as a trial attorney, Don returned to his first love: performing. From touring as a stand-up comedian to producing and starring in films like Pastor Shepherd with Danny Trejo, A Time for Sunset, and the upcoming Mandate alongside Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan, and Tara Reid, Don has built a second act defined by creativity, humor, and reinvention.
WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER, DON WORLEY! YOU’VE TRANSITIONED FROM COMEDIAN TO ACTOR TO PRODUCER. WHEN YOU DEVELOP A PROJECT, WHAT COMES FIRST, THE IDEA, THE CHARACTER, OR THE MESSAGE?
Usually the story. I often find a screenplay I like, option it, and then do a rewrite with my vision.
WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS IN BALANCING ACTING, PRODUCING, AND RUNNING A COMPANY?
There’s actually a lot of downtime on set; I use it to work remotely. COVID changed everything; you can live and work anywhere now.
WHAT MAKES A STORY WORTH PRODUCING FOR SECOND CHANCE PICTURES?
You can make a bad movie from a good script, but you can’t make a good movie from a bad script. It all starts with the writing.
YOU SAID THRILLERS ARE YOUR FAVORITE GENRE, DOES THAT SURPRISE PEOPLE?
Probably. I come from comedy, but thrillers are where I find the most creative satisfaction. The tension, the psychology, it’s fun to build.
A TIME FOR SUNSET IS NOW STREAMING ON AMAZON PRIME AND APPLE TV. WHY IS THAT FILM SO PERSONAL FOR YOU?
I rewrote the script to add emotional depth and connection between characters. It became a test of my acting chops, ninety minutes mostly alone on camera. I wanted to prove I could carry a film.
Official Trailer:
YOUR UPCOMING MOVIE, MANDATE, HAS A BIG COMEDIC CAST. HOW DID THAT COME TOGETHER?
Credit to producer James Gutierrez and casting director Dea Vise. Once one name signs on, others follow. It’s amazing how fast momentum builds.
THE INDUSTRY IS EVOLVING RAPIDLY. HOW DO YOU SEE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDEPENDENTS TODAY?
It’s the best time in history to create. You don’t need permission; you can release series or shorts on YouTube or TikTok and build an audience yourself.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE THING ABOUT THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Literally don’t wait on anyone else. Do it yourself.
Watch ‘A Time for Sunset’ out now on Apple TV and Amazon Video
