Interview – Don Worley on Reinvention, Resilience, and the Strength of Second Chances

      In Hollywood, few narratives exemplify reinvention as compellingly as that of Don Worley, an actor, producer, and former trial attorney whose journey into the entertainment industry has been quite unconventional.

      A Texas native, Don's early passion for theater and comedy led him to pursue acting studies at The University of Texas, where he appeared in films such as D.O.A. and True Stories. However, instead of immediately seeking fame after graduation, Don took an unexpected detour into law, establishing a prosperous national legal practice before reconnecting with his artistic roots as a stand-up comedian, a viral YouTube personality, and, more recently, a film producer.

      With works like A Time for Sunset earning accolades at film festivals and streaming on Amazon Prime, coupled with the upcoming film Mandate featuring Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan, and Tara Reid, Don Worley has forged a career characterized by persistence, humor, and new beginnings.

      We spoke with Don about his varied journey, creative mindset, and what lies ahead for this exceptional multi-talented individual.

      Don, your path is remarkably varied — as an actor, lawyer, comedian, and producer. What motivates you to continuously reinvent yourself?

      I don’t think I can stop. If I’m not creating, I feel uneasy. Each stage of my life has propelled the next — law honed my discipline, comedy taught me timing, and filmmaking has brought all these elements together.

      You’ve earned awards for acting as well. How did it feel to receive that level of recognition, especially considering your unique career trajectory?

      Honestly, it meant a great deal. I sometimes fear that people might view me as a lawyer trying to buy his way into acting, so receiving a Best Actor award from a film festival provided me with validation from an impartial source. It’s affirming to know that the work can stand on its own.

      You’ve established successful careers in two entirely different fields. What advice would you offer to someone looking to make a fresh start mid-career?

      Stop discussing what you want to do and start doing it. No one is invested in your “someday” plan; you have to take that first step and figure things out along the way.

      That’s solid advice. If you could advise your younger self on the entertainment industry, what would you say?

      Do not wait for permission. Don’t hold out for someone to contact you. Take the initiative yourself. That’s the only way I’ve ever been able to make anything happen.

      Looking forward, what’s your dream project?

      I would love to develop a scripted comedy series for a major streaming platform, something intelligent and character-focused, with humor rooted in reality.

      What can audiences anticipate from your upcoming works?

      I have Mandate featuring Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan, and Tara Reid, along with Tramps Like Us starring Michael Paré — both set to release in early 2026. Mandate will have a theatrical release, and I currently have three more films in pre-production.

      Aside from your career aspirations, what do you hope your legacy will reflect?

      That it's never too late to take your second chance. Life doesn’t need to follow a singular path. Sometimes, the second act is where you truly find your rhythm, and that has been my experience.

      Don Worley’s latest award-winning film, A Time for Sunset, has just premiered. You can watch it on Apple TV and Amazon Video.