Don Worley on Second Chances, Making Movies and Stand-Up Stages

Actor, producer, and comedian Don Worley has built a career defined by reinvention. Originally from Texas, Don’s first passion was performance, from sneaking into Dallas bars to perform comedy to studying acting at The University of Texas. After appearing in D.O.A., True Stories, and a Clint Black music video, he pivoted into law, where his courtroom skills translated seamlessly to the stage and screen.

His satirical YouTube series Prayer Hour as “Pastor Shepherd” went viral and led to the feature film Pastor Shepherd with Danny Trejo, the launch of his company Second Chance Pictures, and a string of new projects including A Time for Sunset (now streaming) and the upcoming Mandate with Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan, and Tara Reid. Don also stars in Power of Attorney: Don Worley, blending his legal expertise and showmanship in a hit series now streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

You call your company Second Chance Pictures. Why that name?
Because it really is my second shot at entertainment. I had the motivation and the work ethic this time to make my own projects instead of waiting for Hollywood to call.

What inspired your first major film, Pastor Shepherd?
It started from my viral YouTube parody Prayer Hour where I played a prosperity preacher. A producer who grew up around televangelists loved it and approached me about turning it into a movie.

And that film starred Danny Trejo and you also worked with Gary Busey on the YouTube show. What was that like?
Very interesting.  Danny was great.  Gary has some personal struggles, so it was hard at first.  He didn’t follow any type of script, so we just did it all improv in one take.  But he enjoyed it and kept calling my cell phone for a few days after to see if we could collaborate on another project. 

You spent years touring as a comedian. What’s a moment that stands out?
A show in North Carolina, my Friday crowds were dead silent. So, on Saturday I changed one thing: I made the local emcee the “friend” in all my stories. The audience went crazy. It taught me adaptability.

What advice from another comic has stayed with you?
Say what you want, not what you think the audience wants. They can smell pandering. Confidence wins them over.

Do you ever miss those nights of comedy clubs and chaos?
I miss the live energy, not the 2 a.m. bar closings while some guy on stage overshares about his private life!

What did comedy teach you about acting?
Timing. You learn how to hold for laughs, when to breathe, and when to hit the next line. It’s the best training there is.

What can you tell us about your latest film, A Time for Sunset?
‘A Time for Sunset’ is a thriller feature film written by me, Bernie Felix Jr., Harry Victor, and Alex Wroten. I produced along with Mark Baird.

The story follows a seasoned hit man hoping to retire from his profession, is on one final assignment when he begins receiving mysterious calls from an unknown source. As he tries to discover information about his new foe who is threatening to ‘sunset’ him, a dark truth emerges about his past; a truth that will shape his future.

The film is out now on Apple TV | Amazon Video

What’s next for Don Worley, both on screen and behind the camera?
Hopefully bigger budget films in the future and a scripted comedy tv series on a network or streamer. 

We can’t wait to see what’ next! Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Watch the trailer for ‘A Time for Sunset’ below: