Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Downer.
Hi Derek, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born in Dallas, Texas, in ’89, I grew up on the east side of town near Garland and the old Resistol hat factory. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an actor. I grew up watching Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, James Dean, and Robert Redford. I loved stories of good overcoming evil, ordinary people beating impossible odds, and moments of pure humanity. I wanted to be part of stories like that.
For a long time, I had abandoned that dream. I worked retail, sold men’s suits and motorcycles, and spent time as a trainer, teacher, fence worker, and veterinary technician (mostly helicopter captures and large livestock). I trained in martial arts, competed, and even fought MMA a couple of times.
But around 2019, Libby, my better half, by then my wife, reminded me of something simple: if I was willing to risk myself for as little money, I might as well do it chasing the thing I loved. She was right, I’ve loved every minute, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most people, our family had its share of hard times, family struggles, divorce, money troubles, loss, and injury. But I don’t ask for sympathy. Hard times teach you the most, and the good times remind you of who you want to be.
Many of those struggles were faced alongside my older brother, Jim. In ’02, he suffered a life-changing injury that left him in a wheelchair, and he has shown extraordinary strength ever since. I was his full-time caregiver for about twelve years while working different jobs, training, and competing in MMA.
Through it all, he was still an inspiring Army veteran, a father figure, a coach, and a big brother to me. When you have someone like that in your life, it’s hard not to be motivated to face whatever comes your way.
It took me a long time to understand the value of adversity. Learning how and why we overcome it is often what forges us into our best selves.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an actor and filmmaker based in Austin, TX. I would like to think I’m known for being dependable, easy to work with, maybe a little nuts, and bringing authenticity to whatever role I’m given. I’m really drawn to character-driven stories; westerns, thrillers, crime dramas, and roles with grit, heart, and complexity. You’re not going to miss me with the fun stuff either. Cops, cowboys, and dads have been my typecasting, and that’s worked out so far. It’s a tough business to be in, but I also work with a picture car company, do stunts here and there, and work on production. So, I stay busy, that’s for sure. I know my unconventional background and approach to this work are definitely what set me apart. They give me an edge and a perspective that most people don’t have. “It’s another day at the Dream Factory”, is what I always say.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
This one isn’t easy, but it’s simple.:
Show up early.
Do your work well and honestly.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, say you don’t know, or admit fault.
You’re not above any task, especially when it helps others.
Don’t be in a rush to leave; there’s always someone else left working.
Attitude is Everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: IMDB – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2786705/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downer45/
- Other: Representation – https://www.pbtalent.com/
