Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Worley.
Hi Paul, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in what is considered ‘Cow Country’, there wasn’t a lot of things to entertain me. I read a lot. A LOT. I loved reading. I also watched TV. And then I discovered comics books. Wow! It was like reading and watching TV at the same time! It wasn’t just the stories, it was the art as well. Every issue was something special. I wanted to draw stories. And I wanted to write stories. At first, I’d just get out some paper and trace the pages of the comics. As I got better, the tracing paper disappeared and I was drawing. Not just cartoons from the comics, but all sorts of things; nature, cars, animals, people. I was also learning about the writing process. I would study books, plays, scripts, and other things that helped me learn to tell a compelling story.
Once I got to high school, I was taking classes in mechanical drawing, art, and acting in the school plays.
Off to college, I got my degree in graphic design and art. I freelanced for a while working for various independent comic publishers. Half of my childhood dream had come true. I was a professional artist! This led me to attending comic book conventions where I got to learn from seasoned professionals and increase my skills even more. Networking with my fellow creators was like a dream. We were always trading tips, stories, and comics books too. My collection of comics was growing at a pace I could barely keep up with. I was doing signings and selling my comics at local comic book stores. One in particular was Bennie’s Comics and Cards in Sharon, PA. I become close with the owners, Ben and Mary Manilla.
In the summer of 2002, Ben passed away suddenly. Mary did her best to run the store by herself. I helped as much as I could, but she was just overwhelmed. She asked me if I ever thought about owning the comic store. After a very short time, and with the blessing of my wife, I accepted her offer and have been the proud proprietor of Bennie’s Comics ever since.
At one particular comic convention in 2012, the show’s promoter was using the profits of the convention to produce a movie he had written. He went around to all the dealers at the show and asked everyone if they were interested in being an extra in his movie. I figured, ‘Sure, why not?’ The day of the filming was to take place outside at a graveside funeral. It was bitter cold that day and several of the people asked to participate never showed up. Even one of the actors didn’t show up. The director came to me and asked if I would be willing to fill in for him. I had one line. Piece of cake. Then, that actor pulled out of the whole production leaving the director in a lurch. Soon after, I got a phone call asking if I wanted to have a much bigger part in his movie. I agreed to it and that started off the second half of my childhood dream.
In the years since, I have maintained the Bennie’s comics and have been involved in over 50 different tv and movie projects. I am SO thankful for the support of my family, friends, customers, and coworkers in both the comic book world and the acting world for making me so content in the way my life has been going.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. The pandemic slowed us down, but with a couple adjustments, Bennie’s stayed open for business. We have a loyal base of customers that were understanding. They are my inspiration.
Even on the acting side, there were Covid protocols that needed to be followed. Safety was always the first concern among the production people, and no one was ever really at risk. Thank goodness for them!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Some of the movies/TV show I might get recognized for include “Engineering Tragedy”, “The Enormity of Life”, “Brokedown”, and “One Dollar”. I have acted in roles from husbands, scientist, cops, priests, Santa, steel workers, and even the President. Every role is something I invest in 100%. It’s been said that “There are no small roles, only small actors”, meaning every part, no matter how brief, deserves full commitment. That is SO true! Acting or some other job, give it all you got!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
No just for acting, but for everything in life… Be yourself. Show up early. Prepare. Watch. Listen. Learn. Ask questions. Have confidence. Don’t let fear overwhelm you. Accept Criticism. Don’t let rejection get you down. Have fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/paul.worley.77/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bennies-comics-cards-256593674352252/
