🎬 From a Stroke to the Screen: Actor Don Smith’s Second Act | I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In!
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with New England-based actor Don Smith for a powerful conversation about second chances, late-in-life career pivots, and the drive to perform.
Originally from Centerville, MA, and now residing on the South Shore in Humarock, Don opens up about the unique "bloodline" of performers in his family—from his community theater star mother to his playwright uncle. But it wasn’t until two major life events collided—a "gut punch" comment from a family friend at a memorial service and a life-threatening stroke in 2021—that Don finally decided to stop ignoring his calling. Join us as Don shares his journey from recovering with TPA to landing roles as "angry white guys" and Hollywood producers in indie films like Slick. plus, don't miss the hilarious on-set disaster story involving a beer can, a copyright issue, and a sticky explosion during the filming of Phantasma.
Whether you are an aspiring actor, a film enthusiast, or someone looking for the inspiration to start a new chapter, Don’s advice to "Just Do It" is a must-listen.
📌 Episode Highlights: The Cape Cod Connection: Growing up in Centerville and the South Shore vs. North Shore dynamic.
Family Legacy: Memories of his mother playing Lady Brockhurst and his uncle’s influence from the Yale Drama School.
The Wake Up Call: How a stroke and a disappointing comment from an old friend pushed Don into acting.
Indie Film Stories: Playing Marty Caruso in Slick and the "angry guy" typecast.
Set Life Fails: The funny story behind the exploding beer can prop in Phantasma.
Radio Theater: Working with the Talking Information Center and Ledgers Actors Workshop.
Quote of the Week: "I think finding it [acting] later is much more precious... look at me now, here I am in this 3rd or 4th chapter of life." — Don Smith
About the Podcast: I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In is a podcast dedicated to the journeys of New England-based actors. Hosted by Stephen Lomer, we dive deep into the local film scene, audition horror stories, and the triumphs of working creatives in the Northeast.
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