Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian T Shirley.
Hi Brian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Marietta, GA and graduated from Osborne High School. I lived there after graduation for a few years, moved to Chas, SC and then moved back to GA and went into the USAF. After four years in the USAF, I came back to the Atlanta area for a while, then moved back to Chas, SC where I currently live. I started doing stand-up in the mid to late 1990s and still do to this day. I have performed for Country Clubs, bars, assisted living facilities and more in the Atlanta area. I have also been an actor for about nine years now and have done appeared in a web series, some commercials and recently shot my scenes for an indie film shot in Atlanta. I plan on doing more comedy and acting in the Atlanta area in the future and did some extra work on the HULU series “Heels” which is shot in Atlanta.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, being an entertainer has a lot of ups and downs. First, you have to start learning your crafts, then you start to perfect them as best you can. You will never be perfect, but I always try to learn. The biggest obstacle can be yourself, at times, then again it can be other people who hate to see you succeed. I should have taken my career more seriously the first ten years or so and also should have been diversifying as well. I’ve struggled with anxiety, some health issues (a massive heart attack in 2018) and at times a lack of confidence. It’s a learning process, so if you can survive and stay in the game, that’s a huge part of succeeding and overcoming those challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always been a writer of sorts, I write my own comedy, mostly from what happens in my life or our lives as humans. Writing it where it all starts. I have written jokes, short stories, sketch comedy and short films. I’m more known for my stand-up but starting to get known as a serious actor and also a content creator. I’m always most proud of the latest project I’ve done but also like to keep pushing the highlights of my career. Each new joke or film is like another child or creation to share with the world. I think I’m starting to set myself apart from some other folks by being a hard worker and pursuing the different areas of entertainment that I feel I can excel at. I like to be different than what’s going on, even if it’s not the latest “thing” because I hope to make my creations last and not just be a flash in the pan.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If you really love what you do, give it your all to make that your reality. I made a lot of mistakes along the way and still do, but being patient is something I have had to learn the hard way. I’m glad I started acting, even if it was late in my career. Those 20 years onstage helped give me the confidence to step on a film set and know I could deliver. I still need to improve as an actor, but I’m not afraid to take the risk. I’ve been on big-budget projects (Outer Banks, Righteous Gemstones, Halloween Ends, and more) as background, indie films (Oak on the Outside, Treasure Box) with supporting roles and short films in leading and supporting roles. Every time I step on a film set now; I bring all that experience with me as well as the thousands of hours of stage time I have, and I look to learn something new as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://briantshirley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briantshirley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.t.shirley.5/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briantshirley/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/briantshirley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@btscharleston
- Other: http://briantshirleyactor.com
