Update: Not Retiring as World's Greatest Non-Speaking Actor

Update: I semi-retired, but I’m back in the game. Now living in Chicago and ready to help your brand as a spokesman, model, fake Dad, whatever you need.

Anxiety comes in all forms. For me, the four hours of driving to and from Chicago for a few minute audition that I may or may not book gave me all of the self-doubt. Five years of it to be exact. Life as an actor is not easy and there are endless “didn’t catch my break” stories around the country to back that up. Thankfully in the Midwest I can at least pride myself on saving countless shekels by way of cheaper rent compared to those on the East and West Coasts. Today though, I officially walk away from my childhood dream of SNL or becoming a household name actor. It’s done. Over. Finito. Instead, I want to make the case for being the best employee you’ve never met yet.

I, myself (Neal), have had the career strength as the perfect "Midwest Dad" working as a commercial and comedic actor. People hire me often to step up as the fun dad, plumber, chef, business owner, you name it. Staying true to being a method actor, there were countless takes where I’ve had to whisper “I love you, son/daughter” so let’s just say I know how to navigate around awkward dialogue. People also consider me The World's Greatest Non-Speaking Actor since Chaplin (Please don't fact check that). In all sincerity, what I’m humbled by is that countless brands believed in me. Not only for my unending charisma, but by the way I could bring life to the products they’ve built their careers around. Having their full trust in me was one of the greatest compliments ever as a working actor.

Before acting, I left a career as a senior designer/producer (leaving a well-paid career with benefits) to film a now award-winning documentary called Naneek. For two weeks I followed my good friend and combat veteran Tim Keenan back to make peace with the people of Vietnam. He also broke bread with his former enemy the NVA (North Vietnamese Army). I was scared shitless to not fail, quite frankly. By no means am I at a level of Ken Burns or Anthony Bourdain, but I have now dined on dog, beat malaria (Never actually got it. So I technically beat it.), drank rice whiskey in the deep jungle and somehow managed to come away with a film even Michael Moore deemed a damn good documentary.

Over the course of 6 months I’d endured a crash course in film production as I was self-taught. The film has now surpassed half a million views on YouTube and has been shown at countless schools and film festivals worldwide. It was my first and likely only documentary as one should retire from something when you peak.

So here we are — and, I’m sure you’re wondering what I can bring to the table, huh? Well, I am in the Midwest but happy to roam now that the bucket list was put on the back burner. Some people take the easy route and stick to a single path in life. I’ve spent over a decade continuing to learn, fail and adapt. I feel my true gift of authenticity and connecting with people will find it’s way to a brand or company that I can believe in. Whether it’s sales, content creation to brand and community management, I come bearing an arsenal of talent and weapons.

At the very least, would love to start a conversation.

Other career accolades:
Over 10 Years as a Brand & Content Strategist and Visual Designer
Chief Storyteller at Midwestern Gentleman
Seasoned (paid) Improv Comedy Performer
Pulitzer Level Email Write-ups as Fantasy Football Commissioner
Public Radio Intern/Producer for Interlochen Public Radio
Wine Maestro and Vineyard Expert at Left Foot Charley
Trail & Conservation Work for National Parks
Former Scratch Golfer (Side note: key word “former.”)