Danor Gerald

Dallas, Texas native Danor Gerald has been acting for 15 years. He began as a theater actor, but has more recently moved his talents to television and film.  “Acting has been good to me,” Danor admitted, and it certainly seems to be true. 

“The Doorstep,” the first film that he starred in, has won awards at the Vail Film Festival, the Gloria Film Festival and most recently the ACE Film Festival in New York City. He has appeared in films with the likes of Gary Cole from “Office Space” and Michael Madsen from “Kill Bill,” has been directed by Ryan Little, in “Saints and Soldiers,” and has rubbed elbows with Oscar nominees.  His latest appearance in the lime light was as a captain of a college team who was recruiting Zac Efron’s character in “High School Musical 2,” which premiered this August.  Danor’s success doesn’t end with his acting prowess, however, and it’s his success behind the camera that he most attributes to his time at UVSC.

When Danor left his job as an actor and writer at Disney World in Florida in order to earn his degree, it was UVSC’s Digital Media program that drew him to Utah. “The program was everything I wanted for it to be,” Danor said. “It was hands-on and progressive.” And, he feels, it has provided him with the education and confidence that he needs to reach his dreams. He recently started up his own production company, Imminent Catharsis Arts & Media, LLC, where he acts as producer and director, dealing with both the business and artistic sides of film development.

According to Danor, the real confidence necessary to start his company came not only from his Digital Media classes at UVSC, where he became familiar with all of the computer programs involved in creating a film, but surprisingly, from a history class.  In this class, the professor talked about President Andrew Johnson, who took what little education he had, found a way to build it up, became a very successful lawyer, and eventually became President of the United States.  “It’s the complete model for my own success,” Danor said. 

Andrew Johnson isn’t the only figure he looks to for inspiration, however.  Danor aspires to follow the likes of Robert Redford and create something similar to Sundance. He wants to start an organization that not only produces and directs films, but also helps to nurture young artists—actors, directors, sculptors, painters, writers and anyone else who might need a little help getting started on a bright future.

Danor Gerald’s future certainly seems bright.  “If I’m ever on Jay Leno, I’m wearing a UVSC t-shirt, that’s how much I believe in the education here,” he said.  At the rate that he’s going now, that day may not be too far away.

See Danor star in UVSC's Green Fever videos at http://www.uvsc.edu/greenfever