George Sharperson: The Veteran Actor Turned Award-Winning Producer

The Making of a Hollywood Veteran

In a world where talent often fades with time, George Sharperson has stood tall through decades of evolution in entertainment. With more than twenty years in network television and commercial work, he has mastered the art of staying relevant, adapting to every shift while staying grounded in his craft. His name has become synonymous with consistency, class, and creativity.

From Actor to Visionary Producer

Sharperson’s transition from acting to producing marks a defining chapter in his journey. His portfolio boasts roles and collaborations on acclaimed projects like Abbott Elementary, A Man Apart with Vin Diesel, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Cherish the Day. Each project reflects his keen eye for quality storytelling and his belief that every role, big or small, contributes to a larger purpose.

The Power of Authentic Storytelling

At the core of Sharperson’s career lies his commitment to authenticity. He believes that the most impactful performances are born from truth — from tapping into emotions that audiences can genuinely feel. For him, storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about connection, empathy, and creating a sense of belonging on screen.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

As a Black actor and producer, Sharperson has navigated an industry where opportunity hasn’t always come easily. Instead of letting challenges deter him, he turned them into motivation. Through his production company, Bricktown Entertainment, he is opening doors for emerging talent and creating platforms for diverse voices to be heard. His success is not just personal — it’s purposeful, rooted in a mission to transform the landscape of Hollywood by building opportunities for others.

Lessons in Leadership and Longevity

Sharperson attributes his long-standing success to patience, discipline, and the constant pursuit of excellence. He approaches every project as a student of the craft, always seeking to learn something new. His leadership style inspires those around him to bring their best, proving that true influence is built through example, not ego.

Exclusive Interview with George Sharperson

Hollywood Magazine: You’ve built an incredible career over more than two decades in network television and commercials—what moment do you feel truly defined your journey in Hollywood?
George Sharperson: I’d say the moment that truly defined my journey wasn’t one big break or a red-carpet premiere; it was the day I realized consistency is the real currency in this business. Early in my career, I booked a national commercial that ran everywhere. That exposure opened doors, but more importantly, it taught me that preparation, professionalism, and showing up ready every single time would build the kind of reputation that keeps you working for decades. Looking back, the defining moment wasn’t about fame; it was about embracing the craft, finding joy in every role, big or small, and earning the trust of directors, casting agents, and fellow actors. That realization has carried me through network television, countless commercials, and every chapter of my career since.

Hollywood Magazine: As both an award-winning producer and veteran actor, how do you balance the creative demands of performing with the strategic vision required behind the camera?
George Sharperson: Balancing those two worlds is really about discipline and perspective. When I’m in front of the camera, my only job is to live truthfully in the role — to bring the character to life and honor the story. Behind the camera as a producer, I have to step back and see the bigger picture — budgets, schedules, the needs of the crew, the arc of the project as a whole. The trick is not letting one bleed into the other at the wrong time. I remind myself: on set as an actor, I’m part of the puzzle; as a producer, I’m responsible for the whole puzzle. What keeps me grounded is remembering that both hats serve the same purpose — telling the most compelling story possible. It’s a balance of focus and flexibility, and honestly, I thrive on that creative tension.

Hollywood Magazine: You’ve appeared in acclaimed projects like Abbott Elementary, A Man Apart, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Cherish the Day—what makes you choose one project over another?
George Sharperson: For me, choosing a project always comes down to two things: the story and the people. I ask myself, is this a story that matters, that has something to say, or a character I can really bring to life? At this point in my career, I want to be part of work that resonates with audiences — whether it makes them laugh, think, or feel something deeply. The second part is who I’m collaborating with. I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible writers, directors, and casts on projects like Abbott Elementary and The Lincoln Lawyer. When the creative team shares a passion for the story, that energy is contagious, and it elevates everyone’s performance.

Hollywood Magazine: What challenges have you faced as a Black actor and producer in the industry, and how have those experiences shaped your outlook on storytelling?
George Sharperson: The challenges are real, and they’ve been there from the beginning. As a Black actor, you’re often fighting to be seen beyond stereotypes, to be considered for roles with depth and complexity. Early on, I had to navigate auditions where the character breakdowns were limiting or where diversity felt more like a box to be checked than a genuine commitment to representation. As a producer, the challenge shifts — it’s about getting diverse stories made and convincing decision-makers that audiences want authenticity, not tokenism. Those experiences have shaped me in a powerful way. They’ve given me a responsibility to push for stories that reflect the fullness of who we are — our humanity, our flaws, our brilliance. For me, storytelling isn’t just entertainment; it’s an opportunity to expand how we see each other, and that outlook guides every project I choose to be part of.

Hollywood Magazine: Being part of award-winning productions is a remarkable achievement—how has that recognition influenced your career and opened new opportunities?
George Sharperson: Being part of recognized productions has been both humbling and energizing. Awards and critical acclaim shine a spotlight not just on the show, but on everyone who contributed to making it special. For me, it’s opened doors to conversations and opportunities that might not have been there otherwise. It signals to the industry that you’re part of teams operating at the highest level, and that credibility follows you. But the bigger influence is internal — it pushes me to keep raising the bar, to choose projects that matter, and to keep evolving as both an actor and producer.

Hollywood Magazine: With your wealth of experience, what advice would you give to aspiring actors and producers hoping to make their mark in Hollywood today?
George Sharperson: My advice is simple but essential: be relentless in your craft and unwavering in your professionalism. Acting and producing are both marathon games; talent will get you in the door, but consistency, preparation, and reputation keep you working. Learn every part of the process, stay curious, and never stop improving. Equally important is resilience — Hollywood will challenge you in ways you don’t expect. Rejections, setbacks, or roles that feel limiting are part of the journey. Don’t take it personally; use every experience as a lesson and let your passion for storytelling guide your choices. Surround yourself with people who push you and believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to create opportunities for yourself instead of waiting for them to appear.

Hollywood Magazine: Looking ahead, what projects or goals excite you the most as you continue to expand your influence in both acting and producing?
George Sharperson: What excites me most is the opportunity to tell stories that haven’t been told yet — projects that push boundaries, challenge perspectives, and give audiences something they didn’t know they needed. I’m particularly drawn to stories that highlight underrepresented voices, whether in front of or behind the camera. On the acting side, I want roles that stretch me creatively. As a producer, my goal is to develop content that not only entertains but also inspires and sparks conversation. Ultimately, it’s about expanding influence in a way that leaves a meaningful mark on the industry and on the audiences we serve.

In Closing

As a producer, I’m thrilled by the opportunities currently unfolding. I have several concepts in development with major networks, which is both new and exciting for me. On top of that, my project Dreamers, which tackles the immigration issue, has won multiple film festival awards, including recognition at The Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival. I also produced Reformed, which has won multiple festivals and is still on its festival run, chronicling the lives of three men sentenced to life in prison who are now free and contributing members of society after new laws gave them a second chance. Currently, we’re in post-production on a new documentary about the tragedy of O’Day Short and the murder of him, his wife, daughter, and son. While the story remains unsolved, my goal is to shine the brightest possible light on it and honor their memory.