Don Yesso is a versatile and talented actor, writer, producer, and former football coach who has been in the entertainment industry for over three decades. He has appeared in many films and TV shows, such as Bad Country, Hocus Pocus, Hate Crime, and Queen Sugar. He is also known for his roles as Stanley Kowalski in the 1993 film version of A Streetcar Named Desire and the 2014 TV series Frank’s Place.
Don Yesso Wiki/Bio
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Don Yesso |
| Birth date | November 27, 1954 |
| Birth place | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Ethnicity | Italian, French, and Native American |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Occupation | Actor, writer, producer, and former football coach |
| Education | Louisiana State University |
| Spouse | Unknown |
| Children | One |
| Social Links | IMDB- @nm0947742 Instagram- @donyesso Homepage- Newsunzip |
| Notable works | Frank’s Place, A Streetcar Named Desire, Hocus Pocus, Fantastic Four, Queen Sugar, Bad Country |
Birthday, Early Life, Education
Don Yesso was born on November 27, 1954 (age: 69 years, as of 2023), in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He is of Italian, French, and Native American descent. He grew up in a large and close-knit family, with six siblings and many cousins. He attended Louisiana State University, where he studied physical education and played football. He was a star athlete and a popular student on campus.
Career as a Football Coach
After graduating from college, Yesso became a high school football coach in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He loved teaching and mentoring young players and enjoyed the thrill of the game. He was a successful and respected coach, who led his team to many victories and championships. He also met his wife, a fellow teacher, during this time.
Breakthrough in the Entertainment Industry
Don Yesso’s life changed dramatically when he met director Hugh Wilson in a Los Angeles airport in 1987. The two struck up a friendship and Wilson offered him a part in the upcoming TV series Frank’s Place. He admitted that he couldn’t act and Wilson said, “Don’t worry…it’s easy.” He decided to take a leap of faith and accept the offer, leaving his coaching career behind. He moved to Los Angeles and began his journey in the world of entertainment.
Frank’s Place was a critically acclaimed comedy-drama that aired on CBS from 1987 to 1988. It starred Tim Reid as Frank Parrish, a professor who inherits a restaurant in New Orleans. Don Yesso played the role of Shorty, a loyal and humorous employee of the restaurant. He received positive reviews for his performance and gained recognition as an actor.
Roles in Films and TV Shows
After Frank’s Place, Don Yesso continued to pursue his acting career and landed roles in various films and TV shows. Some of his notable appearances include:
- Hocus Pocus (1993): A cult classic comedy-horror film that starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as three witch sisters who are resurrected on Halloween night. He played the role of the bus driver, who gives the witches a ride and flirts with them.
- A Streetcar Named Desire (1993): A TV film adaptation of the famous play by Tennessee Williams, starring Alec Baldwin, Jessica Lange, John Goodman, and Diane Lane. He played the iconic role of Stanley Kowalski, the brutish and abusive husband of Stella. He also understudied for Baldwin in the 1992 Broadway production of the play.
- Blast from the Past (1999): A romantic comedy film that starred Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, and Sissy Spacek. It followed the story of a man who was raised in a fallout shelter and emerges into the modern world for the first time. Don Yesso played the role of Jerry, a friendly and helpful store clerk who befriends the protagonist.
- Bad Country (2014): A crime thriller film that starred Matt Dillon, Willem Dafoe, Amy Smart, and Tom Berenger. It was based on the true story of a detective who infiltrated a criminal organization in Louisiana. Yesso served as an executive producer and also played the role of Mike Bannock, a corrupt cop who works for the mob.
- Queen Sugar (2016-present): A drama TV series that airs on OWN and is created by Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey. It follows the lives of three siblings who inherit a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. He plays the role of Officer Randall Orson, a racist and corrupt cop who harasses the main characters.
Some of his other films and TV shows include Fantastic Four, Focus, American Ultra, 22 Jump Street, Hate Crime, Zoo, Hap and Leonard, and Like Son.
Don Yesso Shines as Tony D in Fast Charlie
Don Yesso, the veteran actor added another feather to his cap with his latest role as Tony D in the action thriller film Fast Charlie. The film, directed by Phillip Noyce and based on the novel Gun Monkeys by Victor Gischler, stars Pierce Brosnan as Charlie Swift, a professional hitman who gets caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with his former boss, Stan Mullen, played by James Caan. Morena Baccarin co-stars as Marcie Kramer, a savvy reporter who gets entangled in the plot.
Who is Tony D?
Tony D is one of the main antagonists of the film, a ruthless and cunning henchman who works for Stan Mullen. He is tasked with hunting down Charlie Swift and retrieving a mysterious briefcase that contains a secret that could expose Stan’s criminal empire. Tony D is a master of disguise, a skilled fighter, and a cold-blooded killer who will stop at nothing to complete his mission. He is also a loyal and trusted friend of Stan, who considers him as his right-hand man.
How did Don prepare for the role?
Don Yesso, who has been in the entertainment industry for over three decades, is no stranger to playing complex and challenging characters. He has appeared in many films and TV shows, such as Bad Country, Hocus Pocus, Hate Crime, and Queen Sugar. He is also known for his roles as Stanley Kowalski in the 1993 film version of A Streetcar Named Desire and the 2014 TV series Frank’s Place.
To prepare for the role of Tony D, Don Yesso did extensive research on the novel Gun Monkeys and the genre of action thrillers. He also worked closely with the director, Phillip Noyce, and the other cast members, especially Pierce Brosnan and James Caan, to develop his character’s personality, motivation, and backstory. He also underwent physical training and learned various martial arts and weapons skills to perform his own stunts in the film.
What did Don Yesso bring to the role?
Don Yesso brought his charisma, versatility, and talent to the role of Tony D, making him a memorable and formidable villain. He infused his character with a mix of humor, menace, and intelligence, creating a contrast with the other characters and adding a layer of unpredictability to the film. He also had a great chemistry with the other actors, especially Brosnan and Caan, creating a dynamic and thrilling rivalry between them. He also delivered his lines with a distinctive accent and a flair for sarcasm, making his character stand out and memorable.
Height, Weight
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches
- Weight: 68 kg
Personal Life
Yesso is married and has one child, a son whose name is not known. It is said that he has been married to his wife from long 30 years. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he opened an exercise studio named Yoglates, which combines yoga and pilates. He is also involved in various charitable and community activities, such as coaching youth sports and supporting local schools.
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $2 million |
| 2023 | $2 million |
Don Yesso is a remarkable and inspiring person who has succeeded in multiple fields. He is a talented and versatile actor, writer, producer, and former football coach who has entertained and impressed audiences with his diverse and memorable roles. He is also a loving and generous family man, who enjoys spending time with his wife and son, and giving back to his community. He is a true example of someone who follows his dreams and passions, and makes the most of every opportunity.
