Meet Brian Shirley

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Shirley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been creative and at the same time I love entertaining people. I found that I could also make a living out of being creative so once I got bit by the stand-up/acting bug, I decided to give it my all. Sometimes it’s a tough haul, but you learn that a career in entertainment has big ups and downs. The big thing is learning to deal with this and keep moving forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It all started with writing. I have a very active imagination, which helped me and still does as a loner. I wanted to be a writer when I was a kid, so I would try to write these sci/fi & horror novels. I did manage to write a few short stories, and also some sketch comedy. I also found I liked acting and making people laugh. It took years for me to figure out what to do with these skills, but once I took to the stage in a comedy workshop around 30 years ago, I finally found like I was home. Like I was doing what I should be doing, it felt so natural and just flowed from me. I still feel that way today.
It was not easy and it’s always a challenge somehow, which is a good thing. When it comes to art or entertainment, it’s not always “easy” and I guess it shouldn’t be. It needs an edge, or it can be very dull.
The biggest challenge has been staying in the game, not giving up. I have also learned and adapted as needed. I still have a lot to learn and that’s a good thing as well. If you keep learning, you’ll always discover new things about yourself as an artist and entertainer.
Patience is one of the best lessons i have learned. It may be hard to be patient sometimes, but if I feel like I’m moving forward, no matter how slowly, it will help to keep me motivated.
I have been told recently by some people that I inspire them as well. That’s a HUGE compliment for me as I feel like I’m the one who needs to be inspired sometimes. If I can help people achieve their goals, just by continuing to show up, that’s a win for everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I live in Chas, SC and we are a tourist spot. I think I would spend a lot of time taking folks to some of our excellent restaurants both downtown and along the water in Mount Pleasant, also James Island, Johns Island and Daniel Island. These would be places to go out and eat each day. We also have a lot of historical sites both downtown and all around the area. Charlestown Landing is a wonderful spot, which would fill the good part of the day, spending time just doing a carriage tour of downtown then walking around on your own, could take another day. Going West Ashley and up scenic Hwy 61 to Magnolia Gardens just to name one such spot in that area.
I could also take folks for a day or more at any of the area beaches on Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms or James Island.
These are just some of the local areas and spots, there’s also Summerville, North Charleston and more in this area known as the “Low Country”.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a HUGE shout out to my parents. As with any endeavor, it does take a while to get those closest to you on board with what you choose as a career, especially if it’s in entertainment. Now that they have seen me onstage and onscreen, they have become my biggest supporters. The same goes for my brother and his family, they have brought so many of their friends to my shows, it’s hard to keep up with all of them. I also have been fortunate to meet a lot of people along the way, some from my childhood and school, some from later on when I was struggling at different jobs while pursuing my stand-up and now acting. A lot of these people keep me going as well with all of their support both online and personally as well.
Without these people in my life, Mom, Brother, Sister-In-law, Nephews, Dad, Stepmom, Stepbrother, Trish & Scott, Tom & Nanette, Jack & Debbi, friends from Osborne HS, USAF, my fellow stand-up comedians & actors, also those who I worked all those odd jobs with, and those I’ve worked for as an entertainer, I would not be continuing in my life as a creative person. Thank you to you all!!

Website: briantshirleyactor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briantshirley1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briantshirley/

Twitter: https://x.com/briantshirley

Soundcloud: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/bts-comedy/4860552

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.t.shirley.5/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@btscharleston

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6376917/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk