Meet Daniel R. Lyon III | Actor, Model & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel R. Lyon III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Growing up in a broken home, my Dad and I took several risks in how we lived our everyday lives. I learned early on that sometimes you need to take risks to strive for a better tomorrow. All too often we took risks in moving to a new home, taking a job far away, living to our last dollar, or investing our time in something we weren’t 100% sure would take us to the next level. Although I was still young, we were a team – father and son – making choices that panned out for us in the end. This hard-knock upbringing taught me countless lessons and now in my adult years, I’ve used what I’ve learned to continue to grow beyond what I thought even possible.

The most recent risk I’ve taken was moving out here to the LA area on February 1st, 2022. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV where most of my friends and family still reside. I came out to the LA area to pursue my passions in the entertainment and film industries more directly. 2 years before I decided to move out to LA, I began performing as an actor for commercials, feature films, and festivals. I also pursued modeling on the side as it seemed to go hand-in-hand, securing shoots for photography workshops, local businesses, and private photographers. This led me to work with different productions as a freelance contractor at major events, corporate conventions, and on film sets.

I knew Vegas would only get me so far in the industries I wanted to operate within, so naturally I decided to move to the hotspot for everything entertainment. Looking back now, it’s been a difficult and arduous journey, but one I’d still take knowing how far I’ve come since then.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most importantly, I’m a firm believer in the power of ‘Manifestation’. If you believe something will be yours and you put in the time and effort to make it real, it will come to you. Our generation today is hard-pressed to put in the time and work for what they want, having so much immediately at their fingertips it’s understandable, but not excusable. Maintaining a positive mindset, being consistent, and putting in the required work will allow anyone to attain their wildest dreams. I’ve been at ‘rock bottom’ and have climbed up from the hole I was in. I don’t come from money and I haven’t had any financial advantages to help me succeed. At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself, “What do you truly want in life, and to what ends are you willing to go to attain it”?

I’m an autodidact, a ‘Jack of all Trades’, and a determined soul. My 20s were primarily filled with self-discovery, learning from my mistakes, and attempting to determine what I wanted in life. I decided when I turned 30 that I wanted to pursue a life of creativity and hone my skills as a talented actor and industry professional. I grew up as a theater kid and flourished in classes like Theater, Improv, Dance, and Tech Theater. My friends and I also played countless hours of Dungeons & Dragons as several different characters, in a variety of different worlds. It only made sense to me that I’d do this professionally and learn to live within the lives of different minds.

The first year was dedicated to a lot of learning and preparation, finding out what the film industry really was in this day and age. It’s a very hard industry to break into, some get lucky and some don’t make it for years after beginning their journey. It boiled down to a few things though – networking and building a reputation, honing your skills, being a cut above the rest, and staying consistent and humble. After establishing a game plan I set out to become known to everyone as an actor, model, and filmmaker.

Since then I’ve been a part of several different events, productions, and private attractions that some have said to be far beyond what they’ve seen others do within 10 years. I’ve been on multi-million dollar projects, worked alongside celebrities, and partnered with several different major corporations in my industry. Currently, I’m a producer and casting director for a new upcoming series set to appear on a major streaming platform. I will continue to work towards a better horizon and bring the joys of entertainment to the world around me.

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.
Los Angeles is full of different sites, smells, and things to experience. Santa Monica promenade is one of my favorite locations for a stroll and have been there countless times, especially during their farmer’s market. The Santa Monica pier also has a great little carnival there all year round with a few other great spots to eat and take in the ocean view.

The downtown Arts District is also a nicely hidden gem with its beautiful wall art, graffiti, and architecture that has been preserved for so long. If you find yourself in the Arts District make sure to take lots of photos and when you’re tired of that, head over to the Two Bit Circus amusement park where you can spend countless hours having fun with all the entertainment they have there.

In the Hollywood area, it’s a given that everyone should at least take the Hollywood Walk of Fame at least once. Along your walk, you’ll encounter many famous sites and later in the evening, you’ll witness all the spectacular street performances. One of my favorite touristy spots is Icons of Darkness, a museum dedicated to some of my favorite movies in the sci-fi and horror genres. The nightlife in Hollywood also has a few great spots like the gothic Bar Sinister with its live music and dark patrons, as well as Scum and Villainy which is a Star Wars-themed bar with karaoke and trivia nights. During the day, there are also several great hiking spots close to the Hollywood sign that I’d suggest anyone visit to snap a picture of that iconic location.

Burbank is not too far off and is home to some of the best little shops and privately owned businesses one should visit. Along Magnolia Blvd between Hollywood Way and Victory Blvd are some great spots to pop in and take a look around. From thrift and antique stores to coffee and food shops, you could definitely take a whole day walking and stopping at all there is to see there. One of my favorite spots is the Halloween Town stores selling everything from costumes and Halloween decor to memorabilia and collectibles. If you’re looking to eat somewhere the Porto’s Bakery and Cafe there is divine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many to consider to be completely honest, but a few stand out more than others. Firstly, I need to contribute who I am today to my Dad – Daniel R. Lyon Jr. – the man who taught me so many lessons in life that if he hadn’t, I’d be a shell of the man that I’ve become today. My Mom and I have had a difficult past growing up and have gone through several trials and tribulations together, my Mom – Judy Philippi – has been there for me when I’ve been at ‘rock bottom’. She’s uplifted me through words of wisdom, spiritual insights, and unconditional love that I’m so thankful to have.

My past is checkered with different people who’ve supported me through the years and another who stands out is the Simon Family – Kasey Simon, Ian Simon, and Dede Simon. These selfless and loving people took me into their home and helped raised me when I was growing up through several different phases of my life’s journey. Kasey is like a brother to me, the brother I never had, we’ve been there for each other time and time again.

Similarly, I’d like to extend my thanks to several of my friends who’ve also been there for me through thick and thin – Jake Carey, Jeremy Madaus, and Brendan Shane Rudnick. Jake has been my partner in crime and literary buddy, sharing countless hours of conversations. Jeremy was my mentor and opened my eyes to the many possibilities life has to offer, exchanging thoughts and wisdom when I needed someone to lean on. Brendan was my guy, my dude, my bro who was there to always have a good time, there to uplift me and support me creatively.

Last but certainly not least, my lover and partner – Mariah Marsalla – for the past 5 years has truly opened my world to what life has to offer creatively. She is the stars in my sky, my universe, and my best friend. When we first met we were pirates at a festival I was working, on our first date during Halloween she was a crazy clown and I was a circus ring leader. Her passion for cosplay and her 15+ years of makeup experience inspired me to join her in doing it myself. Now we’ve done countless events in costume and makeup, from recreational to professional, and we continue to find new opportunities as character actors.

There are so many more I could thank and make a ‘Shoutout’ to, but those are some of the people that truly stand out and shine!

Website: www.danielrlyon3.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.r.lyon.3

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-r-lyon-iii-233b35265

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielrlyon3

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daniel.r.lyon.3

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