By Judy Shields
Hollywood, California (The Hollywood Times) 02/04/2026 – “I’ve always been interested in acting and never really dreamed that I would get the chance at this stage of my life,” Wells says. “But fate had other plans.”
Larry Wells is living proof that it’s never too late to pursue a dream. New career opportunities started happening for him in his 60s. Now, Wells isn’t even thinking of retirement. In fact, he’s just getting started—building a thriving acting career after decades of success as an entrepreneur.
Larry WellsBefore stepping in front of the camera, Wells spent 35 years building a successful gate automation business. What began as a simple need—being unable to find someone to repair his own gate—turned into a thriving enterprise serving thousands of customers.
Today, Larry’s son runs the day-to-day operations of the business, allowing him the freedom to pursue acting, while also working on two patent-pending projects he developed with his twin brother.
Wells began his on-screen journey just over five years ago in an unexpected way.
A regular customer at Tractor Supply, he would often talk with store employees and management. Then one day, he received an email from an agent inviting him to appear in a Tractor Supply video.
Check out the video reel of Larry’s commercials:
https://www.imdb.com/video/vi854837273/?ref_=vp_rv_vi_3
The opportunity quickly expanded into the print ads, voice-over work, and a national commercial for the company. That same agent then encouraged him to audition for the show “1883”, which was filming in Fort Worth at the time.
“I got very lucky,” Wells says. “I was cast as a deputy in “1883” alongside the main cast. Working with Billy Bob Thornton, Sam Elliott, and Tim McGraw was incredible.”
Following “1883”, Wells landed roles in local and national TV commercials, shoots for Kubota, additional voice-over work, and later appeared in “1923”, this time, as an Amarillo deputy. He also committed himself to acting classes, where he connected with friend and mentor Roni Hummel, whose guidance has helped him refine his craft.
Over the years, Larry has met some other legendary acting figures, who’ve kept him inspired. Through his involvement with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, he became friends with actor Buck Taylor. That friendship led to meeting Barry Corbin, with whom Wells now regularly participates in Stock Show Parades and Purple Heart Recipient meet-and-greets, as part of the Western actors tradition.
“I’ve really enjoyed knowing legends like Buck Taylor and Barry Corbin. I actually serve as Barry’s personal security for some of his live shows. We even share the same wonderful agent: Linda McAlister, Wells says. “And last year, I had the honor of doing the voice-over for Barry Corbin’s induction video, into the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame.”
Achievements for Larry Wells now include television commercials, a short film, print modeling, co-producing two faith-based music videos, presenting at the Texas Country Music Awards and the Academy of Western Artists Awards.
Enjoy our conversation and some wonderful words of wisdom from Larry Wells:
Larry is currently filming a movie called Anderson County in Southeast Texas, a true story that Chris Sigler has written, and he said he is working with a really cool director named Gary Parker. He went on to say that it’s a fun movie, and he is excited. Then he will start filming a Western up in Kansas in March with Ken Spurgeon. Larry Wells has a full plate!
