Dan Shelby was born in Los Angeles and spent his formative years in the San Fernando Valley, where he honed his athletic prowess on the school basketball teams. As a Freshman and Sophomore, he averaged an impressive 29 to 30 points per game, showcasing his remarkable skills and abilities. However, his Junior and Senior Year saw a transfer to a new high school, where he played under a coach who proved to be a significant hindrance to his performance. Despite this toxic environment, Dan managed to maintain an average of over 21 points per game, a testament to his resilience and determination.
Following his high school days, Dan pursued a career in college basketball, but he soon realized that coaches often prioritized politics over talent. This disillusionment served as the initial spark for his feature film, "Faded Dreams." Seeking a new creative outlet, Dan turned to acting and began landing roles in independent films. One evening, while dining with a close friend, the idea struck him to write a film based on his own experiences as a basketball player. He began gathering feedback from former basketball players, who shared similar stories of coach-related struggles.
With the help of one of these players, Dan co-wrote a script, which eventually led to production. He starred as the lead actor, directed, and produced "Faded Dreams," a remarkable achievement considering his lack of formal film school training. The film's success led to additional acting and producing opportunities, including "Bloody Nightmares," where Dan took on the lead role and producer's duties.
As an actor, Dan is recognized for his intense dramatic performances, but he also enjoys exploring comedic roles, such as "Private Security Officer: Los Angeles," where he played the lead. His films have consistently received high demand on platforms like Netflix and Tubi, solidifying his status as a talented and versatile actor. With the success of "Faded Dreams" and "Snatched!," Dan has continued to collaborate with his business partners on new projects, while also auditioning for various other roles.