From Shreveport to Stardom: A Local Star Shines in Film and Television for Over 20 Years!

You may recognize Ted Ferguson from movies, TV shows, or commercials. He’s a Shreveport actor with a passion for storytelling. His latest film, “Portal in the Pines,” is set to release in February. Directed by Eric Gibson, a Louisiana native, the film was primarily shot in the Minden area.

Before diving into acting, Ted worked at 98 Rocks radio station for several years. After retirement, he decided to pursue his dream of acting. Ted has been in the game for about twenty years, taking on various character roles. He enjoyed playing Judge Edwin J. Miller in “NCIS: New Orleans” and being a guest star on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!.” His extensive list of credits reflects his dedication to the craft.

Ted’s journey to acting began after the sale of the radio station in the late 1990s. He cashed in his stock options and sought new ventures. Retiring wasn’t as easy as it sounds, he joked, “You have to have a plan; otherwise, you’ll get bored stiff.” So, he returned to LSU to finish his degree, determined to succeed this time.

While at LSU, Ted took an improv acting class, which helped him recognize the similarities between acting and radio. “In radio, every time you click the mic, you’re performing,” he explained. This realization fueled his decision to explore the acting world.

His big break came after Hurricane Katrina prompted the film industry to set up in Shreveport. Ted applied to be an extra in “Blonde Ambition.” When he learned they needed Norwegian priests, he reached out to the Swedish Embassy for translations. He rehearsed his lines in Swedish, auditioned with the director, and landed his first speaking role.

Since then, Ted has worked hard to build his acting skills. He made the leap to Los Angeles, where he landed a role as a featured extra in the popular series “Mad Men.” His journey has taught him valuable lessons about the industry.

For aspiring actors, Ted has simple yet crucial advice: “Learn your craft.” He emphasizes the importance of participating in casting workshops and listening to feedback. He went to LA because opportunities like that weren’t available in Shreveport.

Ted believes being relatable is key. “Just talk to the person in front of you,” he says. He also stresses that professionalism is essential. “Know your lines and show up prepared. If you work hard, you’ll start landing bigger roles.”

In addition to his performances, his upcoming movie promises a thrilling plot. “Portal in the Pines” features a rural fireman who discovers a secret particle collider that opens a portal to hell. A screening at the Robinson Film Center is in the works, so stay tuned!

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