Actor Daniel Michael Gregory Earns Festival Nominations and Expands His Horror Legacy
- Tammy Reese
- Oct 9
- 6 min read
By Tammy Reese
Daniel Michael Gregory is an award-winning actor, screenwriter, and producer whose star continues to rise across the indie and horror film scene. A graduate of the New York Film Academy and Kean University, Gregory’s impressive range has earned him multiple Best Actor awards and nominations, including at the Golden Door International Film Festival and the Black Lion Indie Film Festival. Recently nominated for Best Supporting Performance at the Nightmares Film Festival in Ohio for his standout role in Betty, Gregory’s growing filmography includes performances alongside Eric Roberts, Matt Rife, Bai Ling, and Felissa Rose. With projects like What Lives Here, Trapped Inside My Sin, and the upcoming Human Hibachi Part 3, Daniel Michael Gregory continues to prove that versatility, grit, and heart are the hallmarks of his storytelling.
Congratulations on your role as Daniel the Apostle in the upcoming Human Hibachi Part 3! Can you share any exclusive details about your character or what audiences can expect from this installment of the cult classic indie horror franchise?
Thank you! Human Hibachi is a well respected franchise that has International fans. I met the award-winning director, Mario Cerrito at a Film Festival and we both respected each other’s work. He was kind enough to cast me in a very disturbing supporting role. You’ll see me play a twisted disciple kind of character with some dark comedy thrown in there. The film will have a few festival screenings at the end of this year and then it will be streaming in 2026. It’s cool to be part of a film that even has its own exclusive merchandise. Plus it was awesome being in a film with the legendary Lloyd Kaufman and Scream Queen Debbie Rochon.
You’re a two-time NJ Horror Con and Film Festival winner! First in 2021 as a producer for Air B & D (shared with Jayleen Perez and Joey Mosca), and again in 2023 for Best Actor in the film, Congratulations. What do those recognitions mean to you at this stage in your career?
Thank you! Winning as a lead actor and also as a producer at NJ Horror Con and Film Festival was a dream come true. It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized for your work. I’m very grateful for those experiences.
You hold a B.A. in Communication Studies from Kean University and mastered the screen acting program at the New York Film Academy with an A+ average — impressive! How have those academic experiences shaped your approach to acting, producing, and directing?
I’m thankful for my time at Kean University, NYFA, and Stella Adler Acting studio. I met so many wonderful people over the years. Special shout out to Jessica Rotondi, Jon Korkes, and Dr. Baker. I’ve learned to be coachable, patient, and professional. Obviously talent is key but you also need to be a cool person because they’re very long days on a film set. Nobody wants to be around a diva. That goes for any line of work. Also, shout out to the Multi-Talented artist, Blake Zawadzki. He’s the reason I began my career at Kean University.
You’ve really been intentional about entering films into festivals and building your IMDb presence. Why do you think that’s such an important step for independent filmmakers and actors?
In my experience, film festivals are the key to networking. I view it as a job interview. If I meet a producer or a director at a festival, and they like me as a person, and then they see my character performance up on the big screen, what else is there to know? It helps me get more work and meet some really talented people. I have much respect for artists like Larry Rosen and CJ Cullen for hosting so many great film festivals in the tri-state area.
As for IMDb, it always gives me a thrill to get a new credit, especially being attached to some well established artists like Tom Gibson, Eric Roberts, Obba Babatunde, Guyviaud Joseph, Dave Sheridan, and Matt Rife.
Where do you draw inspiration from, especially when balancing multiple creative roles?
I draw inspiration from actors like Mickey Rourke, Tom Hardy, Christian Keiber, Tammy Blanchard, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Those individuals can play any anything in my opinion. I also get inspired by my friends at Narrow Bridge Films and Brazen Giant Ensemble in NYC. And sometimes the twists and turns in my personal life inspire me to create art as well. Might as well use it.
Beyond Human Hibachi Part 3, are there any other projects or collaborations you can share with us?
I’m excited to share that I play a construction worker Dylan in the Troy Burbank feature “What Lives Here”. It stars Ming Chen and Ernie O’Donnell and it’s streaming on multiple platforms. I also play a Priest, Father Charles in the Vinny Vilardi Film “Trapped Inside My Sin” which can be seen on Tubi. That role earned me a Best Supporting Actor Nomination at the 2025 Golden Door International Film Festival. Now, I also just wrapped my role as Chad Burlington in the horror/comedy “Krazy Klowny” last week in Amsterdam, New York. That film stars Bai Ling and Felissa Rose, and Larissa Dali.
I’m also in production of a very meaningful character piece that I star in called “Archangel” which will be shooting by the end of this year with Christian Keiber, Kerry McGann, and the Platizky brothers.
It’s Halloween/Horror Season! You’re a big deal in the horror community. What does the horror genre and community mean to you?
That’s so kind of you! Horror fans are the best. They are so committed. Just to be a small part of that community is really an honor for me. Fall is definitely my favorite season too. I wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween season. Octoberfest beer is amazing too.
What advice would you give to emerging filmmakers and actors who want to take their craft — and their careers — to the next level?
If you want to take your career to the next level, you have to prioritize constantly improving yourself and your craft. If you’re not getting hired on someone else’s project, then make your own. Don’t be afraid to come out of your comfort zone. I also take my own advice — Just a year ago I came out of my comfort zone by accepting a lead role in a controversial short horror film “Betty”. But working with Shoshanna Withers, Leticia Buchanan, and Emmy winner Eddie LeBron really helped me level up. I’m happy I did some of my best work and I was surrounded by those talented people. Look out for “Betty” which is now screening at some prominent film festivals. High-Risk, high reward.
Looking back on your journey so far, what’s one lesson that continues to guide you both personally and professionally?
Don’t rest on your laurels. It’s easy to get comfortable, so keep challenging yourself. Also, never take success or failure too personally. Do your best work and move on to the next project. Don’t obsess over the results.
Keep up to date with Daniel Michael Gregory online:
Instagram @DanielMichaelGregory
Website: www.danielmichaelgregory.com
(Legacy) Verified Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/dan.gregory.54
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