POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Sgt. Eric Daniel has been dealing with bad guys with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years. But recently he has found himself acting like a bad guy on camera, as he pursues a part time acting career.
You can see Daniel playing a killer clergyman in the movie “Jackie the Cleaner.”
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“In my line of work it has been very helpful because I’ve seen these types of people in society, and how they act and how they rationalize,” said Daniel.
Growing up, Daniel always had visions of being a star on the big screen.
“In high school and through school I was in choir and in theater, but that just wasn’t a career, I always wanted to be a cop,” said Daniel.
However, the acting bug never stopped biting. So, last year, Daniel started bouncing back and forth between the flashing blue lights and the spotlight, auditioning for roles in Florida.
“This is always something I wanted to do, if it’s a dream don’t give up on it,” said Daniel.
Landing a supporting role in “Jackie the Cleaner” was one of his first big breaks. The short independent film is set to make its rounds in the film festival circuit later this year.
Around the station, Daniel has even been given the nickname Hollywood. He hasn’t ruled out ending up on the red carpet in L.A. someday.
“I’m just as passionate about it as I am law enforcement so I wouldn’t count it out at all,” said Daniel.
