Larry Wells, a Texas native who began acting at age 64 after a long business career, has joined the cast of the upcoming independent film 'Anderson County.' The movie, based on a real 1951 murder in East Texas, is being filmed in the Palestine area and honors fallen game wardens. Wells credits a chance email invitation for launching his unexpected path in entertainment.
Larry Wells, originally from Coppell, Texas, built a successful gate automation business over three decades before transitioning to acting in his mid-60s. He served as a reserve deputy marshal for Denton County in the 1980s and later worked as a custom home builder, where he identified a market for motorized gates. His son took over the company as Wells neared retirement, allowing him to pursue new interests.
The shift began with an email from an agent inviting him to appear in a Tractor Supply Company video. 'I did the video and I like to say it opened up Pandora’s box,' Wells said. This led to print ads, commercials, and modeling work. Encouraged by the agent, Wells auditioned for the Paramount Plus series '1883,' a prequel to 'Yellowstone,' where he played a deputy alongside Billy Bob Thornton, Tim McGraw, Sam Elliott, and Faith Hill. 'I got fitted and showed up and I’m like, ‘Holy cow. How’d I get here?’' he recalled.
Following '1883,' Wells enrolled in acting classes and trained in teleprompter and voiceover skills. In September 2025, he secured ongoing voiceover work for 'Yellowstone,' starring Kevin Costner. He later appeared in the 2022 series '1923,' which features Harrison Ford.
Now, Wells stars as Sam Living, president of the Cattlemen’s Association, in 'Anderson County,' directed by Gary Parker. The film recounts the 1951 shooting of World War II veteran and game warden Gus Engeling in Anderson County. 'It’s the first film that really pays tribute to fallen game wardens,' Wells noted. Filming occurs on local ranches amid East Texas's pine forests and rolling hills, with many local actors and crew involved. Wells praised the region's hospitable people and versatile terrain, citing past productions like 'The Great Debaters' in 2007.
'Anderson County' is slated for theater release in fall 2027. Wells views the role as a milestone, encouraging others: 'Just follow your heart or follow the dream. Life’s one short rodeo and you don’t get any redos or rewrites.' He hopes to join Taylor Sheridan's 'Landman' series next.
