This blond-haired actor once balanced studies and a demanding athletic career. After taking on numerous side jobs, he decided to go all in on his dream.
Josh Welles has captivated viewers with his commanding presence in vertical dramas, a genre of short-form, mobile-friendly series that has surged in popularity. With a history of competitive sports, he turned to acting.
Through candid social media posts, Welles has shared the challenges of his journey, showing how a major setback sparked his passion and helped establish him as a rising talent in entertainment.
Who Is Josh Welles?
Josh Welles, who hails from Billings, Montana, is a former college football player who has steadily built his reputation in vertical dramas. He has quickly gained attention for his talent and on-screen presence and is now based in Los Angeles.
He studied psychology at Santa Ana College from August 2021 to June 2023, working toward an associate’s degree as a sophomore while continuing to play football. This mix of mental focus and physical discipline laid the foundation for his resilience and work ethic.
Josh Welles Worked Various Jobs Before Ultimately Quitting to Pursue His Dream
According to his LinkedIn profile, Welles worked across several industries, gaining experience that would later support his career shift. He worked in sales at Titanium Payments and Yatop Hollywood in Los Angeles, managed Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar in Rancho Santa Margarita, served at Olive Garden in Irvine, and coached with The Togethership.
He also founded OC’s Finest Football in Orange County, mentoring and training younger athletes. These experiences sharpened his leadership, communication, and perseverance, skills that carried over into acting.
By December 2024, Welles decided to leave traditional work behind, posting on Instagram, “This is day one of me going all in on my dreams of being an actor. I just quit my job, and I will get after it. Follow along for the journey.”
The Turning Point That Ended Josh Welles’s Football Journey
Welles, who played tackle football from the age of seven until he was twenty, shared on Instagram in April 2025 why he decided to pursue acting.
“I worked so hard for so long to play football at really high level that when a career-ending injury came, I had no idea what to do next. I wanted something else that took a lot of effort and was scary and hard to go after. And something that I loved,” he explained.
He said he isn’t trying to deliver an inspirational speech. Using a humorous metaphor about “sing kumbaya” and riding off on fairy dust into the happy sunset, Welles emphasized that success requires effort and persistence: “All it takes is showing up, and working really hard, and taking what you can’t get. That’s what I’m here to do.”
Josh Welles Channels His Sport Into His New Career
Although his football career ended, Welles brought his athletic experience to his breakout role in the vertical drama series “The Lost Quarterback Returns.” Released on July 26, 2025, by ReelShort and MegaPixels Studio, the series quickly rose to the top of streaming charts and became a fan favorite.
In this compelling drama, Welles stars as Asher Bradshaw, a young man separated from his family after a tragic fire. Years later, he joins a football tryout that becomes his path to uncovering hidden truths. The series features a strong ensemble cast, including Daniel Cropley as Wyatt Lewis and Troy Mittleider as Trent Bradshaw.
Elyse Mirto and Meghan Reed round out the Bradshaw family, playing Krista and Isabella, while William Jerry appears as Hugo. Supporting roles are filled by Jackson Janowicz as Tyler, James Garcia as the coach, and Jose Rosete as Donny Lewis, adding depth to the story’s complex relationships.
Josh Welles Shines in These Vertical Drama Hits
Beyond his breakout in “The Lost Quarterback Returns,” Welles has built an impressive resume of vertical dramas from 2024 to 2025, demonstrating his range and versatility.
His acting credits include “Brutal Alpha’s Favorite” as Alpha Ryan Burton, “Darling, Please Come Home” as Dennis, “Assassin’s Apprentice: Falling for the Target” as Louis Stuart, “Duke with Benefits” as Kyrie, “The Two Facets of My Alpha Mate” as Beta Chris, and “Ms. Swan, Teach Me Love” as Timothy Wolfe.
Welles has also appeared in “The Betrayed Mother is the Divine Heiress” as Lucas, “Miss You After Goodbye” as Simon Franklin, “How to Dump a Hockey Star” as Edward, and “My Vampire System” as Quinn Talen.
With a diverse background and a growing body of work, Welles continues to build his presence in the vertical drama industry, leaving audiences eager to see what he does next.
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