8 Vertical Drama Actors Who Have Big-Screen Acting Chops
- Olivia Kate
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
These actors from our fave Reelshort & Dramabox shows are as talented as they are swoonworthy.
Vertical dramas get a bad rap because they’re campy, made for mobile viewing, and produced on a bare-minimum budget. But good acting can make or break these dramas, and often it’s a few talented leads that manage to carry a whole production. Today, we’re spotlighting a few of our favorite vertical stars who make anything they’re in an instant must-watch.
Noah Fearnley
WHY WE LOVE HIM: This heartthrob has become a staple of vertical drama, and with good reason. He’s a great all-around actor, but he particularly shines in those subtle moments; where a lot of actors drop character, he finds ways remain remarkably expressive with body language alone.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fated to the Alpha (ReelShort), The Virgin's Bucket List (ReelShort), Escorting the Heiress (ReelShort)
Ashley Michelle Grant
WHY WE LOVE HER:Â As one of our favorite drama heroines, Ashley manages to show a ton of range as an actress. All her characters feel likable and human. She's also the only vertical actress we've seen pull off a believable accent.
WHERE TO WATCH:Â Married for Green Card, Stayed for Love (ReelShort), Escorting the Heiress (ReelShort)
Eric Guilmette
WHY WE LOVE HIM: You may recognize Eric from the cover of basically every romance novel ever—but he's more than just a pretty cover model. This guy can act! He's charming, builds believable chemistry with his costars, and has a subtle edge that many actors lack.
WHERE TO WATCH:Â You Belong With Me (Reelshort), Chosen by Fate: Rejected by the Alpha (Pocket FM), Campus Rivals (Vigloo), The Alpha's Gifted Luna (ShortMax)
Sofia Bragar
WHY WE LOVE HER: Sofia is by far the most scene-stealing best friend we’ve ever witnessed. She's got tons of personality and nails the subtler expressions. This girl should be front and center in her own drama immediately.
WHERE TO WATCH: The CEO's Contract Wife (ReelShort), The Boss Affair (ReelShort)
Jon William DiCaro
WHY WE LOVE HIM:Â Jon is probably best known for his roles as a compelling bad guy, but he often outshines his costars while playing the villain. We think he deserves more time as a leading man.
WHERE TO WATCH:Â Fated to My Forbidden Alpha (ReelShort), Never Divorce a Secret Billionaire Heiress (ReelShort),
Surrogate for the President Alpha (ShortMax)
Grace Woods Swanson
WHY WE LOVE HER:Â Grace consistently manages to deliver likable heroines with lots of personality. She has a knack for delivering any dialogue in a way that feels genuine.
WHERE TO WATCH: Snatched a Billionaire to Be My Husband (ReelShort), True Luna (ReelShort)
Ethan Vaugn
WHY WE LOVE HIM:Â There are very few vertical drama actors who can pull off playing a badass, but Vaugn is the exception. He's only been in one series so far and still made quite an impression.
WHERE TO WATCH:Â I Married As the Replacement Bride (ReelShort)
Mark Vega
WHY WE LOVE HIM:Â Mark is a fun and charming actor, no doubt, but what particularly stands out to us is his remarkable ability to rescue otherwise absurd plot and dialogue choices. This guy can make any line work and has carried many a questionable script.
WHERE TO WATCH:Â The Alpha King & His Virgin Bride (ReelShort), 30 Days Till I Marry My Husband's Nemesis (ReelShort), Rules of Protection: The Bodyguard I Hate (ReelShort)
Did we miss an actor you love? Tell us in the comments...