This Walking Dead actor starred in the short film which inspired the Smile horror franchise

Actor Lew Temple is always a standout in his roles. He is well remembered for his role in the third season of The Walking Dead as one of the prisoners Rick Grimes' (Andrew Lincoln) group encountered. He has starred in his share of horror movies, and I recently discovered that he also stars in a short film that inspired Smile and Smile 2.

Parker Finn, the creative mind behind the Smile horror franchise, directed both feature films. He is also responsible for writing, co-producing, and directing the psychological supernatural thriller short that debuted at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, where it was awarded Special Jury Recognition. This would lead to the creation of the massively popular feature films.

The short stars Caitlin Stasey as Laura Weaver, a role Stasey reprised in the first film, and Lew Temple as Dr. Parsons, her therapist. The short sees Laura talking to her therapist as she explains a recurring nightmare where a figure constantly smiles at her.

After viewing the impressively made short, it is easy to see why it was picked up for a feature film and showcases Finn's brilliant movie-making abilities. View the eleven-minute short, Laura Hasn't Slept, below.

The first Smile film starred Sosie Bacon as Rose Cotter, a therapist who witnessed the horrific suicide of a patient and then becomes haunted by a supernatural entity. Smile 2 follows global pop star Skye Riley's comeback to the pop music world. Soon after, she begins experiencing disturbing events, making her face her dark past. Both films have received positive reviews.

Other Lew Temple roles

Temple has starred in many impressive horror titles, including several of Rob Zombie's films, including The Lords of Salem, The Devil's Rejects, Rob Zombie's Halloween, 31, and The Haunted World of El Superbeasto. He also had a role in the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.

Some of his early roles include the movies Angels in the Outfield, Jason's Lyric, and The Newton Boys. He has also appeared in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Lawless, Saving Lincoln, Unstoppable and more.

TV credits to his name include Walker, Texas Ranger, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds, Hawaii Five-O, Justified, Longmire, and Wicked City.

Some of his recent work can be seen in The Family Business series which streams on BET+. He also has a role in You Gotta Believe which also stars Luke Wilson and Greg Kinnear on Prime Video.

Temple also stars alongside Walking Dead alum Vincent M. Ward in the Danny Trejo-led Seven Cemeteries, an indie movie from Rebellium, available on VOD.

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