Sean Whalen’s career is an inspiring journey that began right here in Montgomery County, MD and led him to the high-energy sets of Hollywood. Born in Washington, D.C. and growing up as the youngest of four in Silver Spring/Olney, Maryland, Whalen’s early years played a pivotal role for the 1982 graduate of Sherwood High School.
After high school, Whalen headed west and earned a degree from UCLA. Like many aspiring actors, he juggled the realities of everyday life by working as a waiter while honing his craft at renowned institutions like the Groundling Theater and Playhouse West. His relentless pursuit of his passion soon paid off when he landed commercials and eventually his first film role in The People Under the Stairs (1991). Along the way, he starred in various television shows, including Shannon’s Deal and Grace Under Fire, and later in movies like Twister, leaving a mark in every genre he touched. (Except a Western. He really wants to do a Western.)
One of the most defining moments in his career came with a commercial that resonated far beyond its initial airing. Actor Sean Whalen, who credits his 1993 “Got Milk?” Commercial for changing the course of his life, shared the story behind it on its 30 year anniversary just a couple years ago. The actor recounted that moment with fondness and candor. The story he shared regarding the milk commercial (as well as the commercial itself) can be seen below:…