Biography

Multi award-winning filmmaker and actor Harley Wallen has starred in over 40 feature films and TV shows with legendary stars such as Bella Shepard (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy), Tom Sizemore, Tara Reid and John Savage among many others.

He started his journey as a Martial Artist early with Judo at age 7 and is now a 5th degree black belt. Harley also spent time learning other arts (Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon - Do black-belts as well) and Mixed Martial Arts. After retiring from professional MMA in 2015 he still stays active as the color commentator for Warrior Xtreme Combat. His other love at a young age was dance as he was an outstanding break dancer in his teen years. His sheer talent and skill is what landed him his first opportunity in acting as a dancer at the syndicated Swedish TV cult hit 'Solstollarna'! Soon after, he realized he was bitten by the acting bug. Harley then moved from Sweden to the United States to boldly pursue his dreams. After a short stint these plans got sidetracked by business opportunities as Harley climbed various career ladders. After returning to acting It wasn't long before the roles started coming and the growth he had experienced in the business world started happening to him in the acting world. After the film incentives ended in Michigan, he decided to start making films of his own. Not having a film school background with only limited experience, he decided to go online to further his education in filmmaking and took several more classes and seminars. Finally in 2016 Harley and his wife Kaiti formed the film production company 'Painted Creek Productions'. The one thing he really takes pride in is his commitment to the character he is playing regardless the size of the role or the paycheck. Harley is now writing, producing, acting and directing and has found his life's purpose.
- IMDb mini biography by: Harley Wallen's Mgmt

Multi award-winning filmmaker and actor Harley Wallen is known for drawing deeply from his own life experiences to create emotionally grounded, character-driven films. Born outside the United States and later immigrating to America, Wallen’s journey shaped a strong work ethic and a personal understanding of struggle, resilience, and identity-elements that frequently surface in his storytelling both on screen and behind the camera.

Wallen began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, eventually appearing in over 40 feature films and television projects. Over the years, he has shared the screen with a wide range of respected performers, including Bella Shepard (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy), Tom Sizemore, Tara Reid, and John Savage, among many others. These collaborations, particularly with veteran actors, played a formative role in his growth as a storyteller, exposing him early to professional discipline, performance nuance, and the realities of independent filmmaking.

As his career evolved, Wallen transitioned more heavily into directing and producing, where his personal voice became more defined. His work often explores themes of trauma, redemption, fractured families, obsession, and moral ambiguity-stories rooted in lived experience rather than spectacle alone. Whether working in psychological thrillers, action-driven narratives, or intimate dramas, Wallen is known for balancing raw emotion with genre accessibility.

In addition to his work in film, Wallen’s background includes extensive martial arts training, earning induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, a discipline that has informed both his physical performances and his approach to filmmaking-emphasizing control, preparation, and respect for craft. This foundation has allowed him to bring authenticity to action sequences while maintaining a grounded, story-first approach.

Today, Harley Wallen continues to build a diverse slate of projects as a filmmaker, collaborating with both emerging and established talent. His work has screened internationally, earning multiple awards and recognition, and he remains focused on telling stories that reflect real human experiences-flawed, intense, and emotionally honest.
- IMDb mini biography by: Representation of Harley Wallen