Donald Victor Kress, the inaugural offspring of Victor Kress, a mechanical engineer of considerable expertise, and Elia Moreschi, a diligent and organized executive secretary, came into the world on September 2, 1946, in the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois.
Don's educational journey commenced at Hurley Elementary, where he laid the foundation for his future academic pursuits. Subsequently, he transitioned to Bogan High School, where he spent his formative years refining his intellectual skills and developing a strong academic foundation. Following his high school tenure, Don enrolled in Chicago City Junior College in 1965, dedicating himself to the pursuit of higher learning. He successfully earned his Associate Degree in science with a minor in Business in 1967, a significant milestone in his academic trajectory.
Undeterred by his academic achievements, Don continued his educational odyssey by attending Carthage College, where he delved deeper into the realm of social sciences. Through his unwavering dedication and academic prowess, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in 1970, solidifying his position as a well-rounded and educated individual.
Following the successful completion of his academic pursuits, Don made the decision to relocate to the vibrant city of St. Louis, Missouri, where he embarked on a career trajectory that would ultimately lead him to the realm of Business and Advertising.
As he navigated the professional landscape, Don quickly gained valuable experience within the industry, dedicating several years to honing his skills and expertise in the field before ultimately deciding to take the bold step of establishing his own advertising company.
With his entrepreneurial spirit now ignited, Don set his sights on building a marketing powerhouse that would enable him to craft and execute innovative marketing programs for a diverse range of esteemed clients, including the esteemed State Farm, the iconic Anheuser-Busch, the prestigious American Cancer Society, and the respected Enterprise Leasing.
As his advertising agency continued to flourish, Don's creative inclinations began to take center stage. It was in 1976 that he started to branch out, taking on consulting projects in addition to running his own entrepreneurial venture. Fast-forward to 1988, a pivotal year marked by the arrival of his fourth child, which prompted Don to make the bold decision to relocate back to his hometown of Chicago. Once settled, he co-founded and co-operated a restaurant, Rico D's, alongside his brother, while simultaneously maintaining his consulting business, a testament to his remarkable ability to juggle multiple pursuits.
In the year 2006, a significant event occurred in Don's life, as his youngest daughter's burgeoning passion for screenwriting served as a catalyst for his foray into the world of film sets. During this period, he was unexpectedly informed that he possessed a remarkable on-camera presence, prompting the suggestion that he cultivate and hone this talent. This serendipitous encounter marked the inception of his acting career, as he began to pursue his newfound interest by enrolling in acting classes and auditions for various projects.
Don's journey in the entertainment industry began in 2008, when he took part in the exciting competition, "Who Wants to Be a TV Producer". During this time, he showcased his creative skills by submitting two captivating video entries, "Fitness with Fedora" and "Santa Is a Wiseguy", which ultimately won him first and second place respectively.
Since his successful stint on the show, Don has gone on to appear in a multitude of roles, effortlessly transitioning between acting and extra work. To date, he has had the opportunity to be a part of over 40 feature films, 25 television projects, and 10 commercials, solidifying his presence in the industry and demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
Don's multifaceted career extends far beyond his impressive acting credentials, as he has also ventured into the realm of executive production. Currently, he is utilizing his exceptional leadership skills as the President and Chief Executive Officer of California Sun, overseeing the production of a feature film and several television pilots.
As a true Renaissance man, Don possesses a diverse range of talents, effortlessly excelling in various artistic disciplines. His innate creativity, humor, and exceptional skillset enable him to seamlessly transition between roles, effortlessly juggling the demands of acting, producing, writing, and directing.
With a profound appreciation for the art of improvisation, Don is dedicated to continuing his mission of captivating audiences through his work in television and film projects. His unwavering commitment to creating engaging, relatable stories that resonate with viewers is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.
Whether behind the camera or in front of it, Don's versatility, adaptability, and undeniable talent make him a valuable asset to any production. As he continues to evolve as a creative force in the entertainment industry, it is clear that his impact will be felt for years to come.
