Joe Maggard's life journey began in the humble Appalachian coal-town of Lynch, Kentucky, where he drew his first breath at the tender age of five. This formative period, though brief, laid the foundation for the experiences that would shape his life in profound and lasting ways.
Tragedy unfolded its devastating consequences when Maggard's life was forever altered at the tender age of 16. A visit to a serene lake, once a symbol of carefree joy, transformed into a harrowing experience that would leave an indelible mark on his life. As he plunged into the water, unaware of the impending doom that awaited him, Maggard suffered a catastrophic injury that would shatter his neck and alter the course of his existence. The aftermath was nothing short of a living nightmare, as he was forced to endure nearly a year of confinement within the cold, sterile walls of a hospital. Two metal spikes, a constant reminder of his fragility, were drilled into his skull, a gruesome testament to the severity of his injury. His days were filled with the agony of rehabilitation, his nights consumed by the darkness of uncertainty. As he lay trapped in his foster-frame, Maggard's world was reduced to a tiny, isolated sphere, his life suspended in a state of limbo, his future a distant, unattainable dream.
Magard's journey towards rehabilitation was a prolonged and grueling one, as he endeavored to regain the functionality of his lower extremities, a feat that seemed insurmountable at first. Against all odds, he was able to defy the limitations imposed by his paralysis, and ultimately went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Army, a tenure that spanned from 1974 to 1976, with his military duties taking him abroad during the tumultuous final stages of the Vietnam War.
After completing his military service, Maggard embarked on a law enforcement career, dedicating his time and skills to the Brunswick County North Carolina Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff. Despite his commitment to serving and protecting the community, his innate passion for the performing arts soon began to take center stage, driving him to explore his creative side. It was at the historic Thalian Hall in Wilmington, North Carolina, that he started to refine his acting abilities, taking the stage in over 20 legitimate theater productions, showcasing his range and versatility through notable roles such as Mr. Roberts, Oklahoma, and receiving widespread critical acclaim for his powerful one-man show, Rattlesnake in a Cooler.
It was a stroke of serendipity that brought Dino De Laurentiis and his future wife Martha De Laurentiis to the charming coastal city of Wilmington in the mid-1980s, where they embarked on a visionary endeavor to establish a movie studio.
Maggard, a keen and observant individual, had the privilege of serving as security on De Laurentiis's inaugural feature film production in Wilmington, the highly acclaimed adaptation of Stephen King's thrilling novel, Firestarter. This invaluable experience not only afforded Maggard a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the filmmaking process but also unwittingly kindled a burning passion within him to pursue a career in the captivating world of film and television.
Maggard's decision to depart from a career in law enforcement after a three-year tenure marked the beginning of a significant shift in his professional trajectory, as he opted to redirect his energies towards pursuing his long-held aspirations in the realm of acting.
Jason Maggard's inaugural speaking role was in a film directed by the renowned Mike Hodges, specifically the 1989 film Black Rainbow, alongside the esteemed actors Jason Robards and Rosanna Arquette. This marked the beginning of Maggard's illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
In the mid-1990s, Maggard's versatility as an actor was further showcased when he was hired to double as the iconic clown Ronald McDonald in television commercials for the world-renowned fast-food chain McDonald's. However, in a surprising twist of fate, Maggard was unexpectedly asked to assume the role of Ronald McDonald due to the illness of the original actor. This unexpected turn of events led Maggard to sign a covenant with McDonald's Worldwide and ultimately star in the critically acclaimed Mockumentary Ronald, which received widespread acclaim on the film festival circuit.
As a seasoned individual, Maggard has reached a milestone in his life where he is now retired and has the opportunity to dedicate his time and energy to exploring his various interests and hobbies. One of his most notable pursuits is his love for music, which has likely been a significant part of his life for many years. He may find solace in the melodic rhythms and harmonies that music brings, and he may even have a hidden talent for playing an instrument or singing.
In addition to music, Maggard is also an artistic individual with a passion for painting. The creative process of bringing a blank canvas to life with vibrant colors and strokes of the brush can be a therapeutic and fulfilling experience. He may find himself lost in the world of art, experimenting with different techniques and styles to express himself in a unique and personalized way.
As a retiree, Maggard also has the luxury of being able to spend his days playing poker with friends and like-minded individuals. The thrill of the game, the strategy involved, and the social aspect of competing with others can be an exciting and engaging way to spend his free time.
Lastly, Maggard is also an avid gardener, who finds solace in the great outdoors and the satisfaction of nurturing and cultivating life. The process of planting seeds, watching them grow, and harvesting the fruits of his labor can be a rewarding experience that brings a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.
