Adam Daniel wasn’t a household name until vertical dramas changed the game. Now, he’s one of the breakout stars of a fast-growing format reshaping digital storytelling, and the actor behind the hit character Jett Hawkins on “The Hidden Billionaire in First Class.”
“The Hidden Billionaire in First Class” became an instant hit on the ReelShort app. It follows the story of Evelyn Grant, a secret heiress working as a lead stewardess on an airline. She is the sole heir of her family’s company and is being pressured to marry.
To avoid the pressure, she asks Jeff Hawkins, an undercover billionaire working as a baggage handler, to pretend to be her boyfriend.
Hawkins, in the plot, is a widower and single father. He is the top investor at Maple Airlines, which is named after his late wife. To observe the quality of service on his airline, he goes undercover as a ground crew member.
He is bullied and harassed by his peers during his investigation. However, during a flight to New York, he saves the entire flight from crashing and meets Grant, who steals his heart with her kindness.
The Rise of Vertical Short Dramas
Vertical short dramas are changing the way people consume content. These bite-sized shows are filmed vertically, with episodes that last under a minute. When combined, they tell full, soap opera-style stories that can be watched in one sitting.
The format caters to today’s fast-paced viewing habits. Stories move quickly, making it easy for viewers to jump from one show to the next.
Popular vertical drama apps include ReelShort, FlickReels, and DramaBox. They host hundreds of series, many of which share similar dramatic plotlines.
Most shows offer the first few episodes for free, often promoted through social media. But once the story reaches a turning point, viewers must subscribe to unlock full access.
These platforms keep costs low by hiring emerging actors instead of celebrities. This model supports fast production schedules and tight budgets — while still attracting millions of views and generating strong revenue.
The trend began in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew rapidly. By 2023, the vertical drama industry had already become a $5 billion market, with continued growth expected.
Who Is Adam Daniel?
Due to his stellar portrayal of Jett Hawkins, many viewers are asking who the actor behind the role is. That actor is Adam Daniel.
He has starred in several other vertical dramas, including “Move Aside! I’m the Final Boss” and “The Deaf Heiress’s Secret,” both of which have become fan favorites.
Daniel’s other works include “Kidnapped By the Devil,” and his latest project with ReelShort being “Cooking My Way Back to Love,” has also gained popularity among viewers.
His strong screen presence quickly gained attention. Daniel studied theater at San Diego State University and later attended the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England.
A Career Years in the Making
After graduation, Daniel worked across film, television, animation, and theater. He became known for his physical comedy and versatile performances.
He started acting in the early 2000s, with his first role as an uncredited student in “Bring It On.” In 2019, he landed a regular role in “The Bumble Bums,” appearing in ten episodes through 2020. In 2024, he played a key role in the series “I’m Good!,” appearing in nine episodes.
Despite a long career, it was the world of vertical shorts that gave him a breakout moment. Just this year alone, Daniel has earned seven vertical drama acting credits — a number expected to grow.
Adam Daniel’s story proves that it’s never too late to reach a wider audience. Thanks to the rise of vertical dramas, he finally got the recognition he had worked toward for more than 20 years, and this is likely just the beginning for him.