Richard Sharrah is making waves in the vertical drama world, blending classical training with global experience to captivate mobile-first audiences in this fast-rising format.
Richard Sharrah is quickly gaining attention as a standout figure in the rapidly growing vertical drama industry. With a global background, strong training in the arts, and recent success in digital series, Sharrah is making his mark as a rising star in this new format.
From Oklahoma to the World
Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sharrah is a twin and the third of four children. His father’s career meant the family moved frequently, allowing Sharrah to live and attend school in various cities and countries during his childhood. These early experiences gave him exposure to different cultures and shaped his curiosity about the world.
While attending school in Melbourne, Australia, Sharrah began studying the arts. He later returned to the United States and continued performing in theater during high school in Oklahoma. His early training on stage laid the foundation for his future career in acting.
Determined to refine his skills, Sharrah enrolled at the prestigious New York University Tisch School of the Arts. While there, he studied under top instructors and developed a deeper understanding of performance. His time at NYU helped him sharpen his instincts as an actor and gain the tools necessary for a professional career.
Global Influence on His Craft
Sharrah’s love of travel didn’t stop when his childhood ended. Driven by a desire to learn about other people and places, he has visited countries throughout North and South America, Africa, Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia. These experiences have given him a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and continue to influence his acting.
His ability to relate to a wide range of human experiences has become one of his strengths as a performer. Whether playing a dramatic role or a romantic lead, Sharrah brings emotional depth and real-world insight to his characters.
Early Career and Recognition
Before entering the vertical drama world, Sharrah appeared in several films and television shows. In 2015, he acted alongside Henry Ian Cusick in the film “Just Let Go.” That same year, he worked on Rob Reiner’s film “Being Charlie,” which further established his credibility in the industry.
Also in 2015, Sharrah appeared in the ABC series “Blood & Oil.” In 2018, he joined the cast of the hit series “Grown-ish,” a spinoff of the popular show “Black-ish.” These projects gave him exposure to mainstream audiences and demonstrated his range as an actor.
Sharrah also took on lead roles in independent films that were well-received in the festival circuit. His performances in “Bar Abba” and “Mejorar La Raza” earned critical acclaim from several Academy Award qualifying film festivals across the United States.
Breaking Through in Vertical Dramas
In 2024, Sharrah began working in a new and growing entertainment genre: vertical drama. This format, designed specifically for smartphones, features short, high-drama episodes — often around one minute in length. First popularized in China, vertical dramas are now gaining international attention and are sometimes called “TV for the TikTok generation.”
His breakout performance in this space came with the ReelShort exclusive “The Billionaire’s Baby Bargain,” which premiered on March 20, 2024. Sharrah played the lead role of Nathan Reed, and the mini-series quickly gained millions of views. The show’s mix of outrageous plot twists and fast-paced storytelling made it an instant success.
ReelShort, like many platforms offering vertical content, provides a few free episodes before requiring users to purchase coins to unlock more. With cliffhanger endings and titles designed to attract attention, the format keeps audiences engaged and eager for the next release.
For actors like Sharrah, vertical dramas offer both fame and steady work. Unlike traditional Hollywood productions, which often have long production schedules, vertical dramas are filmed quickly and released in rapid succession. This allows actors to stay consistently active and visible.
More Roles and More Recognition
Following the success of “The Billionaire’s Baby Bargain,” Sharrah continued working with ReelShort and added more titles to his name. These included “Resisting Mr. Lloyd: An Age Gap Romance” and “OMG, I Got Married in Vegas.” Each new project expanded his fan base and confirmed his role as a leading man in the genre.
Fans are not only drawn to his performances but also to his personality behind the scenes. Sharrah’s social media shows him bonding with his production teams and enjoying the collaborative process. Colleagues have noted his friendly attitude and professionalism, which help create a positive working environment on set.
His charisma and openness off-camera carry over into his work, making his performances more relatable and compelling to viewers.
The Rise of Vertical Dramas
The vertical drama industry is growing at a rapid pace. Analysts estimate that the market could be worth $14 billion by 2027. These dramas are built around popular tropes recognized by “BookTok” and online fiction communities — think enemies-to-lovers, billionaire secrets, forbidden love, and supernatural twists.
The content is designed to be addictive. Each short episode ends with a dramatic cliffhanger, encouraging viewers to continue watching and even pay for early access. The storytelling style borrows from gaming platforms, using coins as digital currency to unlock content.
This business model, combined with the format’s fast-paced production, creates consistent demand for actors. Performers like Sharrah are in the perfect position to take advantage of this trend. His early success and growing popularity mean he is likely to remain a fixture in the space as the industry continues to expand.
Looking Ahead
Sharrah currently lives in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to work on vertical drama projects and build his career. His background — spanning global travel, formal arts education, and diverse acting roles — makes him uniquely suited to thrive in this new entertainment frontier.
With each new series, he brings his own voice and style to the screen, connecting with audiences who want fast, engaging stories with high emotional stakes. As vertical dramas continue to attract more viewers and platforms, Sharrah is poised to grow along with the genre.
Sharrah’s journey from Oklahoma City to international screens is a story of talent, adaptability, and vision. With his early training, global perspective, and willingness to embrace new formats, he has carved out a successful path in the entertainment industry.
As the vertical drama format continues to grow, Sharrah’s roles in shows like “The Billionaire’s Baby Bargain,” “Resisting Mr. Lloyd: An Age Gap Romance,” and “OMG, I Got Married in Vegas” showcase both his versatility and his star power. Behind the scenes, his positive attitude and love for storytelling make him a valued member of every production he joins.
With the future of entertainment increasingly focused on mobile-first, short-form content, Sharrah stands out as one of the genre’s most promising leading men — and he’s only getting started.
