.png)
Next Act with Jeff Ornstein
A designer exploring a new path in acting and Hollywood. Join Jeff Ornstein as he shares personal experiences, lessons learned, and conversations with others making big career shifts in the entertainment industry. Practical insights, honest stories, no fluff, just the journey of breaking into a new world.
Next Act with Jeff Ornstein
Ken Harris – Award-Winning Actor, Playwright & AARP Digital Fraud Fighter, Scriptropolis
In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, we speak with Ken Harris, the multi-talented actor, playwright, puppeteer, and AARP Digital Fraud Fighter. Ken shares the story behind his award-winning one-man play, Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard, where he portrays ten diverse characters in a story that honors seniors, low-wage workers, and the human spirit.
We dive into his creative process, his experiences working with the elderly and in retail, and how he combines storytelling with social impact to raise awareness about fraud prevention. Ken also shares his journey from mentorship under Chazz Palminteri to creating original stage and screen productions that educate, entertain, and inspire.
Tune in to hear about Ken’s next projects, including independent films, cybersecurity puppetry, and his continued commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
00:00:00 - 00:00:28
Jeff Ornstein: Hi there. Today we're talking with Ken Harris from Western Mass. Ken, you’ve got an amazing CV, being an actor, a playwright, a puppeteer, and an official AARP digital fraud fighter… welcome to the show.
00:00:52 - 00:00:53
Ken Harris: Thank you for having me, Jeffrey.
00:00:54 - 00:01:14
Jeff Ornstein: You're very welcome. Part of this podcast is for people whose experiences are aligning to create something terrific. Tell us about your one-man show where you play ten characters.
00:01:15 - 00:01:19
Ken Harris: Ten characters? That's correct. That's insane.
00:01:19 - 00:01:30
Jeff Ornstein: I saw part of it on YouTube… can you tell me how you switch between characters so seamlessly?
00:01:30 - 00:02:05
Ken Harris: I observe people I know—family, friends, colleagues—and mimic them when telling stories. It makes conveying different personalities easier, whether on stage or in screenwriting.
00:02:05 - 00:02:22
Ken Harris: The greatest part of being a content creator is transforming real people and experiences into stories. It’s fun, not challenging.
00:02:22 - 00:02:47
Jeff Ornstein: You play ten characters in a play about a minimum wage guard, protecting the vulnerable. Your background includes helping seniors avoid scams—where did that passion come from?
00:02:47 - 00:03:40
Ken Harris: Inspired by A Bronx Tale and mentorship from Chazz Palminteri, I realized wasted talent is the saddest thing. That philosophy guided my writing and performing, shaping stories that protect and celebrate seniors.
00:03:42 - 00:04:00
Jeff Ornstein: What was the catalyst for writing a ten-character, one-man show?
00:04:00 - 00:05:37
Ken Harris: Working in malls that were closing, interacting with elderly “mall walkers,” and collecting stories of retail life gave me the idea for a play that honors seniors while exploring retail crime. The character Steve Smelly emerged from these real-life experiences.
00:05:37 - 00:06:46
Ken Harris: The play tells a story of transformation for an elderly retail guard, blending humor and drama from actual incidents. It was always about fun and connection with the audience.
00:06:51 - 00:07:49
Jeff Ornstein: Did you expect the play to become such a success?
Ken Harris: Not at all. After the mall closed, I wrote a two-hour play in a week. Mentorship from Chazz Palminteri helped refine it. Gradually, awards and performances showed me it resonated with audiences.
00:08:29 - 00:09:59
Jeff Ornstein: You’ve done stage, puppetry, video, and writing—what’s next?
Ken Harris: I’ve written screenplays like Made for Murder and The Sinister Ward, exploring trauma, corruption, and social impact. I also plan to return to puppetry for cybersecurity education, continuing my work with AARP to protect seniors.
00:11:06 - 00:12:44
Jeff Ornstein: Are your films completed or in development?
Ken Harris: Made for Murder is on YouTube. Other shorts, like That God Darn Scam, won awards and provide lessons in fraud prevention for seniors.
00:13:07 - 00:14:07
Jeff Ornstein: Do you prefer writing or performing?
Ken Harris: I love both. Stage acting provides authenticity, while writing allows me to share stories broadly. Both satisfy my creative drive.
00:14:23 - 00:15:57
Jeff Ornstein: Your stories have a real foundation in life. How does that inform your work?
Ken Harris: My 35+ years in law enforcement, retail, and theater allow me to pull from real experiences, creating authentic characters and situations. Independent film lets me take risks and tell these stories to wider audiences.
00:17:24 - 00:18:00
Jeff Ornstein: What should we look forward to next from you?
Ken Harris: Visit my website Scriptropolis for updates. In 2026, Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard will tour Western Massachusetts. Expect new screenplays, short films, and puppetry projects focused on fraud prevention.
00:18:00 - 00:18:15
Jeff Ornstein: You are an inspiration. Wishing you continued success!
Ken Harris: Thank you, Jeffrey.
