J.D. Ellis

Born Jeffery Dean Flanders in Waterloo, Iowa, October 11, 1954, to artist Dean Flanders and actress Salle Flanders (aka Salle Ellis). Raised in Golden, Colorado, until his mother divorced in 1962 and married Walter Ellis, who then adopted him along with his siblings, Gregory and Jennifer. Ellis Grew up moving from state to state, with his family, the mother/son team building Community Theatres in Leadville, Colorado; El Paso, Texas; Ely, Nevada; Milford, Utah; and Grants, New Mexico. From 1970-1972, Ellis worked as Disc Jockey "Marc Adrian" for KMIN Radio 980 in Grants, NM hosting the evening 'drive time' oldies request show "Cruisin' 66." In 1972, the family relocated to Houston, Texas. Upon graduation from Alief Highschool, Ellis began his professional acting career (salaried for the first time) with the Studio 7 Repertoire Theatre under the guidance and direction of Chris Wilson (founding member of Houston's 'Alley Theatre'). Ellis continued to work professionally at various theatres in Houston (including the Marietta Marich Dinner Theatre) culminating with his portrayal of Jesus in the Houston premier of "Godspell" at the Reunion Theatre (1974). He expanded his career with the lead in his first professional television commercial for "Gallagher's Irish Steakhouse" (1975) and became a member of the Screen Actor's Guild playing an Android in the Richard T. Heffron film, Futureworld (1976). During this period, Ellis majored in Theatre & Communications at the University of Houston studying with Cecil Pickett and Dr. Sidney Berger. Making his move to New York with a summer stock contract for the Mid-Hudson Repertoire Company in 1976, Ellis began a 20-year bi-coastal career in Film, Television, Theatre, and Commercials, commuting from NYC to LA and parts in-between. Hi-lights: Starred in numerous national TV commercials including Folgers Coffee, Folgers Crystals, Loktite Glue, Chapstick, Bud Lite, and Keds. (1977) Performed street theatre in NYC with the Companie Comedia del'Arte under the direction of Jackie Wildau. (1979) Performed with the Improvisation Troupe "Without a net" under the direction of Gayle Garnett. (1980-81) Ellis made numerous appearances as 'Dr. Kip Logan' on the CBS soap Guiding Light. (1982) he played Bartley in the BBC Drury Lane special "Rider's to the Sea." (1983) Directed and acted in the Lois Gibson play "Lemonade" for the Paul Zindel Playwright's competition at the Actor's Studio L.A. (1984) he starred as 'Phil the Rat' in the LA production of the Harvey Shield rock/musical "1284: The Pied Piper of Hamelin" (the CD of the original cast album is currently available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, EBay, etc.) (1987) Wrote the play, "The Princess & the Laundress". (1989) Wrote the Western play, "Gabe & McAll". (2005) Wrote the handbook, "A Pocket Guide for Being Human." (1995) Lead singer/songwriter country/rock album, Can't win for Losin' JD Ellis & the Baldeagle Band. (2000) Ellis starred as Dracula in "The Passion of Dracula" at the Strand Theatre in Galveston. Ellis married Daryl Latter (Daryl Latter Designs). (1979 to 1987) One daughter, Hayley Nicole. Ellis married Cynthia Norfleet (Estee Lauder executive) (1992 to present).