Christian Daugherty

Christian Daugherty (stage name) grew up in a working class environment in Kentucky. He was adopted by his paternal grandparents and his name was changed. His biological father, Darrell, was a Vietnam Era Prisoner of War serving in the United States Marine Corp. The young child, Darrell Jr. was given up for adoption after Darrell Sr. returned suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome resulting from his treatment in a POW camp. Darrell Jr's name was changed as a result of the adoption and the "O" was added later as a tribute to his adoptive father, Wesley, who had wanted to restore the original spelling of the family name. Wesley, worked in the underground coal mining industry and later in the construction business. On the side, Wesley operated a studio and produced Bluegrass Music, with his artists touring with such shows as the Porter Wagner Show (where Dolly Parton got her start) and other stage productions. Wesley drew from his experience working underground to produce music that reflected the life of rural and Eastern Kentuckians, where Bluegrass originated. Kristian saw the passion his adoptive father possessed for music and that helped to fuel the flames that would later consume his interest in the arts. He left home in 1980 (age 17)to pursue his training and degree in medicine (specializing in Psychiatry). But he discovered his passion in theatre and quickly changed the direction his life was taking. His parents were not happy with his decision, but was supportive. He met Antoinette in San Antonio, Texas. The two developed a close relationship. Antoinette became pregnant with their son, Antonio Rene. They married, but divorced after their son was born. They chose to share the responsibility of raising him instead. Antoinette died in 2005 after battling with breast cancer. Her memory has served to inspire Kristian. Kristian spent years devoting his passion to theatre, writing art, film and other creative and artistic endeavors. He is a passionate artist, consumed by his work, willing to sacrifice to achieve his dreams. That has cost him friendships through his life when his passion is misunderstood. That has led to stressful and disappointing results. After devoting years working on his first major screenplay, he attempted to produce and direct a short film in Louisville, Kentucky titled "Where the River Ends" (aka WTRE)in 2003. This projected started as a 10 minute short but escalated into a 60 minute featurette after interest in the project spread. After overhearing negative remarks about the quality of talent in Kentucky, O'Daugherty set out to demonstrate that Kentucky offered a great deal of talent. WTRE was intended to promote the film community in Kentucky. Since WTRE, O'Daugherty has produced and directed four productions for marketing reels for screenplays, three additional short film productions, a feature length film production and has even produced/directed a successfully completed production of WTRE.