Ever watch a movie and see a guy with a thick, unmistakable New Orleans accent and think, "I know that dude from somewhere"?
That’s usually Don Yesso. Honestly, his story is one of those "only in Hollywood" tales that sounds like it was written for a screenplay. Most people know him as the bus driver who tries to pick up the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus, but the man’s resume is deep. He wasn't even looking for the spotlight. He was a high school football coach in Baton Rouge who just happened to be on the right flight at the right time.
Basically, he met director Hugh Wilson on a plane. Wilson was so charmed by Yesso’s authentic "Yat" accent—that specific New Orleans flavor—that he told him he belonged on TV. Yesso, being a straight shooter, told him he couldn't act. Wilson’s response? "Don’t worry... it’s easy."
That chance encounter launched a career that has spanned over three decades.
From the Gridiron to the Big Screen
It’s wild to think that Don Yesso movies and tv shows started with a sitcom called Frank's Place in the late '80s. He played Shorty LaRoux, and he didn't have to "find the character" because, in many ways, he was the character. He brought a grit and a realism that you just can't teach in acting school.
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After that, the floodgates opened. If you need a guy who looks like he can handle himself in a bar fight but has a heart of gold, you call Yesso.
The Hocus Pocus Phenomenon
You can't talk about his career without mentioning the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus. It's funny because his role as the "Bus Driver" is relatively small, yet it’s one of the most quoted parts of the film. When he tells the witches, "I've been waiting for a beautiful woman like you to come along... and I'm still waiting," it’s pure gold.
Decades later, fans still track him down at conventions to ask about that scene. It’s the kind of role that cements you in pop culture history forever, whether you intended it to or not.
Don Yesso Movies and TV Shows: A Heavy-Hitting Filmography
Yesso hasn't just stuck to comedy. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the business, often playing tough guys, cops, or coaches (go figure).
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Check out this range:
- Hero (1992): Working alongside Dustin Hoffman and Geena Davis.
- Guarding Tess (1994): He played Ralph Buoncristiani, sharing the screen with Shirley MacLaine and Nicolas Cage.
- Big Fat Liar (2002): Playing Rocco Malone, showing he still had those comedy chops for a younger generation.
- Bullet to the Head (2012): A gritty turn as a St. Charles bartender in a Sylvester Stallone flick.
- Fast Charlie (2023): More recently, he appeared as Tony D in this Pierce Brosnan action-thriller.
He’s also been a staple on the small screen. You’ve probably spotted him in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Murder, She Wrote, or more recently, in high-prestige dramas like True Detective and Queen Sugar. He even popped up in Fantastic Four (2015) as a General. The man is everywhere.
Why He’s the Ultimate Character Actor
What most people get wrong about character actors like Yesso is thinking they just "play themselves." It takes a specific kind of skill to be that consistent and believable across so many different genres. He’s the glue in a scene. He makes the world of the movie feel lived-in.
When he understudied for Alec Baldwin in the 1992 Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire, it proved he wasn't just a "personality." He was a student of the craft, even if he started late. He’s a graduate of LSU and actually opened an exercise studio called Yoglates in Baton Rouge later in life. He stays busy. He’s got that New Orleans work ethic.
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Notable Guest Spots
- Ellen (He played a robber—ironic for such a likable guy).
- JAG (Playing a character named Harley).
- Treme (Bringing it back to his New Orleans roots).
- Zoo (As a pack-mentality agent).
What’s the "Yesso Secret"?
Nuance. That's it. Even when he's playing "Taxman #2" or "Card Player," he brings a specific energy that feels authentic. In I Love You Phillip Morris, he’s a guard. In American Ultra, he’s an Air Force Commander. He fits wherever you put him because he doesn't overact. He just exists in the space.
If you’re looking to dive into his work, don't just stick to the blockbusters. Look for the indie stuff or the one-off TV episodes. You'll see a guy who truly loves the process of storytelling. He's been on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson four times—that doesn't happen by accident. Carson loved guys who had real stories to tell.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Actors:
- Watch the Classics: Start with Frank's Place if you can find it. It’s a masterclass in ensemble acting and showcases Yesso’s breakout performance.
- Study the "Hocus Pocus" Timing: If you’re an actor, watch his comedic timing in the bus scene. It’s all about the pauses and the "deadpan" delivery.
- Follow the Career Arc: Notice how he transitioned from pure comedy to crime dramas like Bad Country and Fast Charlie. It shows the importance of versatility as you age in the industry.
- Appreciate the Accent: Yesso is one of the few actors who uses a genuine New Orleans dialect without it sounding like a caricature. It’s a lesson in staying true to your roots.
Whether you know him as the bus driver or the tough-as-nails coach, Don Yesso remains a vital part of the Hollywood ecosystem, proving that sometimes, the best careers start with a random conversation on a plane.