Ty Doran is an American actor best known for his role as Cal Stone in the final season of Netflix’s Manifest. Born on October 29, 1997, in Topanga, California, Doran has steadily built a career in the entertainment industry, transitioning from theater to television. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.92m), the Houston-raised actor has appeared in various TV shows and even lent his voice to anime productions before finally gaining mainstream recognition.
Early Life and Theatrical Beginnings
For Doran, acting wasn’t just a passing interest—it was ingrained in his life from an early age. His father, an actor, director, and teacher, was his biggest influence. Like many kids, he started by imitating his dad, but what began as childlike curiosity quickly turned into something more. At just eight years old, he landed his first stage role in a high school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing the changeling child. That experience sparked a lifelong passion, and soon after, he became a familiar face in Houston’s theater scene. He performed in countless productions, including numerous runs of A Christmas Carol, gaining invaluable experience before making the leap to on-screen work.
Breaking into Television
Doran’s TV career started with minor roles, often flying under the radar. One of his first significant television gigs was in Hulu’s All Night, a teen comedy-drama. While the show didn’t achieve much commercial success, it provided Doran with early exposure to the industry. He also took on voice-acting work for anime series, further diversifying his skill set.
His big break came when he was cast as the older version of Cal Stone in Manifest. The supernatural drama, which had already developed a cult following, centers around passengers of Flight 828 who mysteriously return after being missing for five and a half years. Doran stepped into the role of Cal in the show’s fourth and final season, following Jack Messina’s portrayal of the younger version of the character.
Stepping into Manifest
Doran’s introduction to Manifest was anything but typical. The audition process was shrouded in secrecy—he wasn’t even aware of what show he was auditioning for at first. The production team provided fake script pages with altered character names to keep details under wraps. Once he secured the role, he dove headfirst into studying past seasons, analyzing every detail of Jack Messina’s performance to ensure a seamless transition for fans. He even met with Messina a few times to fine-tune his portrayal.
Taking over a role that had been played by someone else for three seasons presented a unique challenge. Although Cal had physically aged, his emotional and mental state remained that of a teenager, which required Doran to strike a delicate balance in his performance. He credits the show’s writers and cast members for helping him navigate this complex transition.
Adjusting to the Manifest Cast and Crew
Coming into a well-established series can be daunting, but Doran found himself welcomed with open arms. He admitted that he was initially nervous about fitting in—both on-screen and off—but the cast and crew quickly made him feel at home. He described the work environment on Manifest as warm and collaborative, which made the experience even more fulfilling.
Given that Manifest was saved from cancellation by passionate fan support, Doran felt a strong sense of responsibility to honor the viewers who had fought for its return. His goal was to help bring a satisfying conclusion to the show, ensuring that those who had been invested in the series felt that their efforts were worthwhile.
Life After Manifest
Since wrapping up Manifest, Doran has been back in Los Angeles, taking time to recharge and explore new opportunities. While no official projects have been announced, he remains active in the auditioning process and is excited to take on new roles in television and film. His time in New York filming Manifest was an unforgettable chapter, but he’s eager to see what the next phase of his career holds.
Beyond acting, Doran has a wide range of interests. He’s a self-proclaimed lover of storytelling in all forms—whether through books, movies, or video games. He’s also fascinated by tattoos, viewing them as an extension of personal storytelling. Unlike many actors of his generation, he isn’t highly active on social media, preferring to keep a low profile. While he acknowledges the benefits of social platforms, he also recognizes their potential downsides, particularly the pressure they can create for young people.
What’s Next for Ty Doran?
With his breakout role in Manifest now behind him, Doran is looking ahead to new challenges. His versatility—spanning theater, television, and voice acting—positions him well for a diverse range of opportunities. Whether he ends up leading a new series, taking on a film role, or returning to his theatrical roots, one thing is certain: Ty Doran is just getting started.
For updates on his career, you can follow him on Instagram. And for those who haven’t yet watched his work on Manifest, the final season is available for streaming on Netflix.
