When the 46th edition of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce (GTACC) Holiday Parade rolls out on Nov. 19, Main Street will become the stage for Tomball’s own Hollywood star, Chad Brannon. The Tomball High School (THS) alumnus was announced as the 2011 Parade Marshal by GTACC .

Brannon's life actually took a pivotal turn at THS before he graduated in 1997. The former baseball/football jock took a dare that landed him the lead role in The Nerd – a comedy by Larry Shue. He quit sports and devoted his spare time to studying the craft that would become his career, before going to Sam Houston State University (SHSU) on a theatre scholarship.

A year and a half into his studies at SHSU, Brannon left for Hollywood determined to forge an acting career. By 2000 Brannon was a regular on the daytime drama General Hospital playing Zander Smith. In 2004 he was nominated for and won a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Younger Actor. Since leaving General Hospital Brannon has guest-starred on Friday Night Lights, Cold Case and Deadwood.

A few years ago Brannon’s career took an unexpected turn when he began voiceovers. Fox Network hired Brannon as a main promo voice for their comedy shows – The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show, Glee, New Girl and a host of other campaigns. He also has voiced numerous projects for clients such as ABC, Warner Brothers, Diet Dr. Pepper, National Geographic, History Channel, Travel Channel, SyFy Channel, G4 Network and Reelz Channel.

In 2008 Brannon decided to move behind the camera. With a desire to produce quality family friendly entertainment, he recently produced and directed his first short film, “Serving Justice,” which will make the film festival rounds in 2012.

He is one of only a handful of individuals in the entertainment industry with the combined experience as an actor, voiceover talent and a background in business. While his career has taken him away from his roots, he says his heart is always in Texas.

"The theme of this year's parade is perfect for me, 'All Texas, All the Time’,” Brannon said. “I can really identify with that and, being back in my hometown will be great. After all it was in Tomball that I truly found my calling. I'm honored to be this year's Holiday Parade marshal."

The Tomball Holiday Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Main Street. For more information call the Chamber at, 281-351-7222 or visit, TomballChamber.org. For more information about Chad Brannon, visit www.chadbrannon.com, twitter @chadbrannon or look for him on Facebook.

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