A new spin on breaking into Hollywood

David Harwell, an aspiring actor, grabs attention by dancing and holding an arrow-shaped cardboard sign advertising a cash-checking establishment at the corner of La Cienega Boulevard and 3rd Street. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

March 22, 2014 2:07 PM PT

He holds a large yellow, arrow-shaped sign advertising check cashing and currency exchange. He wears bright yellow glasses. He never stops dancing or smiling. And next to him is another large sign that reads: “Like me on Facebook.” David Harwell, who has been spinning signs for nine years, wants to be an actor.

One day, Harwell’s car will come. An industry bigwig will drive by the corner of La Cienega and 3rd. He’ll be discovered. He’ll live his Hollywood dream. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Beverly Center shopping mall is reflected in Harwell’s sunglasses. “I see a million cars every day,” he says. Surely, one day, the right one will come. When it does, he will need to be noticed. To that end, he wears colorful clothes. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Harwell wants to be an actor. “I’m ready,” the 32-year-old says, though in the meantime he takes great pride in his sign work. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Harwell wanders onto La Cienega Boulevard to high-five a passing motorist. He listens to music and sings along as he moves. He prefers “sign dancer” to “sign spinner.” For nine years now, he’s put his heart and soul into signs -- hawking sandwiches, sausages, cellphones, sodas, fried chicken, carpet, gelato. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“Dave is a very high-energy, happy, enthusiastic individual who loves to interact with people and enjoys what he does,” says Chris Dunbar, his boss at La Cienega Check Cashing, who gets a kick out of sending Harwell onto the sidewalk in costumes -- turkey suit for Thanksgiving, Santa suit for Christmas, green man suit (think Blue Man Group) just for kicks. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Harwell, one of nine kids, grew up in Hacienda Heights. His sign career got its start in 2006 when a friend opened a flooring business up a small, bumpy mountain road in Crestline. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)