Doc Hayman, born James Powell Hayman, is an American film and television production professional and musician. He is the son of actress Annie Potts and director-producer James Hayman, but his own screen credits are largely behind the camera. His work includes films such as Renfield, No One Will Save You, and Lisa Frankenstein, as well as the television series Young Sheldon. In 2025, the Directors Guild of America listed him among its new second assistant directors in the Eastern Region. His career combines film production, assistant directing and music rather than the acting roles for which his mother is famous.
Doc Hayman: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Powell Hayman |
| Also known as | James “Doc” Hayman |
| Date of birth | May 28, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age | 34 (as of October 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Mother | Annie Potts |
| Father | James Hayman |
| Profession | Film and television production professional, musician and DJ |
| Professional affiliation | Directors Guild of America, second assistant director category |
| Known projects | Renfield, No One Will Save You, Lisa Frankenstein, Young Sheldon |
Who Is Doc Hayman?
Doc Hayman is the son of American actress Annie Potts and television director and producer James Hayman. His birth name is James Powell Hayman, although he uses the nickname “Doc” in professional credits.
Born in Los Angeles on May 28, 1992, he grew up in a family closely connected to American film and television. His mother had already established a successful acting career through productions such as Ghostbusters and Designing Women. His father developed an extensive career directing and producing television programs.
Despite this family background, Doc’s professional work has followed a different direction. Rather than establishing himself as an actor, he has worked in production departments and developed a career connected to assistant directing.
His credits demonstrate the distinction between performing in a film and helping organize the complex work required to make one.
Early Life and Family Background
Doc Hayman was born two years after Annie Potts and James Hayman married in 1990.
His mother became widely recognized for portraying Janine Melnitz in Ghostbusters, Mary Jo Shively in Designing Women, and Connie “Meemaw” Tucker in Young Sheldon. She has also contributed voice performances to the Toy Story films.
His father, James Hayman, is a television director, producer, cinematographer and photographer. His professional credits include The Sopranos, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, and NCIS: New Orleans.
These careers placed filmmaking and television production within Doc’s family environment from childhood.
Doc Hayman’s Brothers
Doc has two brothers.
His older half-brother, Clay Samuel Senechal, is Annie Potts’ son from her previous marriage to B. Scott Senechal. Clay has developed a career as a writer and producer, including work on the animated Netflix film Arlo the Alligator Boy.
His younger brother, Isaac Harris “Harry” Hayman, is the other son of Annie Potts and James Hayman. Harry has pursued creative interests, including writing.
Annie Potts has spoken about the close relationship among her children. During a 2019 appearance on the Really Famous podcast, she described the bond they developed as adults:
“Honestly, their relationships are everything I’d hoped — they love each other, they support each other, they make each other laugh.” — Annie Potts
Although the brothers have chosen different professional directions, writing, filmmaking and other creative work remain common interests within the family.
Doc Hayman’s Career in Film and Television
Working Behind the Camera
Doc Hayman has contributed to several recognizable American film productions.
His credits include Renfield (2023), a horror-comedy starring Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, and No One Will Save You (2023), a science-fiction thriller starring Kaitlyn Dever.
He has also worked on Hit Man, starring Glen Powell, and Lisa Frankenstein (2024), featuring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse.
These credits are associated with production work rather than leading acting roles.
Film production involves numerous departments responsible for coordinating schedules, preparing locations, supporting performers, organizing equipment and managing communication.
Production assistants and other crew members help ensure that filming proceeds according to the production team’s plans.
Doc’s professional credits place him within this operational side of the entertainment industry.
His Connection to NCIS: New Orleans
Doc also has a production assistant credit on NCIS: New Orleans, the CBS crime drama that ran from 2014 to 2021.
The series has another connection to his family. His father, James Hayman, was extensively involved in directing and producing the show.
Although father and son are associated with the same television production, their professional responsibilities were different.
The elder Hayman worked in senior creative and production roles, while Doc’s documented contribution included production assistance.
Did Doc Hayman Work on Young Sheldon?
Yes. Doc Hayman worked behind the scenes on three episodes of Young Sheldon.
The CBS comedy starred his mother, Annie Potts, as Connie Tucker, better known as Meemaw. Her character became one of the show’s central family figures throughout its seven-season run.
Doc’s involvement was in production rather than acting.
This makes Young Sheldon an example of mother and son contributing to the same television program in different professional capacities.
His Career Development as a Second Assistant Director
One of the clearest milestones in Doc Hayman’s career occurred in 2025.
The Directors Guild of America included James “Doc” Hayman in its November 2025 membership report as an Eastern Region addition in the second assistant director category.
The designation identifies a specific professional role within film and television production.
What Does a Second Assistant Director Do?
A second assistant director, commonly called a 2AD, supports the first assistant director in organizing the practical requirements of filming.
The responsibilities of this position can include:
- Preparing and distributing daily call sheets.
- Coordinating cast schedules and reporting times.
- Communicating production updates to performers and crew.
- Handling production paperwork and scheduling information.
- Helping maintain communication between departments.
A call sheet is an essential production document that tells cast and crew where and when they are required for a particular filming day.
Second assistant directors help coordinate these operations so the director and other departments can concentrate on filming.
The role should not be confused with directing a movie. Assistant directing is primarily a production-management profession, with responsibilities distinct from those of a film’s creative director.
Hayman’s 2025 guild listing establishes his professional classification, although it does not establish that he personally directed any of the films on which he previously worked.
Doc Hayman’s Interest in Music and DJing
Alongside his film and television career, Doc Hayman is involved in music.
He has been identified as a musician and DJ and has used social media to promote performances.
His musical activities represent another aspect of his professional identity outside conventional filmmaking.
Music and film production require different skills. His DJ work should therefore be distinguished from his documented film credits, which primarily involve production responsibilities.
His interest in music also appeared in a personal announcement in 2021, when he used a playful reference to songwriting to reveal that he was expecting a child.
Doc Hayman’s Partner and Family Life
Doc Hayman’s partner is Katrina Engle.
The couple welcomed a son, Cassius James Hayman, in July 2021. His birth made Annie Potts a grandmother for the first time.
Potts celebrated the occasion publicly, sharing her excitement with followers on social media.
Entertainment coverage has identified Engle as Hayman’s partner. That description is more appropriate than assuming the couple is married without a confirmed marriage announcement.
Where Does Doc Hayman Live?
A People magazine profile has identified New Orleans, Louisiana, as the city where Doc Hayman lives with his family.
New Orleans also has an established connection to his parents’ careers, particularly through James Hayman’s involvement with NCIS: New Orleans.
The city is known for its longstanding music traditions and active creative community, making it a notable setting for someone whose professional interests include both film production and music.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doc Hayman
1. What is Doc Hayman’s real name?
His full name is James Powell Hayman. He is professionally credited as James “Doc” Hayman.
2. How old is Doc Hayman?
Doc Hayman was born on May 28, 1992. He is 34 years old as of October 2026.
3. Is Doc Hayman an actor?
His documented career primarily involves film and television production rather than acting. He has worked behind the camera on several films and television programs.
4. Is Doc Hayman related to Annie Potts?
Yes. Annie Potts is his mother, and television director and producer James Hayman is his father.
5. Is Doc Hayman married?
Katrina Engle has been identified publicly as his partner. They have a son together, but their relationship should not automatically be described as a marriage.
6. What movies has Doc Hayman worked on?
His production credits include Renfield, No One Will Save You, Hit Man, and Lisa Frankenstein. He has also worked in television, including Young Sheldon and NCIS: New Orleans.
Conclusion
Doc Hayman has developed a professional career in film and television production while maintaining an interest in music and DJing.
Although his family connection to Annie Potts and James Hayman provides important biographical context, his production credits and 2025 Directors Guild of America listing establish his own involvement in the entertainment industry.
His career offers a closer look at the organizational and technical work that supports major Hollywood productions.
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