Doc Hayman is a sound designer, music producer, and DJ who works behind the scenes in entertainment. Born in 1992 to actress Annie Potts and television director James Hayman, he’s built his own career in audio production and music. You’ll discover his journey from Hollywood roots to New Orleans music scenes, his work on major TV productions, and his life as both an artist and father.
Quick Facts About Doc Hayman
| Full Name | James Powell Hayman | | Known As | Doc Hayman, DJ Dr!Dr! | | Date of Birth | May 28, 1992 | | Age | 32 years old (as of 2025) | | Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA | | Profession | Sound Designer, Music Producer, DJ | | Parents | Annie Potts (Mother), James Hayman (Father) | | Siblings | Clay Senechal (older half-brother), Harry Hayman (younger brother) | | Education | Muhlenberg College (Sound Design) | | Marital Status | In a relationship | | Partner | Katrina Engle (also known as Kait McKey) | | Children | Cassius James Hayman (born July 2021) | | Current Residence | New Orleans, Louisiana | | Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Growing Up in a Creative Household
Doc Hayman was born as James Hayman Jr., but he is widely known by his nickname, Doc, and grew up in Los Angeles in a household that thrived on creativity and artistic expression. His childhood was anything but typical. Picture this: scripts scattered across kitchen counters, camera equipment in corners, and conversations about storytelling filling the dinner table.
His mother, Annie Potts, had already established herself as a versatile actress, while his father, James Hayman, was building a successful career directing and producing television shows. The Hayman home buzzed with the energy of people who loved what they did. This environment didn’t force Doc toward entertainment—it simply showed him what passion looked like.
Doc has two brothers: his younger brother, Harry Hayman, was born in 1995, and his older half-brother, Clay Senechal, was born in 1981 to Annie Potts and her previous husband, Scott Senechal. After Annie’s divorce, Clay was adopted by James Hayman, creating a blended family that prioritized support and creativity. Together, these brothers formed a tight bond despite their age differences.
Famous Parents: Annie Potts and James Hayman
Annie Potts: Hollywood Icon and Loving Mother
Annie Potts is a celebrated actress with a career spanning film, television, and theater, born in 1952 in Nashville, Tennessee. She rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s with memorable performances that audiences still quote today. Her role as Janine Melnitz in Ghostbusters became iconic, and she brought depth to Mary Jo Shively in the hit sitcom Designing Women.
She voiced Bo Peep in the Toy Story franchise and currently plays Connie “Meemaw” Tucker in Young Sheldon. With an estimated net worth of around $8 million, Annie built her success through versatility and dedication. But beyond the accolades, she prioritized being present for her three sons.
When asked how she knew James Hayman would be the one, Potts replied that he immediately loved her son Clay. She understood that falling in love as a single mother meant both of them had to feel secure and loved.
James Hayman: The Man Behind the Camera
James Hayman is a respected television producer, director, and cinematographer whose work includes popular TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He’s also an accomplished fine art photographer. His career behind the scenes taught Doc valuable lessons about technical precision and artistic vision.
James showed Doc that creativity wasn’t just about being in front of the camera—it was about crafting experiences, telling stories through visuals and sound, and bringing ideas to life through collaboration.
Education: Building Technical Skills at Muhlenberg College
During his time at Muhlenberg College, Doc Hayman studied sound design, which gave him the technical know-how and creative perspective he needed to handle the challenges of audio production. College wasn’t just about learning theory—it was where his passion for creating immersive audio experiences became clear.
He also studied theater at Goldsmiths, expanding his understanding of performance and storytelling. This combination of technical training and artistic sensibility set the groundwork for his career path. While many students were still figuring out their direction, Doc already knew he wanted to shape how people experienced sound.
Career: From NCIS New Orleans to Dream Seeker Productions
Breaking Into Television Sound Design
After completing his studies, Doc Hayman began building his career in sound design and music production, first gaining experience working on NCIS New Orleans, where he contributed as part of the music and sound utility team. This role allowed him to sharpen his skills in sound design for television production.
Working on a major network show taught him about the fast pace of TV production, the importance of consistency, and how sound design enhances storytelling. Every footstep, door slam, and whispered conversation needed attention. Doc learned to balance technical requirements with creative opportunities.
Film Industry Work and Production Assistant Roles
Doc is known for his work as additional crew on films including No One Will Save You (2023), Renfield (2023), and Lisa Frankenstein (2024). His IMDb credits show consistent work in production, demonstrating his reliability and skill.
He worked as a Key Set Production Assistant on Lisa Frankenstein and as a production assistant on No One Will Save You. These roles might not sound glamorous, but they’re essential to keeping productions running smoothly. Doc proved himself as someone teams could count on.
Current Role at Dream Seeker Productions
Today, Doc holds a director position at Dream Seeker Productions, a company focused on film projects that often involve collaboration with other creatives. This position reflects his growth from entry-level production work to leadership roles where he can influence creative decisions.
Dream Seeker Productions allows Doc to work on projects that align with his artistic vision while building connections in the independent film community.
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Music Career: DJ Dr!Dr! and Sound Production
His stage name, Dr! Dr!, represents his musical performance identity. As a DJ, Doc brings energy to venues across New Orleans, blending genres and creating experiences that make people move. He describes himself as someone who likes to make people dance.
His approach to DJing reflects his sound design background—he thinks about how different frequencies interact, how to build energy throughout a set, and how to read a crowd’s mood. His Instagram handle @doctordoctormusic gives followers glimpses into his musical projects and performances.
New Orleans, with its rich musical heritage, provides the perfect backdrop for Doc’s work. The city’s culture of improvisation, collaboration, and celebration aligns with his artistic values. Unlike purely commercial entertainment centers, New Orleans respects craftsmanship and authenticity.
Personal Life: Fatherhood and Family
Relationship with Katrina Engle
Doc is in a relationship with Kait McKey (also known as Katrina Engle). The couple keeps their relationship relatively private, sharing occasional moments on social media while maintaining boundaries around their personal life.
Becoming a Father: Cassius James Hayman
A significant milestone in Doc’s life was reached in 2021 when his son, Cassius James Hayman, was born in July, weighing 8 pounds. The arrival of Cassius was a joyous moment for the entire family.
Annie Potts was ecstatic, writing on Facebook: “We’ve GOT ONE!!! Introducing our very first grandchild. Cassius James Hayman! He was born today at 11am and weighs 8 lbs. We are THRILLED!”
Fatherhood has added new dimensions to Doc’s life. He’s balancing his creative career with parenting responsibilities, embodying the values his parents taught him about family coming first. Doc shares occasional glimpses of life with Cassius on social media, showing the joy and challenges of raising a young child.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
There is no public record of Doc Hayman’s exact net worth, as he has kept his financial details private. His income comes from multiple sources: sound design work, music production projects, DJ performances, and his role at Dream Seeker Productions.
Annie Potts has an estimated net worth of around $8 million, reflecting her long and successful career in acting, while James Hayman is reported to have a net worth near $2 million due to his work in television production and photography.
Doc’s financial approach appears grounded in building sustainable income through diverse creative work rather than chasing quick paychecks. He’s creating a career that supports his family while allowing artistic freedom.
Physical Appearance and Personal Style
Doc Hayman has brown hair and dark brown eyes, typical features that complement his Caucasian ethnicity. He maintains a casual, approachable look that fits well with his work in the creative and music industries. His style reflects New Orleans’ laid-back culture—functional, comfortable, and authentic.
You won’t find Doc dressed in flashy designer outfits or trying to stand out through appearance. His focus stays on his craft, letting his work speak louder than his wardrobe.
Living in New Orleans: A Perfect Fit
Doc lives in New Orleans with his family. The city offers everything he needs: a thriving music scene, a community that values artistry, and space to raise his son away from Los Angeles’ entertainment industry spotlight.
New Orleans celebrates musicians, sound designers, and creative professionals who prioritize craft over fame. The city’s festivals, clubs, and recording studios provide endless opportunities for someone with Doc’s skills. He’s found a place where he can be both an artist and a dad without constant pressure.
The Hayman Family Legacy
The Hayman family represents different generations approaching entertainment in their own ways. Annie brought characters to life through acting. James shaped stories through directing and cinematography. Doc creates experiences through sound and music.
Annie Potts has said that now that her sons are proper grown-ups, they’re really close, and their relationships are everything she’d hoped for. Despite their age gaps and different career paths, Clay, Doc, and Harry have formed tight bonds.
All three sons work in entertainment but in distinct capacities. Clay works as a writer, creator, and executive producer. Doc focuses on sound and music. Harry explores poetry. Together, they carry forward their parents’ creative spirit while forging their own identities.
Lesser-Known Facts About Doc Hayman
- His nickname has stuck since childhood. While his legal name is James Powell Hayman, he’s been called Doc for so long that most people don’t realize it’s a nickname.
- He balances multiple creative outlets. Doc doesn’t choose between sound design and DJing—he sees them as complementary skills that inform each other.
- He studied abroad. His time at Goldsmiths in London exposed him to different theatrical traditions and sound design approaches.
- He made Annie Potts a grandmother. Cassius James Hayman was Annie’s first grandchild, a role she embraces with the same enthusiasm she brings to her acting.
- He prefers New Orleans to Los Angeles. Despite growing up in LA, Doc chose New Orleans for its musical culture, slower pace, and authentic artistic community.
- His social media focuses on music. Rather than leveraging his famous parents for followers, Doc’s online presence centers on his DJ work and sound design projects.
- He works in independent film. His role at Dream Seeker Productions allows him to work on smaller, more personal projects rather than only big-budget productions.
Looking Ahead: Doc Hayman’s Future
Doc’s career trajectory suggests continued growth in both recorded and live music settings. His sound design work may lead to larger film and television projects as his reputation builds. His DJ career could develop into more extensive touring or festival performances.
The intersection of his technical skills and artistic vision positions him well for the changing entertainment world. As streaming platforms and independent productions grow, professionals who understand both the technical and creative sides become increasingly valuable.
Doc appears focused on building a career that supports his family, satisfies his creative drives, and allows him to live on his own terms. He’s not chasing fame or trying to match his mother’s stardom—he’s creating his own definition of success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Doc Hayman?
Doc Hayman, born James Powell Hayman in 1992, is a sound designer, music producer, and DJ based in New Orleans. He’s the son of actress Annie Potts and television director James Hayman, and he’s built his own career in audio production and music performance.
What does Doc Hayman do for a living?
Doc works as a sound designer and music producer in film and television. He’s worked on shows like NCIS New Orleans and films including Lisa Frankenstein and Renfield. He also performs as DJ Dr!Dr! in New Orleans venues and holds a director position at Dream Seeker Productions.
Is Doc Hayman married?
Doc is in a relationship with Katrina Engle (also known as Kait McKey). They welcomed their son, Cassius James Hayman, in July 2021. Doc keeps his personal life relatively private while occasionally sharing moments on social media.
What is Doc Hayman’s net worth?
Doc Hayman’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. He earns income through sound design work, music production, DJ performances, and his role at Dream Seeker Productions. His parents, Annie Potts and James Hayman, have estimated net worths of $8 million and $2 million respectively.
Why did Doc Hayman choose to work behind the scenes instead of acting?
Growing up watching both parents work in entertainment, Doc gravitated toward the technical side of production. He found his passion in sound design and music production, areas where he could craft experiences and tell stories through audio rather than on-camera performance. This choice reflects his genuine interests rather than expectations based on his family background.
