Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Actor Highlight: Jon Gries







I would like to recognize an actor who spends most of his time on screen in support of the main characters. I realized some time ago that any movie or television show is only as good as the depth of it's cast.

Jon Gries has spent much of his career in these supporting roles. I am thankful for it. I first paid attention to him when I was watching The Pretender in it's first run. He was Broots the geeky tech guy on that show. I would argue that he paved the way for some of my other favorite tv characters such as: Chloe O'brien (24), and Marshall Flinkman (Alias).

In the movie Napolean Dynamite Mr. Gries portrayed Napolean's Uncle Rico. We may not be able to watch this film any more do to over-quoting of it's lines but, his comic timing is undeniable in it.

Most recently Jon has been making an impression as a troubled father figure on ABC's LOST. We have seen him as a mourning single father, and a mean drunk in this layered dramatic performance. LOST is hands-down the best show on TV anyway, and he doesn't disappoint as Ben Linus' dad.

In truth I may not seek out shows/movies based on the fact that Jon Gries is in them, but, if I was riding the fence, it would seal the deal for me.
Recommendation?: Go back and seek out old episodes of The Prentender. It was a good show made better by a deep cast. And, keep an eye out for Jon Gries in future projects. He always delivers a solid performance.

- Posted from my iPhone

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