Deadline for Supporting Actors Suggestions
Posted December 14th, 2005 by RD Heldenfels
(Update Thursday morning: The column is done. Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions.)
As I mentioned in the "team players" posting below, I'm writing a piece about favorite supporting actors on prime-time TV shows.
I'm focusing on shows that premiered in 2005, or on new actors who joined returning shows. (You can find a longer explanation in that previous posting.) Several people have e-mailed suggestions to rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com . You can do likewise, or simply post your ideas as a comment here. I'm writing the story tomorrow, so this is your last chance to talk up your favorites.
December 14th, 2005 at 1:43 pm
How about John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer as Jim and Pam on "The Office". Sure, I mainly watch the show for the humor it finds in awkwardness, but the budding romance and secret feelings these two characters have for each other is one of the most realistic depictions of a relationship currently on television. John and Jenna can convey more depth and emotion with a single facial expression or awkward glance that most shows waste whole episodes of pointless banter on.
December 14th, 2005 at 4:48 pm
Good call. In fact, I've been thinking that a lot of the "Office" folks could make the list — the ones you mentioned, and Dwight, and some of the even more minor players who get a scene here and there but make the most of it.
December 14th, 2005 at 11:17 pm
Not sure if my opinion counts in something like this, but I’ll give you a little to chew on just the same.
How about Robert Knepper (“T-Bag”) of “Prison Break”? It’s been difficult to take my eyes off this guy even before the major buzz around his electric performance. The character he’s created is primal, racist and filthy. But something about him keeps me caring: Is he getting out, or what? Even if it is revolting, it’s his charmingly wild behavior in part that keeps “Prison” so refreshingly unpredictable each week.
I approve of previous mentions Ethan Suplee (“Randy”) on “My Name Is Earl” and John Krasinski (“Jim”), Jenna Fischer (“Pam”) and Rainn Wilson (“Dwight”) on “The Office.” Basically, anybody from “The Office” will do; each cast member has had me laughing at some point.
Of course, I’ll also back any one of your “Kitchen Confidential” nominations – though I’ve got to agree with today’s TV mail bag in that the male actors had the better lines, by far. And though it’s no secret that I suffer from Herskozwickitis and watched the show for John Daley (“Jim”), I’ll put a good word in for him anyhow. Timing is everything when you’re part of such an experienced, fast-paced cast, but John never had a problem keeping up. At times, his mastery of naïve facial expressions and mannerisms even upstaged the bigger names. Few TV actors can make even the densest lines funny, but I think John is one of those few. Which is a lot to say for a 20-year-old supporting actor – even if he was doing the same thing in a lead role at age 14. I’m betting the right role could mean great things, if he can just find a show that sticks.
Well, it’s 2 a.m., and that’s my two cents. Enjoy your Thursday.
December 15th, 2005 at 9:50 pm
Hey Rich, this is unrelated to this topic, so I apologize. But I'd love to see your thoughts sometime on the War at Home. I'm not sure what to think. It's unbeliavably offensive and filled with bigotry, but I still laugh.