mercredi 22 octobre 2014

Meet John Pappas: The Renaissance Actor

By Dominique Martin


With a career that has spanned more than forty-five years, he has appeared in countless movies and television shows. People who see John Pappas in public are likely to think they somehow know him, rather than thinking they saw him acting in a movie. With his chameleon like acting skills, he may not be recognizable from one role to the next.

Born in Oakland, he spent his youth in the greater Bay Area. His alma mater is San Francisco State University. Passionate about pursuing his artistic dreams, He made his way to Hollywood and Los Angeles where he could find acting jobs. He was able to find plenty of work.

He is a man of many talents. He made appearances in just about every popular show of 1980s from detective dramas to sitcoms. In the 1970s he also performed as a stand-up comic making appearance on the well-known daytime talk shows of the era.

He also distinguished himself with his work in the theater. He was a playwright, a director and an actor, all at the same time. In all aspects of the performing arts he has proved himself a worthy player. Very few actors achieve the success that Pappas has on such a wide spectrum of the performing arts.

He is known for playing small roles that are pivotal to the story line. His versatility provided the opportunities to get the acting jobs he wanted. He has not been the star that eclipses everyone else, but he has been the star that shines clear and constant.

A good portion of his longevity was spent on a popular soap opera. For twenty-two years he had a regular role, not just periodic guest appearance. His guest appearance on that soap opera may have brought him to the attention of the producers, but his likability with the show's fans is what kept him on the show.

For a time when he was doing stand up comedy he part of a two man comedic team. The pair would tell jokes and sing, not unlike another popular duo of that era, the Smothers Brothers. It was all good, clean fun. The team poked more fun at themselves than anyone else.

The list of his talents thus far have included acting, writing, directing and comedy. It does not stop there. For decades he has painted and created works of art in an abstract impressionistic style. His original paintings hang in private homes from the United States to Europe and can also been seen in some art galleries.

There are many character actors like him who are ubiquitous but somehow under appreciated. It really does not matter that he has not achieved the status of a major film or TV star. He has made a living at the craft he loves, and he has had only one wife. Today he makes his home in Long Beach, California, with his wife and their two dogs, beloved Golden Retrievers. He has followed his own creative path, with acting, writing, directing, comedy and art. These facts seem to indicate a balanced, generally happy life. Bravo, sir. See you at the movies or on TV.




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