lundi 27 octobre 2014

John Pappas: As Talented As He Is Ubiquitous

By Dominique Martin


He is not a household name, but this actor has been in numerous television shows and movies over the span of his forty-five plus year career. Chances are you have witnessed John Pappas acting on at least one occasion. Regardless of the familiarity of his face, walking past him on the street would likely go unnoticed. Passers-by may look at him and think they know him. They just do not know how or where they have seen him before.

He was born in Oakland, but made his way to Southern California after finishing college at San Francisco State University. He made his way to Hollywood, the city that has the best job opportunities for actors. History has shown that he found plenty of acting jobs.

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.

Adept in almost every aspect of the performing arts, he has written and directed plays. On occasion he directed himself in plays he wrote. His work in the theater is distinguished. He had the good fortune and talent to originate roles in the Los Angeles theater and continue the same role to New York productions.

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.

His talents even extend to painting. His style is generally abstract impressionism. This well-rounded artist has been producing wonderful paintings for more than 30 years. His work hangs in private venues and in 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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