SHOW BUSINESS - ACTORS - 1960s-1970s-1980s-1990s

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS HIGHLY EXPRESSIVE IRISHMAN:
Storyline: The consummate character player hones his acting chops through a pure focus on his thespian skills, after earlier using the pen, as well as the stage, as his artistic proving/grounds.
John C. Reilly (1965) - American actor. Outer: 5th of 6 children, from a South Side workingclass Chicago Irish Catholic family. Father owned a laundry and commercial linen house, where his son sometimes worked as a teenager. Benefited from being one of the youngest, in being given a lot of freedom while growing up, and also got used to not getting noticed, an odd skill for the profession he ultimately chose, and one he viewed as a compliment for his ability to completely disappear into his characters. Arrested several times for juvenile mischief. Began acting in his own all-boy’s high school, as well neighboring all-girl’s high schools. Although his father wanted him to get a business degree, he had his heart set on the theater. Graduated De Paul Univ. with a B.A. in Fine Arts, then studied at the Goodman School of Drama, and later worked at the Steppenwolf Theater. Initially extremely hungry for work and recognition, but soon realized that quality projects would give him what he needed. 6’2”. Made his film debut in 1989 in Casualties of War, after submitting a videotaped audition. Married producer Alison Dickey, whom he met on the production, and then went on to do some 30 films in the next 15 years. Two children from union. Often plays cops, although has shown a considerable range when being given the opportunity to do so. Appeared on stage in Samuel Shepard’s “True West” with Philip Seymour Hoffman, with the 2 interchanging roles of the 2 brothers in alternating performances. His career picked up after the turn of the century with memorable turns in several popular films, including a song-and-dance run in Chicago, as he slowly builds his reputation around his extraordinary ordinariness, using it to excellent effect on both stage and screen. The older he gets, the more he resembles his earlier go-round in this series. Inner: Subtle, good-humored, self-effacing. Always trying to top himself, despite his desire to remain largely unnoticed, his skills have dictated otherwise. Under the radar lifetime of employing his theatrical skills as his main arena of expression, in a life dedicated to sheer acting, after earlier sliding onto the stage from other venues of communication. Thomas Mitchell (1892-1962) - American actor. Outer: Parents were Irish immigrants, father was a merchant, mortician and newspaperman. 2nd of 7 children. Began as a newspaper reporter in 1909 with his hometown paper, although it had to print 5 retractions his first 2 weeks, thanks to a propensity for over-dramatizing stories. Worked for several more papers, and made his theatrical debut in 1912. Served in the army during WW I. Co-wrote a number of plays which were both produced on stage and later turned into film. 5’10”. Also collaborated on several screenplays after he had begun his secondary career as a character actor on the stage, which initially had been a hobby for him. Made his film debut in Cloudy With Showers, which he had co-authored as a play in 1932, but felt his literary talents were being wasted in Hollywood and returned to NYC as a stage actor in the early 1930s. In 1936, he had a change of heart and returned to Hollywood, where he focused on filmwork for the next decade. A highly memorable support, who won an Academy Reward for Best Supporting Actor in 1939 for playing a drunken doctor in Stagecoach. Worked several times with fellow character actor H.B. Warner (Philip Seymour Hoffman) most notably in Lost Horizon. Suffered a fractured skull in 1940 during a carriage ride in rehearsal. After 1947, he divided his work between TV and theater, and ultimately won a trifecta Emmy in 1952 and Tony in 1953 to go along with his Oscar. An avid art collector, he only did 9 films the last 13 years of his career. Also served as a council member of Actor’s Equity from 1933 to 1938 and 1953 to 1958. Died of cancer. Inner: Informal, rumpled and cheerful. Could sight read and memorize large sections of script at a glance. Skilled in all he undertook in the realm of self-expression, with a particular penchant for giving life and personality to support characters. Second banana lifetime of finding direct expression through emoting, despite an innate skill with the written word and a great love for visual language as well. Thomas Holcroft (1745-1809) - English playwright, musician and actor. Outer: Father was a shoemaker and stabler, who ultimately fell into reduced circumstances, and became a traveling peddler with his family. Began his working life as a stableboy, using his spare time to teach himself music, as well as read widely, so that he was self-educated in a number of languages. Rejoined his sire three years later when he returned to his original trade, then wed his cousin at 20, and became a teacher at a small Liverpool school. After failing to set up his own private school, he served as a prompter for a Dublin theater, before becoming a strolling player in the provinces. Came to London in 1776, and had difficulty initially in his desire to perform at David Garrick’s (Richard Burton) Drury Lane Theater, but his combination of skills finally saw flower two years later in a musical farce called, “The Crisis.” Remained a supporting player, because of his harsh and unsympathetic portrayals, much to his frustration, while seeing another piece produced. Served as an English correspondent in Paris, where he drank in the theater, seeing Pierre Beaumarchais’s (Joe Orton) “Marriage of Figaro” so often he memorized it, allowing him to present a translation of it. Finally won his long-sought recognition at Covent Garden with that translation, “The Follies of the Day,” which allowed him to become a full-time playwright. Also penned several novels based on his own experiences. Served as a mentor to young Thomas Abthorpe Cooper (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who lived in the household of his longtime friend William Godwin (Betty Friedan). Introduced Cooper to the theater, which would later absorb his professional life, although later had a falling-out with Godwin. Married 4 times, and his oldest son from the second marriage, who was the same age as Cooper, committed suicide in 1789, after robbing him in order to escape to the New World. Initially sympathetic to the French Revolution, and active around its promulgation, he wound up indicted for high treason and held in Newgate Prison in 1794, although was later released without facing trial. His later works failed to transcend his reputation as a radical, and he ultimately wound up setting up a printing business with a brother-in-law. Managed a reconciliation with Godwin, just before dying after a long illness. One of his daughters, Fanny, became a writer, as well. Inner: Stern, fierce, petulant, irascible, upright and candid. Pen-firmly-in-hand lifetime of exploring both the real world and the artifice of the stage, only to discover that not only did the two not mix, but were self-negating as well, making him far more circumspect in his combining his talents in future go-rounds in this series, as well as allowing a brighter side of his nature shine forth to far better actorly effect.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SEAMLESS CHAMELEON:
Storyline: The careful craftsman knows how to bring nuance and detail to each of his characterizations, as he takes full advantage of the gamut of roles continually offered him, after earlier finding his stagecraft limited by typecasting, despite the relish and skill he has always brought to his art.
Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967) - American actor. Outer: Of Irish descent. Father was a former Xerox executive, mother was a family court judge, with the former a Protestant, and the latter Catholic, although they did not raise their children in either religion. His parents divorced in 1976, and he was raised by his mother. 3rd of 4, including an older brother, writer and theater director Gordy Hoffman. Good athlete in high school, ultimately becoming a wrestler, until an injury turned him towards acting. Graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of Drama with a B. of Fine Arts, and settled in NYC. 5’10”. Thanks to an over/riding love of performing, he found himself totally inept in auxiliary lines of work, such as waiting and being a lifeguard, while he awaited his chance to publicly strut his stuff. Finally overcame an addiction to alcohol, and his career took off. Made his film debut in 1991 with Triple Bogey on a Par 5 Hole. After appearing in Scent of a Woman in 1992, he never had to worry about work again. Appeared on stage with John C. Reilly in Samuel Shepard’s “True West,” with both actors working interchangeably in the parts of the 2 brothers. The duo would also become part of the ongoing ensemble cast for director Paul Thomas Anderson. Built an impressive resume of character parts during the 1990s, showing a chameleonic capacity to totally submerge himself in a variety of roles, from a smitten gay porn crew member to a flamboyant drag queen, to more conventional portrayals, limning his characters through subtle nuances of speech, as well as an amorphous physicality. Had a son with costume designer Mimi O’Donnell, and later a second child. Co-artistic director of NY’s LABrynth Theater, which was founded in 1992 and grew to pre-eminence as an ensemble facility. Served as a director for several of its productions, and subsequently an actor in them as well. In 2002, he had his first real starring role in a screenplay written by his brother, Gordy, Love Liza, as the despondent survivor of a suicided mate. In 2005, he effectively assayed author Truman Capote in Capote, a film he also co-produced, and won a Best Actor Oscar the following year for his efforts. Inner: Friendly, outgoing, and highly self-critical with the ability to project an extremely malleable physicality on the screen, so as to thoroughly reflect his characters. Dedicated craftsman lifetime of being allowed to express the full gamut of his skills, after earlier being limited by his earlier success. H.B. Warner (Henry Byron Warner-Lickford) (1876-1958) - English actor. Outer: Father was Charles Warner, a well-known British actor/manager. Brother J.B. Warner also became an actor. Made his stage debut at the age of 7 in his sire’s theater. Slightly over 6’, slim. Studied medicine at London’s Univ. College, but the genetic lure of the theater proved far more appealing, and he went on to fashion a successful career on both the British and American stage. In 1919, he married actress Rita Stanwood, later divorced. Married and divorced a 2nd time as well. Began his American film career in the silent era with The Lost Paradise in 1914, and reached a peak in 1927 in Cecil B. De Mille’s King of Kings, where he played Jesus, which so typecast him, he became pigeonholed in chaste characters afterwards, totally limiting his potential for a far more memorable career, as his projected dark side would get no more actorly light. Made the easy transition into talkies, and switched from leads to character parts. Best remembered as the ancient Chang in Lost Horizon in 1937. Appeared with fellow character actor Thomas Mitchell (John C. Reilly) in several films, most notably the previous mentioned. Settled in the U.S. and enjoyed a long active career, making his presence felt in dozens of movies, despite the bounds placed on his considerable abilities. Inner: Friendly, outgoing. Blunted lifetime of falling victim to typecasting and never really being given the full run of his considerable abilities, which he would redress the next time around. Thomas Abthorpe Cooper (1776-1849) - English/American actor and manager. Outer: Father was a surgeon of Irish descent who died in India in 1787, leaving the family destitute. Oldest of 3. At 12, he became the ward of William Godwin (Betty Friedan), his mother’s cousin, who gave him a solid grounding in both languages and the plays of William Shakespeare (William Butler Yeats). Introduced to the theater by playwright Tom Holcroft (John C. Reilly), a friend of Godwin’s. At 16, with Holcroft’s help, he began his apprenticeship in Edinburgh, and made his debut in a small part in one of Holcroft’s most popular vehicles, “Road to Ruin.” Had the usual difficulties launching his career, but once he found his niche as a tragedian, beginning with Holcroft securing him the role of Hamlet in 1795, his career became assured. Had a noble countenance, and an unusual dignity, as well as a fine voice, and a graceful physical presence. Convinced by fellow actor Thomas Wignell (Jimmy Stewart) to come to America in 1796, he made his debut in Baltimore playing Macbeth, then did the same in Philadelphia, making his initial home there, before moving to NYC, after a fall-out with Wignell over roles and salary. One final stab in London in 1803 showed him America was where his future lay, and he spent the rest of his career there. Able to play both classical and contemporary parts, he became an American citizen, and quickly built up a reputation as the premier tragedian of his time. His habit of waving to and winking at friends, and occasionally not learning his roles, however, did not sit well with purist critics. Married Joanna Upton, who left him a widower, before he wed Mary Fairlie, who had been a NY society belle, in 1812. That union elevated his social status considerably, and he wound up living well in a fashionable section of NYC. His second marriage produced 2 sons and 6 daughters, one of whom eventually married the son of future Pres. John Tyler (Robert Byrd). Eventually, his popularity began to wane, although he enjoyed one last hurrah playing Othello to Edwin Forrest’s (Marlon Brando) Iago, while taking over a failing theater. His final performance was in 1835, before spending his final years as Inspector of the NY Custom House. Died after a several month illness, in the arms of two of his daughters. Ultimately played in all the states of the early abbreviated United States, and while others superseded him in abilities, none were willing to try as many parts as he. Inner: Candid and proud, with a quick, incisive intelligence. A gambler at heart, as well as a strong family man. Curiously unprofessional at times, despite a deep dedication to craft. Transatlantic lifetime of tying his fortunes to the theater of the New World, and doing quite handsomely through his solid innate abilities.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS ADEPT CHEVALIER:
Storyline: The headlong horseman has a bumpy ride, alternately playing it for sorrow and laughs, while having a great deal of trouble fencing in his restless nature, before finding a mechanical mount much more amenable to his considerable ongoing athletic and entrepreneurial skills.
Tony Hawk (Anthony Frank Hawk) (1968) American skateboarder, actor and entrepreneur. Outer: Descendant of Henry Hudson, an early American explorer. Father was a salesman, who later started the National Skateboarding Association to support his famous son. Youngest of four, with two sisters and a brother. Angry, intense, stubborn and enraged as a child, he was given a skateboard by his brother at 9, which allowed him to channel both his emotions and his energy into physical activity. His progenitor built him a skating ramp in his backyard, and he soon showed his extraordinary proficiency with it. Such was his skill that at 12, he gained his first in a long series of sponsors, Dogtown Skateboards. By 14, he was a professional, and soon became the preeminent skateboarder of his generation, with several gravity-defying feats to his credit, and ultimately an enormous following among skateboarding’s subculture. His interests, however, were limited to only athletics and music. By the time he was a high school senior, he had made enough money from his endeavors to purchase his own home. 6’3”, lean and highly athletic. In 1990, he married Cindy Dunbar, one son, Riley, from the union, which ended in divorce in 1993. Riley would follow in his father’s large footsteps and ultimately skate for one of his companies. Founded Birdhouse Projects with a partner in 1994, which would ultimately become Birdhouse Skateboards. In order to publicize his sport, he created his own film and TV production company, 900 Films, which would be named after one of the tricks he had mastered, a full 900 degree two-a-half rotation jump, a feat that he was the first to successfully perform. In addition to his other entrepreneurial endeavors, he also began an eponymous clothing line with his family, as well as other merchandising deals, and is the sponsor of Tony’s BoomBoom Huckjam Tour, the most popular of the traveling shows of its kind. Added videogames to his empire, and has appeared in a goodly number of commercials, as the most recognizable face of his sport. In 1996, he married Erin Lee, two sons from the second union, which also ended in divorce in 2004. By 1999, he had retired from competition, after winning 73 pro contests out of 103 entered, along with 19 second place finishes. At century’s turn, he co-wrote his autobiography, "HAWK: Occupation: Skateboarder," which became a bestseller. Several more tomes would later follow. In 2002, he launched the Tony Hawk Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing skateboard parks to low-income communities, and also helped found Athletes for Hope, which brings together well-known athletes and businesses for charitable purposes. Has appeared in the films and TV episodes of others, including the sequel to Jackass, a melange of skateboarders who were cowboy stars of the earlier days of films. Also created a web site for sports clips, and has his own radio show on the Sirius Satellite network called Tony Hawk’s Demolition Radio. In 2005, he married Lhotse Merriam, a marketer and entrepreneur, one daughter from the union. Ironically, he would carry the same name as his horse from his previous go-round in this series, in an unconscious nod on his part to his ability to become a seminal figure in the entertainment business, no matter the steed he chooses to ride. Inner: Volatile, highly competitive, and equally entrepreneurial, with the ability to channel his considerable emotions into whatever he undertakes. Pipeline lifetime of finding continual outlets for his restless energy, and entertainment and entrepreneurial skills, while still struggling with personal intimate relationships. Tom Mix (1880-1940) - American actor. Outer: Father was a poor lumberman, giving him an impoverished upbringing. Always had an affinity for horses, and they him. Dropped out of school after the 4th grade, and eventually enlisted in the military, where he served in the artillery as a career sergeant, although never saw any action, and ultimately deserted in his early 20s. 6’, 165 lbs. Married Grace Allin at 22, but the union was soon annulled, then married Kitty Perinne in 1905, but that union quickly ended in divorce. Served briefly as a Texas Ranger and in his mid-20s, joined a Wild West Show, winning the national riding and roping championship in 1909. Married a 3rd time in his late 20s, to actress Olive Stokes, one daughter from the union which ended in divorce a decade later. Joined another Wild West show the same year, and was hired by the Selig Company to round up cattle for a film, Custer’s Last Stand, in which he was given a supporting role. Soon became a Western star, making over 100 one and two reelers between 1911 and 1917, many of which he produced and directed. Married a 4th time in his late 30s, to actress Victoria Forde, one daughter, divorced in 1931. Had a humorous touch to his films, which gradually improved in quality and pace as he became more used to the new medium and its storytelling possibilities. Rarely used doubles for his stunts, and often suffered injuries in his productions. Joined Fox Studios when Selig went out of business, and became the silent screen’s favorite Western star. Put great attention to both locale and detail in his oaters, with topnotch directors and an ace cameraman. Very much in command of his vehicles, creating a highly successful formula of nonstop pacing to provide clean, escapist entertainment, that set the pattern for Westerns over the next few decades. Primarily a comic performer, despite his reputation as an action star. Made his 5th and last marriage in his early 50s, to Mabel Hubbard West. Shot his final silent films for F.B.O., then toured with the Ringling Brothers Circus for 3 years with his famous horse, Tony. Did a number of talkie Westerns over a 2 year period and then retired in his mid-50s. Died in a freak accident as the result of a car crash, when he swerved to avoid a bridge under construction, and a heavy suitcase on a luggage rack behind him dislodged and broke his neck. Inner: Good-humored, never took himself seriously. Restless, seemingly always off riding elsewhere in his personal life. Home on the range lifetime of finding a happy balance between his skills and his ambitions by looking for laughter rather than thrills to entertain his audiences, although unable to rope himself in for a satisfactory domestic existence. Andrew Ducrow (1793-1842) - English equestrian performer. Outer: Father was a Belgian strongman known as ‘the Flemish Hercules,’ who emigrated to England the year his son was born, and trained him from infancy in tumbling, riding and rope dancing. His sire, however, was a sadistic disciplinarian, horsewhipping his son once backstage for clumsiness after he fell off a horse and broke his leg during a performance. Strong but slight, 5’8”, inherited his father’s sense of courage. Developed his own equestrian act, called ‘The Courier of St. Petersburg,’ which has served as a model ever since. While straddling two cantering horses, other horses bearing flags of the countries a courier would traverse on his way to Russia, would pass between his legs. Appeared in circuses all over Europe, as well as England, but is best remembered as the proprietor of Astley’s (Clint Eastwood) Amphitheatre for 17 years. Worked with 3 of his siblings, including brother John, a clown, as well as his wife, Miss Griffith, an equestrienne, whom he married in his mid-20s, 3 children and an adopted son from the union. After his first wife died in 1836, he married another equestrienne named Woolford. Spent almost his entire career on the British Isles. When the Amphitheatre was destroyed by fire for the 3rd time in 1841, and an old female servant died in the conflagration, he suffered a mental breakdown, becoming overly obsessive and then unhinged. Died soon after of a paralytic stroke. Inner: Passionate, full of rage, thanks to his upbringing. Doting father himself, excellent draftsman, complex and neurotic. Hard-riding lifetime of working out his own inner demons through grueling physical performance, only to ultimately succumb to his innate sense of imbalance.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SHUFFLER TURNER WARRIOR:
Storyline: The strong-willed prince has the self-confidence and ability to do it all in the show business milieu, bringing his ancient gladiator sensibilities to full maturity, after a compromised go-round as a transcendental dancer saddled with a childlike persona.
Will Smith (1968) - American singer and actor. Outer: Of African/American descent. Mother worked for the Philadelphia Board of Education. Father, who ran a refrigerator company, had been in the air force and maintained a very military household, giving his son a strong sense of discipline. 2nd of 4 children, including a pair of younger twins. His sire owned a refrigeration company and his mother was a school administrator. the two separated when he was 13, but remained strong elements in his life, particularly close with his mother. Grew up in a black middleclass neighborhood, but went to a Catholic elementary school, before going to a local high school, so that his initial education was in an all-white environment, followed by an all-black evironment, giving him an integrative sense of himself as a racial bridge. 6’2”. Earned his nickname, ‘Fresh Prince’ in high school, through his strong regal sense of self, and innate self-salesmanship. Turned down a scholarship to MIT to pursue a career in music, and began his show business career as a rapper as part of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Parlayed his success into a multi-season starring role on the TV sitcom, “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” beginning in 1990 by playing a street kid living with rich relatives. Made his movie debut 2 years later, in Where the Day Takes You, as a homeless wheelchair bound cripple. His multi-media assault led to action stardom in films later in the 1990s, including Independence Day and Men in Black, as he became king of the summer blockbusters. Married actress Sherre Smith in 1992, divorced 3 years later, one son from union. In 1997, he married actress Jada Pinkett, son and daughter from union, including son Jaden, who would appear with him in The Pursuit of Happyness, as such. The duo went on to create the Will & Jada Smith Foundation in 1997 to help urban youth and their families, primarily in their respective hometowns of Philadelphia and Baltimore. As symbol of his turn-around from his previous go-round, he starred as boxer Muhammed Ali in Ali in 2001, turning in the most complete performance of his career, while reflecting an ancient warrior sensibility that probably lies at the root of his being. By 2007, he was the number one box office attraction in the world, thanks to a huge overseas following, and his ability to believably appear in virtually any genre and guarantee huge numbers for his efforts. Along with his wife, started a charter school, New Village Academy in California, which was originally a home school for his children, while weathering charges that it had a Scientology agenda, despite denials on his part that he was at all involved in the controversial sect. Inner: Highly ambitious and self-confident, and extremely driven to be a complete star, ranging from action to comedy, with the desire to be both dazzling and eclectic. Carefully plots out his career, as a self-styled “student of universal patterns.” Filled with doubts and fears, but has the inherent warrior make-up to face them and deal with them. Make-up lifetime of reasserting his royal sense of self, after earlier playing to the crowds for public approval and diminishing himself in the process. Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson (Luther Robinson) (1878-1949) - American dancer. Outer: Grandson of slaves. Father was a machine-shop operator, mother sang in a local church. 2 siblings. Orphaned as a baby and raised by a grandmother, who disapproved of his dancing in the streets for money. Quit school before he was 8, and ran away to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a stable boy. After a fight with his brother Bill, he took on his name. Fascinated by minstrel shows, he learned the dances and routines by observing, and by 13 was appearing on stage in NYC, where he was nicknamed ‘Bojangles,’ for his happy-go-lucky mien. Married Lena Chase in 1907, divorced 15 years later. Worked for a decade as a waiter in Richmond, Va., then in 1908, met his lifelong manager and tutor. Became a headline performer on the vaudeville circuit, where he was billed as the ‘Dark Cloud of Joy.’ By his 30s, he was a legendary entertainer, and considered one of the world’s foremost tap dancers, with an ebullient vitality and a remarkable sense of rhythm, although he was criticised for his mugging and tomming to audiences, as well as the simplicity of his dancing. Married Fannie Clay in 1922, divorced in 1943, took to the streets with his wife to feed people during the Depression. From 1929 to 1943, he appeared in 14 Hollywood features, most memorably playing off of child star Shirley Temple, while exhibiting a childlike personality himself. Became the first African-descended performer to break Hollywood’s unwritten rule about solo performances. Always well-paid for his screen efforts, although he never transcended the stereotype in them. Returned to Broadway in 1939, and also worked the NY World’s Fair of that year. His last performance was in “Stormy Weather.” Married again in 1944 to Elaine Plaines. Suffered from a chronic heart condition, ultimately dying penniless, thanks to a gambling habit, of a heart ailment while performing onstage at a charity benefit. His body lay in state in Harlem afterwards, and he had the largest funeral in the his/story of NYC, paid for by pop impresario Ed Sullivan. Inner: Joyful, simple, energetic, infectiously buoyant, but also foul-tempered. Seen as cold and egotistical by his fellow tapsters, and was also a compulsive gambler and drinker who often carried a gun. Claimed to have been shot 4 times, and slashed by razors a dozen times, although never stabbed, in his publicly unseen pugnacity. Compromised lifetime of bringing a childlike enthusiasm to his athletic grace in building a bridge over into an alternate culture via his physical skills, while remaining a little boy at heart, with a hidden violent temper. William ‘Juba’ Lane (William Henry Lane) (1825-1852) - American dancer. Outer: Of African-American descent. Born a free man in impoverished circumstances. Early life largely unrecorded, but he was probably on his own from a young age. Began his career in Manhattan’s rough’n’tumble Five Points Neighborhood, where he learned the finer points of Irish reel dancing, in the intermixing of poor Irish and black culture there. Danced on the street for small change, and also in the saloons of the area, while taking on the name Juba, a common sobriquet for black entertainers. Since the name was often used, some confusion exists around attributions to him. A quick study, he soon learned to imitate any steps and styles he saw. May have been exploited by showman P. T. Barnum (Bill Veeck), who originally passed him off as white in blackface. Became a minstrel show performer in the 1840s, initially playing the banjo and the tambourine, while using the title Master Juba. Because white men in blackface dominated the initial minstrel world, he, too, was forced to perform in blackface. Learned through imitation, and then established himself via his innovations, particularly his ability to synthesize African rhythms, where the dancer becomes an extension of a drum. Proved to be a remarkable master of movement, while adding a host of steps from other ethnic traditions. Took on all comers in challenge dances and easily defeated them, including the most renowned white dancer of the time, John Diamond. Earned the claim of “Dancinest fellow ever was,” from his promoters. Laughed and made faces during his performances, while synchronizing everything he did with the beat of his feet. Eventually he became so popular, he no longer was forced to wear blackface. In 1845, he became the first black performer to get top billing over white performers in a minstrel show, while touring with the Ethiopian Minstrels. In 1848, he went to England with a white troupe, and entertained music hall venues to mostly rave reviews. On his return to the U.S., he played far lesser arenas as a solo to far more middling reviews and so, eventually settled in London, where he performed with an English dance company and opened his own studio. May have crossed racial lines in his marriage, which is ill-recorded. Died at the tender age of 27, from malnutrition and overwork, thanks to his incredibly taxing schedule, and the inadequate diet it earned, often tavern food of an extremely limited nutritious nature. Much of his life may also be confused with other Jubas of the time, although he was undoubtedly the most talented. Credited with introducing a host of dancing styles, which would feed into tap, jazz and step traditions, while earning the subsequent reputation as the most influential pop dancer of the 19th century. Largely forgotten for nearly a century after his death, until a popular culturalist’s article revived interest in him. Inner: Extremely expressive dancer, with a percussive style and a mastery of any movement he ever witnessed. Often forced to compromise his deep-seated sense of African rhythm with the demands of his white audiences, who saw popular dancing largely as a phenomenon of the knees on down. Tapped out lifetime of showing himself to be an absolute adept in bridging continental dance styles, only to ultimately burn himself out through an excessive need to please and perform, which would carry over into his next go-round in this series as well.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS EXEMPLAR OF MALE EXTREMES:
Storyline: The muscular metamorphoser goes from fey high-hat to hulking hunk in his desire to explore all the possibilities of himself, while maintaining the same Oedipal connection to his alternate mother/wife as means of defining his alternating masculinity.
Hugh Jackman (1968) - Australian actor, singer and dancer. Outer: Parents were English immigrants to Australia. Father was an accountant, and a devout born-again Christian. Youngest of 5 children. When he was eight, his parents separated and he and his siblings were raised by their sire, while their mother, who was somewhat off-kilter, returned to England. Her abandonment forced him to mute his emotions and talk them through, allowing him a more integrated reaction to the rejection than his brothers and sisters felt. Good athlete in a variety of sports, and an inveterate sports fan. Pursued acting in high school, but graduated with a journalism major from the Univ. of Technology, Sydney. Found reporting, however, unsatisfying, and began auditioning for stage roles, while doing odd jobs, often in costumes. 6’3”, and increasingly more muscular. Did some regional stagework, then went to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. On graduating he met his wife, actress Deborra-Lee Furness, who is 8 years his senior, on her TV series “Correlli,” in which she played a psychiatrist and he a prison inmate. The following year, 1996, they married, in an extremely close relationship. After two miscarriages, they adopted a multiracial son and daughter. Focused on the theater his next several years, doing both drama and musicals, with a noted turn in London in “Oklahoma.” Made his film debut in 1999 in Paperback Hero, a romantic comedy. The following year he assayed Wolverine in the blockbuster X-Men, which made him an international star. Able to easily mix his vehicles between drama, action and musicals, as well as animated voices. Named Sexiest Man Alive in 2008 by “People” magazine. Hosted the Tony awards thrice, in 2003, 2004, and 2005, and won one himself the final year playing Australian songwriter and performer Peter Allen, which would lead to rumors he, too, was a homophile, as a crypto-reflection of his previous go-round in this series. The same year, he formed his own production company, Seed Productions with his longtime assistant, while continuing his prolific output in a variety of genres on stage, film and TV. Executed hosting duties for 81st Academy Rewards in 2009 to good effect, and has been involved in a number of philanthropic projects, including extending credit to entrepreneurs in undeveloped countries. Inner: Highly charitable, even-keeled, musical and genuinely likable. Extremely nearsighted, forcing him to memorize everything rather than rely on teleprompters for his various hosting duties. The other side of the circle lifetime of exploring his hunkdom, and enlisting the help of his longtime female partner in doing so, while being forced to do without someone playing the mother role, in order to allow him to see himself from more of a male perspective. Clifton Webb (Webb Parmalee Hollenbeck) (1889-1966) - American actor, dancer and singer. Outer: From a multi-generational Indiana farming family. His mother Mabel Webb (Deborra-Lee Furness) was the daughter of a railroad conductor while his father was a ticket collector. The former had wanted to be an actress but her family gave her no support in her ambitions, so she projected them on her only child. Began taking dance and acting at 5, under the behest of his mother, whose interest in him far outshone her desire to continue her marriage. Made his stage debut at 7 in NYC’s Carnegie Hall, then toured in several vaudeville productions. Quit school at 13, and along with his mother, moved to NYC where he studied art under Robert Henri (Martin Scorsese) and voice with a famous teacher as well. Sang with the Boston Opera Company at 17. 5’11 1/2” and lithe, with an obsession about keeping thin. Adopted Clifton Webb for his stage name and became a professional dancer, without any training, showing a natural proclivity for movement in vaudeville, with Mae Murray (Miley Cyrus) as one of his earlier partners. Worked as a ballroom dancer, while also appearing in operettas, before making his Broadway debut in 1913 in “The Purple Road,” with his mother, appearing in the opening night cast. Ultimately became a leading musical comedy star on both Broadway and the London stage, while beginning his film career with Polly with a Past in 1920, although it wasn’t until well into the sound era that he truly established himself as a unique player, since his focus remained on the Broadway musical stage through the first several decades of his career, with a few classical comedies thrown in. His first huge film hit was Laura in 1944, playing an acerb theater critic, despite resistance from the studio for hiring such an effete individual. The success of the film led to a long-term contract, and he would go on to do endless variations on the same elitist character, with Mr. Belvedere, an English housekeeper, in 1948’s Sitting Pretty as the archetypal figure by which he best remembered, a role reputedly quite like himself. The film inspired two sequels, and he remained a Hollywood fixture for the rest of his career. A perennial on Hollywood’s best-dressed lists, and a closeted homophile, he lived with his mother until her death in 1960 as a nonagenerian, along with a parrot named Goo-Goo who insulted everyone, including its owners. Kept himself scandal-free in what may have been a largely celibate existence. Deeply mourned his mother’s death, ultimately becoming a recluse in reaction to it, and died of a heart attack six years later. Inner: Acerbically witty and a noted conversationalist. Complete non-foodie, eating only out of necessity. Non-sensual and always impeccably attired, buying all his clothes in London. Oedipal lifetime of reflecting the female side of his male character, with the help of his longtime partner, without whom, he ultimately proved absolutely lost, despite his projection of faux superiority.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS WOUNDED CHARMER:
Storyline: The fey frat packer matches his creative streak with an equally self-destructive one, and winds up doing continual battle with his own inner bottle rockets, to see which side of him will ultimately prevail.
Owen Wilson (1968) - American actor and screenwriter. Outer: Of Irish and Roman Catholic descent. Mother was a photographer, father was a Public Broadcasting executive, who also operated a cable TV station. The duo were transplanted East Coasters who moved to Dallas. The middle of three brothers, including Andrew and Luke, who both also went into acting. 5’10”, with shaggy blonde hair and a noticeably broken nose, from a high school football injury. Felt his parents preferred his two siblings to him, making him a slacker in school, despite the closeness and competitiveness of the family. After getting caught cheating on a geometry exam, he wound up at the New Mexico Military Institute, before going to the Univ. of Texas, where he majored in English and met future director Wes Anderson in a playwrighting class before the two became roommates. Made his stage debut in one of Anderson’s student efforts, then left school two credits shy of a degree, and together they wrote the comedy, Bottle Rocket, which received critical, albeit not box office praise in 1996. Afterwards, they moved to Hollywood, along with his siblings, and he appeared in some spectacularly forgettable actioners to inaugurate his career, prior to the turn of the century. Fell in with the so-called ‘Frat Pack,’ afterwards, of Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughan, among others, and began appearing in their highly successful comedies, while also continuing his association with Anderson, with Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, both of which he co-wrote, while appearing in the latter. Continued in popular fare, as a comic action hero, before suddenly grabbing headlines in 2007 with a slashed-wrist suicide attempt, coupled with an overdose of pills, which some speculated was related to the breakup of his relationship with actress Kate Hudson. Caught in time, he was rushed to the hospital, and as irony would have it, The Darjeeling Express, another Anderson vehicle, was released several months later, in which his face was prominently wrapped in bandages, in an intersection of both art and life. Dropped out of subsequent projects, while dealing with his interior wounds, before slowly making his public reappearance and returning to his career. Inner: Good sense of humor with a seeming casualness that masks a far more roiling interior. An active improviser on all his sets, while always trying for fresh approaches in each cinematic take, so as not to repeat himself. Unimpressed with fame or stardom, and far more interested in screenwriting than acting, despite a natural fey charm and easily projected masculinity. Hidden wounds lifetime of doing battle with strong self-destructive instincts as a counterbalance to his natural creativity. Harry Carey (Henry DeWitt Carey II) (1878-1947) - American actor, writer and director. Outer: Father was a prominent judge and lawyer, as well as president of a sewing machine company. Went to a military academy, but turned down an appointment to West Point in order to try his hand on the stage. 6’. Attended NYU law school afterwards with future NYC mayor Jimmy Walker (Harvey Fierstein), but a boating accident, which led to pneumonia, sidelined him, and during his down time, he penned a play about the Western frontier, replete with a horse in it, which drove audience’s wild. Wound up touring the country with it for 3 years, and, though it did well financially, his next effort, a Klondike tale, which also featured animals, failed to elicit interest, and he wound up in debt, although he married his leading lady from it, Fern Foster. Committed to acting by now, he made his film debut in 1909 with the short, “Bill Sharkey’s Last Game.” Joined the fledgling Biograph company in NYC, and became a favorite of director D. W. Griffith. Began writing and directing his own vehicles in 1913, appearing with his wife, who would soon retire from the screen. Moved to Hollywood with Griffith, and became a silent Western mainstay after shifting over to Universal Studios in 1915. Played Cheyenne Harry in a series of two-reelers, in which he teamed up with the young John Ford (David Fincher), and the duo would prove a potent combination, beginning in 1917, with Straight Shooting. Also worked with the latter’s brother Francis Ford (Edward Norton). After divorcing, he went on to marry his co-star in several of these oaters, Olive Golden, in 1920, and settled on a ranch. Son from the union, Harry Carey, Jr. would become a movie actor as well. The duo also had a daughter. Thanks to a grizzled, weathered look, he was a natural in the studio’s quasi-realistic horse operas, and by decade’s end, he was one of Tinseltown’s best paid five figure six gun stars. Left Universal in 1922, when they elevated his sidekick Hoot Gibson (Johnny Knoxville) to their number one in the saddle, in a desire to replace realism with sheer entertainment. Through the 1920s, he continued as a Western star, while also occasionally writing, producing and directing. Found himself somewhat passé by decade’s end, and wound up on vaudeville circuit with his wife, although the two were no longer cut out for the boards or the endless travel it required. While they were gone, their ranch was destroyed in a dam-burst. Returned to filmdom as a character actor and support, thanks to a distinctive voice, which matched his physicality. Had a hit with Trader Horn, which allowed him to rebuild his ranch, only to see it destroyed again, this time by fire. Rebuilt it once more, just as he had his career, and wound up a low budget Western star of considerably lesser magnitude in the talkie era, as well as a solid support in ‘A’ features. Finally made his Broadway in 1940 in “Heavenly Express,” and went on to do a couple more Great White way dramas, while continuing his film work. Became a close friend of actor John Wayne, appearing in several films with him, while the latter claimed he was one of the few stars he had ever learned from. Appeared with his son and the Duke in Red River, and continued working until the end of his life. Died of coronary thrombosis, lung cancer and emphysema, thanks to a lifetime of smoking, and was buried in a cowboy outfit. His wife would outlive him by four decades. Inner: Innate sense of natural theatricality, with the ability to project a solid manliness, and the facility for rebounding from both personal and property injury. Well-weathered lifetime of playing with his ongoing dualism, to up-and-down effect, while leaving a memorable legacy of his well-wrought characterizations.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS HANDSOME, WHOLESOME HERO:
Storyline: The prolific protagonist tries to stretch himself as an actor, after earlier proving successful by not deviating from his stereotypical matinee idol good looks.
Brendan Fraser (1968) - Canadian/American actor. Outer: Both parents were Canadian. Mother was a nurse, father was a Forest Service official, who served in Indianapolis where his son was born, before taking his family to Holland, France and then England. Youngest of 4 boys, always felt the outsider from all his moving. Got hooked on acting in the latter station, then went to a prestigious boarding high school in Canada, before finishing his education with a B.F.A. from the Actor’s Conservatory at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. 6’3”. Came to Hollywood immediately afterwards, and made his professional debut doing a voiceover for “The Simpsons,” in 1989, then fashioned his film debut in Dogfight in 1991. Played several out-of-time and place characters, including Encino Man and George of the Jungle, projecting a wholesome innocence, and made one stage appearance in Los Angeles in 1995 in “Four Dogs and a Bone.” By the time he was 30, he had done some 20 films, then worked with Ian McKellan on Gods and Monsters in 1998, in an attempt to stretch himself as an actor, while otherwise remaining focused on commercial comedies. Married former actress Afton Smith in 1998, two children from union. Ironically established himself as a big budget action star in The Mummy, in the type of film that actor Harrison Ford, his unrelated namesake from his earlier existence used, in order to do the same. Played multiple extensions of himself in Bedazzled in 2001, as he continues to alternate between comedy and drama in a career very focused on extending himself beyond the limits that strait-jacketed him in his previous go-round in this series. Talented photographer as well. After nine years of marriage, he separated from his wife in 2007. Finally appeared with his namesake from his earlier go-round, Harrison Ford, in 2010 in Extraordinary Measures. Inner: Down-to-Earth, unpretentious, with a determination to prove himself as a competent, all-around actor. Stretching lifetime of trying to bedazzle his audience with his growing comedic range, while adhering to the genuine wholesomeness of his basic being. Harrison Ford (1892-1957) - American actor. Outer: Rarely gave interviews and kept his private life private, so his beginnings remain largely unknown. Never finished school, and instead, hit the boards in his teens, playing in various theater circuits on the east coast, and worked his way up into leads, hitting his peak on Broadway in 1905 in “Strongheart,” before heading out west to Hollywood. Made his film debut in 1915 with Excuse Me, and went on to a successful Hollywood career as a handsome, wholesome leading man, playing opposite a goodly number of the female luminaries of the silent era, and becoming one of the most popular screen idols of the day, parlaying his good looks and conventional talents into a decade plus run as a bona fide silent movie star, although basically played the same character over and over. Married actress Beatrice Prentiss, no children from union. Made only one talkie, then retired from the screen in 1932, although did some stagework afterwards. Hit by a car in 1951, and never fully recovered from his injuries. Inner: Modest, shunned publicity, loved to read. Strait-jacketed lifetime of taking on unchallenging roles, playing them in competent manner, and then retiring rather than accommodating himself to support and character parts, where he might have stretched his thin, but commercial talents.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS HIS OWN WORST ENEMY:
Storyline: The defective detective searches for stardom in pugnacious, anti-authoritarian manner after earlier rescuing himself from support role oblivion at the end of his career via a successful star turn in an established series that would leave him sleuthing for a full-life repeat of saidsame.
Christian Slater (Christian Hawkins) (1969) - American actor. Outer: Mother was casting director, Mary Jo Slater, who later became a v.p. of talent at MGM. Father was actor Michael Hawkins, who was a soap opera star at the time of his son’s birth. Carried on stage at 3 months by his mother who announced this would be his life, and he took on her name as emblem of her wishes. Became a child actor, beginning his career at the age of 7 in a TV soap opera, while later performing in a revival of the Broadway musical, “The Music Man.” Attended NY High School of the Performing Arts, and made his film debut at 15 in The Legend of Billy Jean. After his parents split up acrimoniously, he began drinking as a teen, and became estranged from his father. 5’9”. Extremely rebellious against all forms of authority, most notably through a series of incidents with the law: arrested for drunk driving at 20 and spent 10 days in jail, then 5 years later was apprehended at Kennedy airport for having a loaded gun in his luggage. Later was pulled in for punching his Chinese girlfriend in the stomach at a party in his late 20s, and then screaming, “Germans are going to kill us.” Following a struggle with the police, he was subdued after trying to grab an officer’s gun. Admitted to bingeing on cocaine, alcohol and heroin, and served 90 days, after which he successfully completed AA. Despite his inability to reconcile his anti-authoritarian urges, he remained an interesting actor with his own unique style, all through this period, giving edgy, offbeat performances in a number of offbeat films, including Heathers, Pump Up The Volume and True Romance. Settled down afterwards, thanks to a sobering relationship with producer Ryan Haddon, whom he married in 2000, 2 children from union. Focusing on family life, he has since taken smaller roles, as well as played Broadway in “Sideman,” although his old volatility occasionally rises to the surface, as he slowly comes to grip with his insecurities and continual need to be stage center, no matter the price. Eventually separated from his wife, while continuing to pursue the stage side of his career in London. In 2008, he starred in his first TV series, the aptly titled “My Own Worst Enemy,” playing a dualistic character often at war with himself. Inner: Smart, sly actor, who has ardently courted fame. Interested in all the trappings of stardom, including notoriety. Was often linked with his costars. Oedipal lifetime of literally being born for the stage, with the requisite talent to manifest a memorable career, albeit a deep-seated contempt for authority that might ultimately prove his undoing. Sidney Toler (1874-1947) - American actor. Outer: Of Scots descent. Father was a horse breeder. Graduated the Univ. of Kansas, and began his career on the stage locally. 6’. Spent a year with a Brooklyn stock company, before making his Broadway debut in 1903. In addition to acting, also scripted several Broadway plays, “Golden Days” and the “The Exile,” and possessed a rich operatic baritone voice. Toured extensively, and became a stage star. Made his film debut in 1929 playing an Englishman, and went on to do character roles, and support parts rather than leads on the silver screen, while being given to alcoholism. Married supporting actress Vivian Tattersall in 1943. Broad-faced, played ordinary people, with a staccato delivery that he would bring intact when he took over the title role of the Oriental detective Charlie Chan in his mid-60s, at the death of Warner Oland (Dennis Quaid). Spent the last 9 years of his career successfully and somnolently playing that sleuth in 22 productions for 2 studios, as a centerstage reward for a film life toiling as a support. Could barely walk when he completed his final film in the series, and died shortly afterwards at home of intestinal cancer. Inner: Multi-talented and driven, with an inebriated sense of discontent. Uneasy lifetime of playing his various creative skills off of an equal draw towards self-destruction, before finding a memorable metier in the archetype of the alien detective in his ongoing search for some sort of balance in his opposing pulls.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS FRAT PACKER:
Storyline: The revamped stage veteran vindicates himself by transforming from ‘B’ star to ‘A’, thanks to a far more closely knit fraternal support group, and the tribal clout it gives him to clown as he wishes to the widest audience possible.
Vince Vaughan (1970) - American actor. Outer: Father was a salesman, who later became an actor in some of his son’s vehicles. Mother was a Canadian real-estate agent and stockbroker. Received a strong work ethic from both his parents, as well as continual admonitions to be honest. Two older sisters, Victoria and Valerie, also became involved in show business through their sibling, as a director and producer respectively. After the children left home, his parents divorced in 1991. Became president of his senior class in high school, which allowed him to graduate, despite inadequate grades, since he was required by office to give a speech at the graduation ceremony. Had a longtime fascination with show business, and after getting a part in a Chevy commercial, and graduating suburban Chicago high school, he headed for Hollywood in his late teens, only to find the going quite difficult. 6’5”. Had a few anonymous small screen roles in the late 80s, although his goal was the big screen, which he finally achieved in 1993 with Rudy. Hooked up with Jon Favreau during the filming, and a subsequent script about out-of-work actors called Swingers put him on the entertainment map in 1996. Able to get steadily higher profile roles through the latter, and by decade’s nearend he had his choice of vehicles, alternating between heroes and heavies. Ultimately became a member of the so-called Frat Pack, along with Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, among others, and all would get carte blanche for comedies after the century’s turn, with Wedding Crashers in 2005, his particular high point. Able to play heroes and villains with equal aplomb, although comedy would prove his early career meat-n-potatoes, thanks in large part, to the similar proclivities of the Frat Pack. Involved with Jennifer Aniston in the prophetic The Break-up, which he wrote, produced and costarred in with her, before breaking up, in his one high profile double-Hollywood romance. Eventually married Kyla Weber, a real estate agent a decade his junior in 2010. Inner: Good-humoured, with the ability to easily switch back and forth from dark to light in his characterizations. Second act lifetime of making career central to his life, but with the added support of a popular crew, allowing him ultimately to do as he cinematically wishes, rather than do as he is told, as was his fate in his earlier go-round in this series. Chester Morris (John Chester Brooks Morris) (1901-1970) - American actor. Outer: Father was actor William Morris, mother was comedienne Etta Hawkins, and both were well-known Broadway performers. Two brothers and a sister also carved lesser careers out for themselves in the family business, giving him strong support for his own theatrical aspirations. Made his debut in silent films at the age of 9, then studied drama, before assaying his Broadway debut in 1917 in “The Copperhead,” and then graduating from the New York School of Fine Arts. Worked on both stage and screen as a teen, calling himself “the youngest leading man in the country.” 5’9”. Married Suzanne Kilborn in 1927, son and daughter from the union, divorced in 1939. Made his adult film debut in Alibi in 1929, memorably playing a gangster, for which he got an Oscar nomination. Bearing a curious resemblance to the comicstrip character Dick Tracy, with a square jaw and a hooked nose, he usually played the good-humoured hero, with equally convincing turns as the villain, in a career largely relegated to ‘B’ movies. Married a second time in 1940, to Lillian Barker, one son from the union. Best remembered for the 14 Boston Blackie films he made during the 1940s, most of which had the same supporting cast. Played off his entertaining mien as a former thief and stage magician turned crime solver. Although the scripts sagged later on in the series, his sharp humor kept it alive. In 1952, he claimed to have received the deathbed confession of Roland West for the murder of actress Thelma Todd (Goldie Hawn). By the mid-1950s, after some 50 films, his screen career was largely over, and he was relegated to TV, although he made one comeback attempt in 1970, with The Great White Hope. While appearing in a Bucks County Playhouse production of the “Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” and dying of cancer, he took a deliberate barbiturate overdose. Inner: Amateur magician, with a good sense of humor, and an equal facility for playing good guys and bad guys. Born to perform lifetime of gearing his entire existence towards his career, which ultimately passed him by, causing him to literally eat himself away and then speed up his ignominious end, before hurriedly coming back to try it again from a more supportive fraternal perspective.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SUPPORT TURNED STAR:
Storyline: The talented and celebrated young commodity realizes his ambitions to be a genuine lead by returning smaller, more compact, and far more focused in his desire to remold himself into a far more self-expressive Hollywood emblem.
Matt Damon (1970) - American actor and screenwriter. Outer: Mother was a college professor who specialized in child-development, father was a tax expert. Older brother became a sculptor. His parents divorced when he was 2, but he had a happy, constructive childhood in which his creativity was encouraged, leading him to recreate himself through make-believe and other forms of self-expression, in which he loved to play the hero. Moved with his mother and brother to a six family communal house when he was 9. Became friends the following year with Ben Affleck, who was two years younger and lived nearby. Started acting at the age of 12, and won his first movie role in 1988 with a one-line part in Mystic Pizza. 5’11”. Lonely as a teenager, he was always looking for somewhere to belong. Attended Harvard Univ. as an English major, inching his way towards a degree, while continuing to pursue his career. Refused to take roles he felt demeaning, carefully choosing his performances for their potential memorability Achieved his breakthrough part in 1996 as a veteran turned heroin addict in Courage Under Fire, dropping from 200 to 140 pounds for a key scene, from which he took almost a year to recover. With Affleck, he wrote the 1997 Academy Reward winning screenplay for Good Will Hunting, and found himself a coverboy and hot commodity, although has continued selecting his roles with care, most notably as the eponymous focuses of Saving Private Ryan and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Finally broke through as a bankable star with The Bourne Identity in 2002, which would give him subsequent choice in anything offered, be it blockbuster or indie, and he would reprise the role twice more. Along with Affleck, he formed the production company, LivePlanet, which would offer both TV and film fare. Involved with several different actresses, while enjoying his run in the limelight, after an earlier go-round in Hollywood where his larger ambitions and sense of power about himself were frustrated. In late 2005, he married Luciana Barroso, an Americanized Argentinean bartender who had been wed once before and had a daughter. The duo added another two daughters to the family, and settled in Miami, in a conscious effort to eschew the Hollywood scene, and have a focus for him other than work. Inner: Ambitious, highly self-expressive and strongly career-oriented, with the ability to inhabit his characters, so as to make his portraits fairly seamless, thanks to an anti-pretty boy physicality that allows him a wide range of roles. Likes to underplay, using silences very effectively. Reshaped lifetime of incarnating into circumstances where his own sense of self-expression would be insured, while reducing himself to the physical dimensions that would secure his own eventual stardom and the continuing development of his skills on all levels. Jack Carson (1910-1963) - Canadian/American actor. Outer: Son of a salesman, family moved to the U.S., and his father became a district manager of an insurance company in Milwaukee. Attended a military academy from 1923 to 1928, where he was popular, athletic and musical. 6’2”, 220 lbs. Dropped out of 2 schools, including Carleton College in Minnesota, where he played varsity football, but because of his reputation as a prankster, was asked not to re-enroll. Sold insurance for a few months, then teamed with fellow Milwaukeean Dave Willock (Ben Affleck) on the midwest vaudeville circuit, where they burlesqued movie newsreels, did impersonations and made topical comments, as Willock and Carson. Toured both coasts, but when vaudeville began to peter out, he began working as a solo singer and master of ceremonies at the Tower Theater in Kansas City before coming to Hollywood in the mid-1930s to do musical comedies. In 1934, he married vaudeville dancer Betty Linde, divorced 3 years later. Made his screen debut in 1937 with You Only Live Once. Had an extremely expressive face, which he fashioned into a successful career in supporting roles, often playing cowards, blusterers and heels, although was equally adept at comedy and drama, with a preference for the former. In 1940, he married a singer, Kay St. Germaine, 2 children from union, duo were divorced in 1950. Became an American citizen in 1949. During the 1940s, he appeared in a number of musicals, and also did radio work. One of the first Hollywood performers to recognize the importance of TV, he was a rotating host on television’s “All-Star Revue,” in the early 1950s, and also did dramas. Married to actress Lola Albright from 1952 to 1958. His last marriage was in 1961. Died of stomach cancer the same day as Dick Powell (Justin Timberlake). Inner: Good-natured, affable, big-hearted, loved to argue, and was probably frustrated in his status as secondary lead, causing him to return as a smaller version of himself and a potential star. Death symbolized problems with power. Lovable lug lifetime of becoming a top second banana in the Hollywood pantheon of light entertainment, although his multiple marriages and early death indicated a dissatisfaction with that status.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS ONGOING RODEO CLOWN:
Storyline: The jackass jokester parlays an innate likability and a penchant for pratfalls into a dual run as a high-humoured low comic testing the limits of public tastes.
Johnny Knoxville (Phillip John Clapp) (1971) - American actor. Outer: Father sold used cars. Almost died at 8 from a combination of flu, pneumonia and bronchitis. Athletic as a youngster, he played football and baseball in high school. Moved to LA afterwards, and went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, Ca., although dropped out quickly. 6’1”. Spent the next five years drinking with little direction, until his girlfriend, Melanie Clapp, a clothing designer, got pregnant, and he suddenly woke up to responsibility. The duo were married in 1995, in an extremely close union, one daughter. Has the latter’s name tattooed over his heart. Became a journalist, writing for skateboarding magazines. Did a story for “Big Brother,” on self-defense equipment, in which he shot himself while wearing a cheap bulletproof vest. The bit was filmed by its editor, and led to the creation of “Jackass” in 2000, in which he and his compadres would navigate through similar stunted stunts noted for their outrageousness, and inherent danger. The show became a staple of MTV and achieved cult status among young male viewers, and led to two successful movies of the same name. In the first one, he was knocked unconscious three times, and has suffered numerous injuries in his johnny jackass pursuit of both laughs and thrills. Formed his own production company, Dickhouse Productions, allowing him to coproduce his creations. Parlayed his roughhouse antics into a film career as well, beginning with Coyote Ugly in 2000, with his most notable effort, The Dukes of Hazzard in 2005, teaming up with another crypto-funnyman Westerner of the past, Seann William Scott (Gabby Hayes). A bankable star, he also continues to write journalism pieces, while the centerpiece of his life remains his wife and daughter, although he filed for divorce from the former in 2007 after 12 years of marriage. Inner: Good-natured rodeo clown at heart. More than willing to take his lumps in the name of entertainment. No great shakes as an actor, but able to project a warm likability. Hazardous lifetime of bringing his physical brand of humor to young male post-modern sensibilities, in an updated repeat performance go-round of sorts. Hoot Gibson (Edmund Richmond Gibson) (1892-1962) - American rodeo champion and western star. Outer: Horse crazy as a child, he got his first pony at 2 1/2. At 7, his mother brought the family to California. Began working in his mid-teens on the Postal Telegraph, then got a job with the Owl Drug Co., delivering drugs and packages throughout Southern California, and picking up his nickname along the way. Worked as a horse wrangler, and in a Wild West show, and by 16, he was an accomplished rodeo performer winning the title of “World’s All-Around Champion Cowboy,” in 1912. 5’9”, 160 lbs. Went into films the same year with His Only Son as an extra and stuntman, then doubled for actress Helen Holmes Kalem in the serial The Hazards of Helen. Rode the circuit with fellow actor Art Acord (James Caan) for part of the year, and did filmwork the rest of the time. In 1911, he married Rose Wenger, who went on to a career of her own as a star and stuntwoman, taking on the name Helen Gibson. Divorced in 1920. Began appearing in support roles for John Ford (David Fincher), although his career was interrupted by WW I. Enlisted with the Army Tank Corps, and on his discharge in 1919, he went back to supporting roles in Ford oaters. By 1921, he was starring in western silents for Ford, and then carved out his own unique niche, playing a hero who rarely used a gun and who emphasized comedy over action, thanks to projecting a winning personality via his contagious smile, allowing him to be not only his own star, but his own sidekick as well. Married Helen Johnson in 1922, one daughter from union, creating some confusion around the Helen Gibsons in his life. Proved a popular performer during the 1920s, earning nearly $15,00 a week, which he used to indulge his love for fast vehicles, be they cars, motorcycles or planes. By the introduction of sound his films had become repetitive and lost their uniqueness. In 1930, after divorcing his second wife, he married actress Sally Eilers, divorced 3 years later. An active pilot, he entered the National Air Races in 1933, to fly against cowboy star Ken Maynard (Steve-O), only to crash his plane, and suffer serious injuries. Eventually retired from the screen in 1936, before returning in the early 1940s, to team up with Maynard in a series of low budget westerns, only to retire for good in 1944. Married for the fourth and final time in 1942. Made a few films afterwards, but by the 1950s, he was reduced to working as a Las Vegas casino greeter and performing in carnivals. Suffered from cancer, which also drained him of his money because of numerous operations and he ended his career with Ocean’s Eleven in 1960. Died of cancer. Had the CW3 Hoot Gibson helicopter named after him. Inner: Athletic, affable, into both thrills and spills. Possessor of a breezy boyish charm. Ride ‘em cowboy lifetime of feeling at home in any saddle, be it atop a horse or flying machine, only to be undone by his interior body, thanks to a rodeo sensibility that allowed him to think he could get up again after any spill, with no harm done to his inner or outer corpus.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS PERENIALLY ADOLESCENT CHILDSTAR:
Storyline: The precocious plummeter peaks in childhood, then melts down in adolescence, trading the drug of incandescent fame for the darker narcotic of obliteration before struggling to try to reclaim himself.
Corey Feldman (1971) - American actor. Outer: Father was songwriter and record producer Bob Feldman. 2nd of 4 children, including older sister, actress Mindy Feldman. Began his career at the age of 3 doing commercials, and switched over to film in 1979 with Time After Time. 5’3”. Cornered the market for precocious, bratty kids, and became one of Hollywood’s highest paid teenage stars, after his performance in Stand By Me in 1986. Karmic twin of actor Corey Haim, sharing both careers and first names with him for 2 lives, while working together on 7 films. Divorced his parents, and proceeded to pursue a highly self-indulgent lifestyle which ultimately saw him hooked on the drug of death, heroin, and later arrested for possession of it in 1990, which lost him his teen audience. His later choice of vehicles in which to star also became blurred by his drugged focus, and once again he found he had peaked way too early in order to sustain a fully mature career. During his downward spiral, he married actress Vanessa Marcil in 1989, divorced 4 years later. His arrest sobered him and unlike his previous go-round, he was able to rebound to a degree, and resume his career, adding director and producer, as well as songwriter, to his resume, although his later efforts were mostly straight-to-video affairs. Married in 2002, one child from union. The same year he released an album entitled “Former Child Actor,” which sold some 300 copies. An advent into reality TV with “The Surreal Life,” did nothing to add to his cachet afterwards, as he turned to theater in 2005 as a means of keeping himself alive before the public, in his ongoing battle between the easy glare of the limelight and the far more difficult glow of private rehabilitation. A reality series in 2007 called “The Two Coreys,” which ran for two seasons, effectively ended the friendship twixt both, after he refused to have anything to do with his name/mate until he sobered up, which never happened, since the latter died of a drug overdose in early 2010. Inner: Manic, with a great desire to reclaim himself, after a repeat tailspin performance at the height of his fame. Reclamation project lifetime of trying to keep his focus on maintaining an equilibrium between his darker tendencies and a genuine desire to reintegrate himself around the twin vicissitudes of fame’n’fortune.Bobby Jordan (1923-1965) - American actor. Outer: One of 4 children. Grew up poor in Flatbush in Brooklyn, but showed precocious skills in acting, dancing, and music, and began making rounds with his mother. At 7, he made his stage debut and 3 years later began appearing in shorts, before getting a bit part in 1934, in Kid Millions. The following year, he appeared in “Dead End,” on Broadway, as one of the Dead End Kids, which he would go on to reprise on film in numerous movies for Warner Brothers. Ironically, the roles would prove dead ends for many of them, as they couldn’lt get past the public’s need to see them as perpetual grimy street urchins Able to support his mother and siblings through his $1500 a week salary, and brought them all out to live in his manse in Beverly Hills. Continued with variations on the Dead End kids until he was drafted, serving as a foot soldier for 2 years. After the war, he appeared with the Dead Enders reincarnation, the Bowery Boys, but after 8 films, refused to play third banana to the two longtime leads, Leo Gorcey (Adrien Brody) and Huntz Hall. Lost his right kneecap in an elevator accident in 1945, and the following year he married. One son from the rocky union, which ended in divorce in 1957. Unable to play off his childhood success, he was only able to work sporadically afterwards, and increasingly turned to alcohol for solace. Did a nightclub act, and also worked as a bartender, door-to-door salesman and oil rigger. Wound up his career doing minor roles on TV. In 1958, he was forced to declare bankruptcy when he couldn’t make alimony payments. Drinking ever more heavily, he was admitted to a VA hospital and died of cirrhosis of the liver there. Inner: Dualistic, with a far more grandiose sense of self and self-worth than his modest talents warranted. Precipitous lifetime of finding success far too early to make him flexible enough to pursue it later on, in lieu of an equal drive towards sheer self-destruction.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS PERENNIAL ADOLESCENT ADDICT:
Storyline: The early peaker finds adolescence and onward rough going thanks to an either/or addictiion to attention and self-obliteration, while continually opting for the latter.
Corey Haim (1971-2010) - Canadian/American actor. Outer: Israeli-born mother worked as a computer operator and father was a sales rep. The duo divorced when he was 11. Older sister Cari Haim, a stage actress, got him interested in acting when he went with her to one of her auditions. Began doing TV commercials at 10. Made his film debut in 1984 in Firstborn, ironically playing a cocaine-dealer’s son. Followed that up with several TV films, and a star turn in Lucas, in 1986, before hitting his peak in 1987, with Lost Boys, becoming a teenage idol in the process. 5’6”. Began using narcotics at the same time, and got lost in cocaine, crack and pills, and spent the rest of his life in a drug haze. Karmic twin of actor Corey Feldman, sharing careers, downfalls and first names with him for 2 lives, while working together on 7 films, several of which were never released. Denied his drug use in an eponymous video in 1989, claiming to be an exemplar of wholesome family values, when questions began rising about his general unwholesomeness. Never able to duplicate his earlier successes, he saw his career dwindle in the 1990s, thanks to his inability to remain straight or sober in front of the camera. Had a number of engagements, with some high profile girlfriends, only to sabotage all of them. Finally forced to file for bankruptcy protection in 1997, with some $200,000 in debts. Allegedly went to rehab dozens of times, while rumors would persist that he sold his body, if not his soul, for further highs. Suffered a stroke in 2001 brought on by his excesses, and briefly went into a coma, although was released from a hospital stay with no permanent damage. Later tried to sell a tooth on eBay to pay his bills, although the website thwarted the attempt. Confessed on “Larry King Live,” that he was a chronic relapser, with no hope for ever really straightening out. A reality series in 2007 called “The Two Coreys,” which ran for two seasons, effectively ended the friendship twixt both, after Feldman refused to have anything to do with him until he sobered up. While staying at his mother’s apartment as she was having chemotherapy for breast cancer, he overdosed on prescription medications and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died from an enlarged heart and water on the lungs. Illegally obtained some 550 prescription drugs his last three months, leading to raised eyebrows and promises of prosecution by the California Attorney General’s office. At the time, he was due to reprise his Lost Boys role in its planned sequel. Inner: Sad-eyed and appealing, with an ineluctable draw towards self-decimation. Take two lifetime of early success coupled with an inability to face himself without opiated crutches, resulting in a similar final scene, in his ongoing tragic inability to deal with his deeply wounded self. Bobby Driscoll (1937-1968) - American actor. Outer: Mother was a former teacher, father was an insulation installer. The former tirelessly pushed him in her desire he be somebody. After his progenitor was found to have asbestos in his lungs, the family moved to Southern California. Began his film career in 1943 with a small role in Lost Angel, and went on to live up to that title, in his subsequent downward spiral, after cementing his position as one of Hollywood’s favorite childstars of the 1940s and early 1950s, earning the sobriquet of “Wonder Boy.” Starred in several Disney productions during that period, and was the first actor to sign a long-term deal with the company. Won a special Academy Reward in 1949 as the year’s outstanding juvenile actor for his performances in Window and So Dear to My Heart. When he reached his teens, however, work suddenly dried up, and like many a preternaturally precocious childstar, he suddenly found himself a has-been. Married Marilyn Jeann Rush in 1956, although it was annulled. Remarried her in 1957, 3 children from union, which ended in divorce in 1960. In 1957, he quit acting, but could not adjust to life away from the camera. Became a drug addict and was arrested numerous times for possession, as well as assault and forgery. Served six months in prison, and also did a stay at a psychiatric hospital. Moved to NYC in 1965 and plummeted into the mean, unforgiving streets there, ultimately dying anonymously and alone in an abandoned building of heart failure. His body was discovered later by two children playing there, in a final coda of his own lost childhood. Buried in a pauper’s grave, and was not identified until a year later through fingerprints. Inner: Unintegrated, fearful and extremely insecure. Lost angel lifetime of finding success far too early to sustain him, before plunging into his dark side, and never being able to re-emerge from it again.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS ONGOING ACTION FAN FAVE:
Storyline: The tall-walking wrestler learns to channel his innate aggressive energy into a series of highly successful early careers, built on his striking physical build, with his ongoing challenges integrating the feminine into his hyper-male persona, and learning how to rise from defeat.
Dwayne Johnson (1972) - American wrestler and actor. Outer: Of African/Canadian and Samoan descent. From a family of professional wrestlers, with his grandfather, father, 3 uncles and 6 cousins all taking to the square ring. Father was wrestler and gym owner Rocky Johnson. Mother was of royal Samoan blood. Traveled with his parents and watched his progenitor perform in the ring, while growing up rowdy and always ready for a fight. Spent some time in New Zealand with his mother’s family, while his father and grandfather wrestled there. Also lived in northern California, Hawai’i and finally eastern Pennsylvania, where he played high school football, and was also a member of his school’s track and field team. Able to channel his considerable energy into winning and challenging himself, when earlier he had a far more anarchic view of life, although got involved with steroid use, before deciding it wasn’t worth it. A topnotch athlete, he won a full football scholarship to the Univ. of Miami, and played defensive tackle, as a member of the school’s 1991 NCAA championship team, although a back injury ended his dream of playing in the NFL. Graduated Miami in 1995 with a degree in criminology and physiology. Signed a three year contract with the Calgary Stampeeders of the Canadian Football League, but was cut after two months, and decided to pursue a wrestling career, despite disliking an earlier foray into amateur grappling. 6’4”, 290 lbs., and muscular, although later reduced to 265 lbs. Began his career under the nom de mat of Flex Kavanah, since he didn’t want to trade off his family reputation, and promptly won the tag-team championship of the USWA. Joined the high-powered World Wrestling Federation in 1996, where he became part of the ‘Nation of Domination,’ as Rocky Maivia, and found his ultimate identity as ‘the Rock.’ In 1997, he married Dany Garcia, whom he had met at the Univ. of Miami, one daughter from the union, while his wife went on to become CEO of a wealth-management fund they created. Amicably divorced a decade later. A 7 time champion, he immediately became involved in all of the WWE’s main storylines, as both villain and hero, and also represented the organization at the 2000 Republican National Convention, giving a speech on behalf of the WWF without endorsing anybody. Wrote a bestseller the same year, “The Rock Says.” Turned to motion pictures as a natural outlet for his clean-cut, burnished movie star looks and made his film debut as one of the stars of The Mummy Returns in 2001. Marqueed in its prequel the following year, The Scorpion King, receiving a record $5.5 million for an initial starring effort, and his successful film career was launched. Retired from professional wrestling, and also retired his name in 2006. The same year he also began an eponymous foundation that does charitable work for at-risk and terminally ill children. Along with his wife, he also donated $1 million to the Univ. of Miami athletic program. Although no great shakes as an actor, he has enough of a stolid physical presence to carry the PG-13 actioners he usually appears in, and seems poised to best his previous go-round’s stab at cinematic heroics. Inner: Likes to refer to himself in the 3rd person. A registered Republican, and fiscally conservative, he is more liberal when it comes to social issues, with a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Second round lifetime of transliterating his striking physicality into a heroic cinematic career, with lessons from his previous go-round as saidsame still awaiting the unfolding of his life. Francis X. Bushman (Francis Xavier Bushman) (1883-1966) - American actor. Outer: Father was a traveling salesman. Received a parochial education, and was forbidden by his mother to go to the theater, which, naturally, compelled him to sneak out out of school to do so. 5’11” and muscular. Educated at Ammandale College in Maryland. A skilled athlete, he was, in turn, a wrestler, boxer, bicycle racer, artist’s model and a student of sculpture. In 1899, he joined a Baltimore stock company, and appeared in many plays as an extra. In 1902, he married Josephine Duval, a seamstress, 3 daughters and two sons, including actor Ralph Bushman and art director Bruce Bushman from the union. Continued to work in repertory and stock companies, and made his Broadway debut in 1907 with a featured role in “Queen of the Moulin Rouge.” Discovered, more for his physical presence than any great acting ability, he began his film career with the Essanay Company in 1911 in His Friends Wife, and became a favorite of audiences almost immediately. Joined the Metro company, where he became a star, and was soon known as the King of the Movies. Appeared in 24 films with Beverly Bayne, whom he initially demanded as a co-star, and soon they were an item, as well as the first romantic team in film. Their blatant affair ended his first marriage, and three days after his divorce was final, they wed in 1918, one son from union, who used his mother’s name and ultimately killed himself in 1957. The duo starred in a play, “The Master Thief,” which did well, and also appeared in vaudeville and stock, before finally going their separate ways. Donated land in Hollywood to entrepreneur Sid Graumann, which ultimately became the landmark Graumann’s Chinese Theater. Best remembered for his role as Messala in the silent version of Ben Hur in 1925. The same year he divorced Bayne, which would also signal the end of her career. Wound up appearing in nearly 200 films, the bulk of them before 1920. Although one of the stars of the silent screen, his career was largely over by the introduction of talkies, since his flamboyant acting style, which was perfect for silents, did not transfer at all to dialogue-driven drama. His butler also failed to recognize mogul Louis B. Mayer (Master P) at his house, and the insult impelled the latter to actively put his career into eclipse as well. Despite making some $10 million from films, he suffered further insult when the bulk of his fortune was wiped out in the stock market crash of 1929, leaving him $100,000 in debt. In 1932 he married Nora Bayne, who owned a chain of beauty salons. Continued to do small parts afterwards, and worked as a businessman. Also did radio drama, appearing in the soap opera, “Those We Love,” from 1938 through 1945. Made his last filmic hurrah, playing King Saul in the big-budget David and Bathsheba in 1951. Following his wife’s death in 1956, he married for a fourth and final time the same year to Ivy Richardson, and he and his spouse subsequently won $30,000 on a TV quiz show. Ended his career with guests appearances on TV. Died of a heart attack after a fall. Inner: Well-liked, simple and straightforward. Square-jawed lifetime of easily reaching the pinnacle of his profession, only to experience a karmic takedown to test his resiliency, and ultimately show his ability to bounce back, before one final fall.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS FORMER ONE NOTER TURNED FULLY ORCHESTRATED:
Storyline: The grown up urban urchin literally stretches himself both physically and emotionally to truly embrace a varied career, after earlier playing one role over and over to increasingly unsatisfactory result, both publicly and privately.
Adrien Brody (1973) - American actor. Outer: Of Polish and Hungarian Jewish descent. Mother was Hungarian-born photojournalist Sylvia Plachy, who fled Hungary during the 1956 uprising. Father was a his/story teacher who lost members of his family in the Holocaust. Only offspring. Worked as a magician as a child, under the sobriquet of “The Amazing Adrien,” at kids’ parties. The possessor of a vivid imagination, he would reenact his experiences, with the intent of ultimately becoming a performer, while also giving vent to his own streetwise sensibilities. Took acting classes, and appeared off-Broadway at 13, as well as in a PBS-TV movie. Attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and High School for the Performing Arts, while also appearing professionally. 6’1 1/2”, slim. Started his career in TV in 1988, and made his film debut the following year in New York Stories. Continued playing variations on the same cocky New Yorker, until he won an Academy Reward for Best Actor in 2003 for his role in The Pianist, becoming the youngest actor ever to achieve that feat, after having campaigned extremely actively for it. Lost 30 pounds for the role, while learning to play Chopin (Karlheinz Stockhausen). Also cut himself off from his usual life in order to feel the sense of loss and despair of his character. Continues looking for challenging roles, with the intent of forging a highly memorable career, after being shortchanged his previous go-round in this series, by doing what was easiest, rather than what was best for him. Inner: Prepares for all his parts meticulously, approximating the internal struggles of his characters, while teaching himself compassion for those who have little to call their own. Take two lifetime of giving a far better life performance all the way around, both artistically and emotionally, than the one that pigeonholed him into an angry corner the last time in this series. Leo Gorcey (1917-1969) - American actor. Outer: Father was a Swiss-born Jewish actor Bernard Gorcey, who played on both the stage and screen, mother, Josephine Condon, was Irish, and together the two worked in vaudeville. Both were under 5’, and mother was still a young teenager when she gave birth to 3 sons. Middle brother. 5’6”. President of his high school drama club. Began working as an apprentice plumber at his uncle’s shop, when his father suggested he try out for a part as a young tough in the NY street’s play, “Dead End.” Despite no acting experience, he wound up as one of the principle slum kids, the gang leader, ‘Spit,’ and the play was a huge hit. After the successful movie version in 1937, several members of the gang from the play stayed together to do a series of comedies, first under the name ‘The Dead End Kids,’ in a progression of crime melodramas, then as ‘The East Side Kids,’ and finally ‘The Bowery Boys,’ as Muggs McGinnis and Slip Mahoney, where his brother, David, and father played ongoing roles. Often ad-libbed during their performances. Appeared in other features as well, but was always the same character, a tough-talking, cocky New Yorker. In 1939, he married a dancer, Kay Marvis, who appeared in 4 of his films. Divorced 5 years later, after she claimed he was cruel and abusive, before going on to marry comedian Groucho Marx. In 1945, he married actress Evalene Bankston, divorced 3 years later. Fired three shots, albeit missing each time, at a pair of detectives hired by Bankston after they came to the house when they were separated, and won back part of his $50,000 divorce settlement. In 1949, he married actress Amelita Ward, 2 children from union, including actor Leo Gorcey, Jr. Divorced in 1956, before he married the nanny who had taken care of their children, one daughter from union, but the duo were unhitched in 1962. Finally decided at 38 to call it quits as a perennial teenager after his father died in a car accident, although reappeared twice in cameo roles. Retired to live on a ranch, pay out alimony and raise cattle and pigs. His last marriage was in 1968. Self-published his autobiography, "Dead End Yells, Wedding Bells, Cockle Shells, and Dizzy Spells" two years before he died of a liver ailment. Inner: Angry and abusive, while never really growing up. Dead end lifetime of being typecast as a tough little punk, and living it out on-screen and off, before succumbing to his own accumulated bile.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS RECLAIMER OF HIMSELF:
Storyline: The quiet craftsman frees himself from the slavery of earlier denigrating stereotypes, by allowing the hidden subtle artist beneath emerge, while employing a number of different disciplines to satisfy his need for self-expression.
Omar Epps (1973) - American actor. Outer: Of African/American descent. Mother was a school principal who raised him and his sister alone. Older of 2, and cousin of actor and comedian Mike Epps. 5’10 1/2”. Began writing screenplays at the age of 10, and in his late teens formed the musical group Wolfpack with his brother, and a cousin, and has continued with it, despite its being his single venue not to achieve commercial success. Began performing in high school, doing double duty at the High School of Music & Arts in NYC and the NY High School of the Performing Arts, and made his screen debut afterwards in Juice in 1992. Although a quiet, steady screen presence, he has rarely drawn notice for his efforts, preferring to play less noticeable leads and supports in a career dedicated to soft-spoken dignity and unflamboyant craft, in both big budgeters and small independent productions. Began producing in 1997, with an HBO effort, First Time Felon, and has been a busy presence on both the small and large screen, with a goodly number of well-received efforts. Formed his own production company, called Brooklyn Works Films, which has allowed him to triple hyphenate his talents as writer, producer and star of several vehicles. In addition to his acting, writing and musical talents, he has also directed several musical videos. In 2004, he married singer Keisha Spivey, 2 children from union. Never a star, but always a solid performer, he achieved his highest profile role in 2004 with “House,” playing a doctor for the popular multi-season run of that TV hit. Inner: Unassuming, strongly self-expressive. Rehabilitating lifetime of compensating for earlier stereotypical roles by looking for quiet heroes who better reflect his own sense of burgeoning craft, and his desire to open up his abilities at creation and expression in a number of modes. Willie Best (1916?-1962) - American actor. Outer: Of African/American descent. Some sources say he was born in 1913. Dropped out of school to join a traveling song-and-dance troupe in Southern California, and entered films with Feet First in 1930. Became known for the character he played, ‘Sleep’n Eat,’ a wide-eyed, dim-witted African-American. Forged a career out of the same self-demeaning stereotype, never rising above the roles proferred to him by a racist Hollywood. Ended his movie career following a drug bust in 1950, although producer Hal Roach made him a semi-regular on several TV programs and he wound up doing a considerable amount of work in the early days of that medium. Despite his screen image, he had the reputation as a lady’s man, with a multiracial little black book. Vilified by civil rights activists in the late 1950s, he eventually withdrew entirely from show business. Died of cancer in complete obscurity at the Motion Picture Country Home. Along with Stepin Fetchit (Craig Lamar Traylor) and Mantan Moreland (Tyler James Williams), one of the exemplars of Hollywood’s view of non-whites as nitwits, and like the other two, felt an immediate need to come right back and reclaim himself. Inner: Always felt compromised, but also needed to work. Belittling lifetime of conforming to racist stereotypes, and probably eating himself away from the inside for having done so.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS BLATANT VILLAIN TURNED NUANCED HERO:
Storyline: The naturally gifted naturalist bails from his earlier pigeonholing to become an actor of considerable depth and versatility, down to his very physicality and his chameleonic ability to change it, thanks to an extremely insecure upbringing, and a need to constantly prove himself to himself.
Christian Bale (Christian Charles Philip Bale) (1974) - Welsh/American actor. Outer: Distant relative of actress Lillie Langtry (Jacqueline Bisset), while another earlier relative also once trod the boards. Youngest of 4, with 3 older sisters, including Jeanne, who became a circus clown. Father was South African-born, a charming 6’5” hustler, who wanted to be pilot, while his mother was also a circus clown, as well as a dancer, who rode elephants and introduced the various acts. The family moved often, at least 15 times, and sometimes with bailiffs in hot pursuit, because of his sire’s tenuous grip on his breadwinner’s role. Adored the latter, without having the slightest idea of what he did, while maintaining a contentious relationship with his mother, largely through his sire’s influence, who used him against her in their volatile union. Lived in the UK, Portugal and the U.S., allowing him to slip in and out of accents later on in life. Trained in ballet as a child, and was a rugby player. Another sister Louise became an actress and later a director, and he decided on the same profession, although never took any formal lessons. After his first role in his early teens, he became the family support, which caused much distrust on his part of everyone and their true feelings towards him. First appeared in a commercial in 1982, and then made his stage debut 2 years later in “The Nerd.” Two years following he had his first small screen role, playing the doomed Tsarevitch Alexei (Cheryl Crane) in a made-for-TV film, and followed that up with a key part in Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun, beating out 4000 other kids for the role. Found himself overwhelmed by the reaction afterwards and almost gave up acting, before resuming his career, playing Americans, as easily as he did Brits, while deliberately fashioning his various accents specifically for each one of his roles. Moved to Hollywood in 1991 with his father, who became his manager. After divorcing his mother, the latter married feminist icon Gloria Steinem in 2000, despite the fact she had spent her entire career vowing never to wed. Their union, however, was short-lived, since he died a scant three years later from brain lymphoma. 6’1”, with the facility for gaining and losing an astonishing amount of weight for roles, including dropping some 63 pounds for The Machinist, in order to play an insomniac. Able to easily glide into a wide range of characterizations, including Shakespeare, comedy and drama. In 2000, he married Sibi Blazic, a former model, make-up artist and assistant to actress Winona Ryder, one daughter from the union. The same year, he was chosen for one of his more indelible roles, American Psycho, playing a Yuppie serial killer, from the bestseller by Bret Eason Ellis. Became the 7th actor to assay Batman in Batman Begins, to become the first non-American to play that dark crime-fighting icon. Had to immediately bulk up after his Machinist turn and did so, although not without difficulty because of his previous loss of strength. As a counterbalance, he has appeared in several independent productions, in his ongoing desire to fashion a completely unique career for himself on the silver screen, with each succeeding endeavor. Uses an American accent for all interviews related to American characters he plays so as not to confuse his audiences. Deeply depressed over the loss of his Batman sequel costar Heath Ledger in early 2008, he celebrated their box-office record opening weekend of The Dark Knight, by being accused of assault by both his mother and sister, after they had badmouthed his wife, with whom he was having difficulties. No charges were subsequently filed, although he further sullied his image soon afterwards with a recorded expletive-laden explosion on set, against a crew member, which became instant internet fodder. Inner: Highly insecure, and completely untrusting, because of his unstable upbringing. Good athlete, avid horseman, animal lover and reader, and like his father an active conservationist. The possessor of a strong temper, and subject to moodiness, through the pressure to excel he always puts on himself. Loves challenges, and has fashioned his career accordingly. Act two lifetime of expanding himself on all fronts, both professionally and socially to become far more of a complete human, as well as actor, with a willingness to try anything to literally add weight and depth to himself as a performer, while continually battling the demons of an extremely insecure upbringing. Henry Daniell (Charles Henry Daniel) (1894-1963) - English/American actor. Outer: Educated at private schools, he began his career on the English stage in 1913 in the provinces, and made his debut in London the following year in a walk-on role. His first starring role happened the day WW I broke out, much to his lasting disappointment. Joined up at the start of WW I, but was invalided out the following year, and spent the war appearing on stage. After the conflict, he emigrated to America, and continued his career on Broadway, beginning in 1921. Toured for 3 years, reappearing in London, before becoming a transatlantic player. 6’. Entered films with the advent of sound in 1929, with Jealousy and quickly became typecast as a suave upper-class villain, thanks to his dark eyes, thin mouth and taut delivery. Married Ann Knox. Best known for his role as Prof. Moriarty, that arch-genius of crime and foe of Sherlock Holmes, appearing as such in the popular series of the late 1930s and early 1940s, with Basil Rathbone (Daniel Radcliffe) and Nigel Bruce (Rupert Grint). Rathbone once remarked that the only superior swordsman to himself in Hollywood was Daniell. His other most notable role was in Jane Eyre. Did a considerable amount of television during the 1950s, always playing to archetype. Died of a heart attack while filming My Fair Lady. Inner: Complete professional, always on time on his sets, and quite impatient when others were not. Noted for his dry, sardonic delivery, allowing him to continually assess reptilian characters. Pigeonholed lifetime of playing to archetype, without allowing him to stretch at all as an actor, making his calling a profession rather than a passionate undertaking, in keeping with his own reigned-in sense of emotionality.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS DELIBERATELY STUNTED STUNT MAN:
Storyline: The jaw-dropping jackass shows no restraint in his ongoing outrageous sense of self, as he continues to battle both the bottle and his own bottled-up energy in an out-and-out assault on ordinary sensibilities.
Steve-O (Steve Glover) (1974) - American actor and clown. Outer: Father was an American executive with Nabisco, mother was Canadian. One sister. Grew up largely in England because of his father’s business interests, and went to the American School there, graduating in 1992. 5’9”. Briefly attended the Univ. of Miami, then went to Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, although wasn’t selected to join the circus upon graduation. Returned to his homebase in New Mexico, and began filming dangerous stunts for skateboarding magazines, particularly Big Brother. Caught his face on fire on one of them, doing a fireball somersault. Moved to Florida in 1999, and worked for a cruise line as a performer and then the Hanneford Family Circus as a clown. Often performed for friends, showing a particular affinity for lighting various parts of himself on fire. Through his work in Big Brother, he became part of the cast of MTV’s “Jackass,” a TV show dedicated to outrageously adolescent stunts, where he worked with fellow ex-skateboarder Johnny Knoxville under the direction of Big Brother editor Jeff Tremaine. Although an irregular performer, he more than made up for it with his outrageous bits. Also appeared in the two popular eponymous films spawned by the series. Has done serious damage to himself in his various stunts, including several hospital stays. In 2002, he was arrested on obscenity and assault charges for an incident in a Louisiana nightclub and in 2003, he was arrested on drug charges in Sweden. In both cases, he was eventually fined. Later that year he was arrested for public urination during a Lollapalooza tour concert, getting himself kicked off the tour, and repeated the performance in 2005 at an Oscar’s party, during which time he stripped naked as well. Launched his own shoe company the same year, Sneaux Shows, while showing an ongoing propensity for exhibitionistic behavior, including stapling his scrotum to his thigh, as well as a complete disregard for drug laws. In addition, he has been both drunk and disorderly on TV on numerous occasions, deliberately and violently making a jackass of himself. Nevertheless, he has appeared on a goodly number of shows, precisely because of his unpredictability. Also released a series of DVDs of similar material, while eschewing the usual hand-prints in cement in front of Mann’s Chinese Theater, in order to immortalize his penis there. In 2007, he was rewarded for his enthusiastic masochism with a brief-run show of his own on cable, “Dr. Steve-O,” a face-your-own-fears fete for those who favor unhinged healers, but by the next year was back in the tabloids for his excesses, while admitting to being a hopeless alcohol addict. Inner: Completely uninhibited with a great desire to both shock and entertain. Great capacity for both drink and drug, as well as doing considerable bodily harm to himself. Self-clobbering lifetime of giving vent to a megamasochistic sense of self, with little regard to consequences, in his ongoing asocial assault on the temper of his times. Ken Maynard (1895-1973) - American actor. Outer: Outer: From a family of five children, brother Kermit also became a cowboy actor and circus performer, as well as serving as a double for his far more famous sibling. Despite a midwestern upbringing, he became quite proficient as a horseman. Attended Indiana University, then began his career as a trick rider with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, before working for Ringling Bros. Circus. 6’. Began his screen career in 1923 with The Man Who Won, a non-western, then switched over to an independent company to become a cowboy star, making a name for himself, with his stunt-work. Married briefly in 1924 to Jeanne Knudsen, and then again in 1926 to Mary Leeper. From the mid-20s, he appeared with Tarzan, a half-Arabian, half-American palomino, and together the duo became world famous, via some 20 silent westerns. Despite his successes, he was difficult to work with, alienating the film community with his jackass behavior. Became one of the first singing cowboys with the advent of sound, replete with a contract with Columbia Records, as he arrogantly pursued wine, women and song, with little regard to the fortune he made and carelessly spent. An ardent aeroplanist, he once raced his friend and parallel careerist Hoot Gibson (Johnny Knoxville). Jumped to Universal in 1929, and was given his own company and creative control of his product by its head Carl Laemmele (Michael Eisner), who quickly grew to despise him. After 8 films there, Universal dropped westerns, and he switched studios again to churn out nearly a dozen low budgeters. Returned to Universal, but his disregard for film costs caused him to be canned once again in 1934. Continued churning out oaters for low budget studios, while his temperamental personality grated on everyone, until his career totally petered out in the 1940s, following a series of low-budget westerns he did with Gibson, after which he only did bit parts. Ultimately made some 90 films, employing a trademark white hat and fancy shirts. Married a third time in 1940 to Bertha Denham, a high wire circuse artist who died in 1968. Joined the Cole Brothers-Clyde Beatty Circus in the mid-1940s, and then had his own small circus operation featuring rodeo riders, although he lost it to alcoholism and his lack of ability with money. Wound up an alcoholic living alone in poverty in a trailer, which finally fell apart. Thought to have been secretly supported by Gene Autry during his down years, and was suffering from severe malnutrition when he died at the Motion Picture Home. Inner: Huge ego, temperamental, roundly disliked for his arrogance. Lavish, with little financial acumen, and a great thirst for pleasure, with little regard for anyone around him. Rough rider lifetime of ignoring everyone on the way up, and suffering the consequence on his long humiliating ride down, in order to give him a sobering perspective on himself, despite his ongoing resistance to it.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS UNLIKELY SUPERHERO:
Storyline: The sensitive web-spinner is thrust into stardom, after an ungrounded beginning, which taught him the value of introspection, and truly knowing himself, so that he would always know the difference between who he is and what he does, no matter how successful he became at the latter.
Tobey Maguire (1975) - American actor. Outer: Mother was only 18, father 20 when he was born, and the duo split when their son was 3. Spent his childhood moving from home to home on the West Coast, staying with either parent, as well as a succession of relatives. Felt very anxious about his uprooted upbringing, although was always felt well-loved. His mother worked in office jobs as a sometime secretary, while his father was a cook and construction worker, but neither generated much money, and for a time, he was on welfare with the former. Solitary and brooding by nature, his mother encouraged him to try acting, by giving him $100 to take a workshop. Dropped out of school after the ninth grade, and began auditioning, where he became friends with Leonardo DiCaprio, who helped him get his first film role in This Boy’s Life in 1993. Got the lead in a short-lived TV series the same year, “Great Scott!,” then stopped acting to sort out who he was, ultimately separating himself from his work, as what he does, but not who he is. Developed a drinking problem, which he was able to overcome at 19. Appeared in mostly art-house films, and first gained critical recognition playing a troubled teen in The Ice Storm in 1997, and then reprised that archetype in several more well-received roles, before being surprisingly cast in Spiderman, a spandex series for which he had to buff up his thin 5’8”, 140 lbs. longtime vegetarian frame. The movie catapulted him to the top rank of young actors, at $17 million a picture, although he was reluctant to do the sequel because of a back problem, and then had to fight to be recast in it. Set up his own production company, Maguire Entertainment, while keeping a remarkably low profile for a high-priced star. Had a daughter with Jennifer Meyer, a jewelry designer and daughter of the head of Universal Studios, and the two married a year later in 2007, before adding a son to their domestic menagerie. Inner: Despite his dreamy persona, quite disciplined, while selecting his roles carefully, with the desire for a full-rounded career. Interested in discovering what he can and cannot do. Well-examined lifetime of coming in under shaky circumstances to allow him ultimately to have both his feet firmly planted on the ground, and see how high he can go without losing his fine-tuned sense of balance. Lionel Atwill (1885-1946) - English/American actor. Outer: From an uppercrust family. Initially wanted to be an architect. Went to a prestigious school for it, but the lure of the theater proved far too compelling. 5’10 1/2”. Began acting on the London stage at 19, before moving to America in 1915 to appearf on Broadway and in silent films, beginning in 1918 with For Sale. Married actress Phyllis Relph in 1917, divorced 2 years later. Then wed actress Poppy Wyndham, one son from the union, which ended in divorce in 1928. Married a third time in 1930, to Henrietta Cromwell Brook, the socialite ex-wife of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Their union ended in divorce in 1943, over the subsequent scandal surrounding him. Became one of Hollywood’s favorite resident villains in the 1930s, after establishing himself in talkies as a lead and in character roles. Projected a tall, imposing presence on the screen, who could evoke both authority and evil. Best remembered for his work in character films, and in particular, as the wooden-armed police chief in Son of Frankenstein. His career flagged precipitously after a widely publicized sex scandal in 1942, when he was charged with perjury at a rape trial over an orgiastic Christmas party held at his home two years earlier, featuring pornography and nudity. Subsequently wound up largely blacklisted from films, save for one poverty row company. Given 5 years probation, while also losing a son, an RAF pilot, who was killed in action. Married a last time in 1944, to Mary Pruter, one son from the final union. Did some bits and serials for Universal his last years, although by then was a shunned Hollywood figure. Died of bronchial cancer and pneumonia, in the midst of filming a serial. Inner: Felt one/half his face was gentle and kind, and the other dark and evil, which he felt compelled to act out in real, as well as reel life. Stranger in a strange land lifetime of channeling his skills at playing darkness, while enjoying the light and leisure of an alien paradise, Hollywood, until his darkness ultimately prevailed, turning him into a literal spiderman, that his previous cohorts actively avoided.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS ADDICTIVE LIBERTINE:
Storyline: The international icon is confounded by women one go-round, and obsessively seductive with them the next, in his ongoing need to integrate the feminine into his actorly sensibilities, in order to give him greater insight into his hidden, even from himself, self.
Colin Farrell (1976) - Irish actor. Outer: Premature at birth, weighing only 1 lb. 6 oz. Father and uncle were both well-known soccer players. Youngest of four with two sisters and a brother. One of the former, Claudine, became his personal assistant. Raised Irish Catholic, in a middle-class neighborhood, and wears a large cross tattoo on his foreman. Enjoyed a close-knit and extremely supportive family, who both adored and indulged him. A good athlete, he wanted to be a footballer, although ultimately felt he wasn’t good enough. His mother made him take dance lessons, following in his choreographer brother’s rhythmic footsteps. Began getting into fights and missing class and was eventually expelled for the latter. Drifted into drugs and drink and aimlessness, then toured Ireland with a troupe of line dancers, after being rejected in a tryout with the Irish boyband, Boyzone. Filmed a TV commercial, and decided on acting as a career. Made his debut on stage in Sydney, Australia in an open air amateur production, while showing a continued propensity for drug and drink. 5’9”. Attended the Gaiety School of Acting for a year, before dropping out, preferring direct experience, which he got in a recurring role on “Ballykissangel,” a BBC TV drama of rural Irish life, in 1998, staying with the part for two years. Continued doing small roles on TV and in film, making his debut in the latter medium the same year in The War Zone. Began to draw notice and box office acclaim after the turn of the century, beginning with Tigerland, showing himself capable of portraying Americans, despite his strong Irish accent. Steadily built himself into an international film star, with turns assaying both historical characters, such as Alexander the Great, as well as a variety of action and romantic heroes. Won a Golden Globe in 2009, for In Bruges, a comedy, although most of his work would be in action or dramatic fare. His off-camera exploits, particularly in the realm of seduction, however, would often outshadow his career, as he developed a reputation for nailing anyone within reach, without any compunction towards commitment. Married actress Amelia Warner in 2001 for four months, in a singular aberration to his usual fleeing from the ‘m’ word. In 2003, he had a son with U.S. model Kim Bordenave, and later revealed their progeny has a rare genetic disorder, known as Angelman Syndrome, retarding his development. Two years later, he checked into rehab for a variety of drug addictions. Later that year a sex tape emerged between himself and model Nicole Narain, which elicited a lawsuit, while 70 year old actress Dame Eileen Atkins claimed he propositioned, although failed, to seduce her. His lecherous ways would become part of Hollywood lore, including suit against him for harassment by telephone sex worker Dessarae Bradford, whom he also accused of stalking him. In 2009, he had a second son with Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus. Maintains homes in both Los Angeles and Dublin, and remains a “hottie,” to his many female fans, and an actor of genuine talent to Hollywood’s critical establishment. Inner: Addictive personality, with an endless fascination with seduction, and an equal entrancement with the sexual feminine. Insomniac since the age of 12, with, perhaps, a fear of his own unconscious. Extremely self-involved, serious and self-analytic. Libidinous lifetime of continuing his longtime expertise with artifice, while compulsively pursuing bedpost notches as a means of defining his own sense of desirability and domestic indifference. Claude Rains (William Claude Rains) (1889-1967) - English/American actor. Outer: Father was British stage actor Frederick Rains, who later had a career in silent film as a producer/director. Made his own debut at 11 in “Nell of Old Drury.” Raised in a theatrical environment, he got a chance to explore the entire milieu from page boy to footlight flitter to stage manager, while overcoming an early Cockney accent and a speech impediment. Came to America in 1913 to pursue the Broadway stage, before serving with a Scottish regiment in Europe during WW I, when was nearly blinded in one eye following a gas attack. During that era, he married actress Isabel Jeans in 1913, before divorcing her five years later, after separating and reuniting several times, due to her penchant for adultery. 5’6”. Continued on the London stage afterwards, and flowered under the instruction of Herbert Beerbohm Tree (Peter O’Toole), who paid for his elocution lessons. Made his screen debut in Build Thy House, in 1920. The same year he married and divorced stage actress Marie Hemingway, whom he discovered was an alcoholic after they had exchanged vows. His third union was to yet another actress, Beatrix Tomson, which lasted from 1924 to 1935, although the duo formally separated in 1928. Taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, mentoring several future stalwarts of British stage and screen, before returning to NYC in 1927, for a long series of roles, before finding a natural métier for himself in American films, thanks to a memorable voice and a compact physicality. Took advantage of the popular horror genre of the time with Universal Studios, as The Invisible Man in 1933, a mad doctor who could disappear, which established him as an international film star. Eschewed further horror fare, and instead, continued playing Broadway and working with the Theater Guild, while expanding his filmwork, moving over to Warner Brothers to take advantage of their literary-based output. Did a wide range of roles throughout the 1930s, limning both contemporary and historic characters, with subtleties of both tone and expression, playing both Americans and Englishmen to equally effective degree. In 1939, he became an American citizen. His fourth and longest union was to a non-actress, Frances Propper, which ran from 1935 to 1956, and produced his one child, Jessica Rains, who followed in her father’s emotive footsteps. Many of his roles were of a support nature, but so sure were his portrayals, that he was seen as a major star, an unusual achievement reserved for the very few. Able to play both comedy and drama, while achieving his greatest renown as police Capt. Louis Renault in the 1942 classic, Casablanca. In 1945, he became the first actor to garner a $1,000,000 salary for Caesar and Cleopatra. Continued fashioning memorable performances throughout the 1940s, and although nominated four times for Best Supporting Actor, surprisingly never won. Switched to TV in the 1950s, most memorably on “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” and returned to Broadway in 1951 in “Darkness At Noon,” for which he won a Tony as Best Actor. In 1959, he contracted his fifth marriage to Jewish Hungarian widow and Shoa refugee Agi Jambor, who was a pianist-composer and music teacher, although this union ended like all the others in divorce, the following year. In 1960, he married for the sixth and final time to Rosemary McGroarty, who died in 1964. Continued working throughout his life, making his final film appearance in The Greatest Story Ever Told in 1965 before ultimately dying of an intestinal hemorrhage. Wrote his own tombstone epitaph, “All things once/Are things forever,/Soul, once living,/lives forever.” Inner: Stingy and obsessed with money, despite having done handsomely during his long acting career. Temperamental, and several times the victim of adultery on the part of his wives. Usually memorized entire scripts, not only his lines. Highly visible invisible man lifetime of finding far more satisfaction in his public life than his private one, thanks to an ongoing propensity for obsession and distrust, despite a clear gift for entertainment, and an equal density around those of the opposite gender he intimately drew into his existence.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS UNINTEGRATED CHILD STAR:
Storyline: The precocious player retries his earlier stint as a telegenic teenager, trying to get past an innate draw towards self-destruction that terminated an early career, which, at the time, seemed destined for far greater things.
Fred Savage (1976) - American actor. Outer: Father was a real estate broker. Younger brother Ben is also an actor. Tried out for a hotdog commercial at 5, although didn’t get the part. He was remembered by the casting director, however, and began doing commercials at 6, ultimately acting in 70 of them. Had a normal upbringing, and achieved stardom in his early teens on the TV sitcom, “The Wonder Years,” beginning in 1988 and running through 1993, although was later sued for sexual harassment by one of his costars. 5’11”. Continued with TV work, as part of the cast of “Working,” for one season, preferring the small screen to the large in the initial stages of his career, while probably unconsciously aware, on some level, of the possibility of a repeat of the pitfalls that undid him the last time around in this kind of endeavor. In his late 20s, he married Jennifer Lynn Stone, a commercial real estate broker with whom he had grown up, two children from the union. Spent his interim time as a TV director, then in 2005, returned to series work with “Crumbs,” playing the alter ego gay screenwriter character of its creator. Inner: Rehash lifetime of achieving very early success to see if he can do a better job with it, than his previous go-round in this series. Billy Halop (1920-1976) - American actor. Outer: From a theatrical family, his mother was a dancer. Sister Florence also became an actress, working mostly on radio and TV. Began performing on radio as a child, then was the original leader of the Dead End Kids in the Broadway and film versions of Dead End. Tall and charismatic, with a seemingly bright future ahead of him. After several movies with the ongoing cast, he tried to break away to start his own film career, but only succeeded in getting secondary roles, and finally fell to bit parts. Married 3 times, to Helen Tupper from 1946 to 1947, Barbara Hoon from 1948 to 1958 and Suzanne Row from 1960 to 1967, with each union ending in divorce. Took to drinking and became an alcoholic, suffered a nervous breakdown, as well as heart problems aggravated by heavy smoking. Eventually straightened himself out through a strong will to do so. Wrote about his marital and personal problems in “There’s No Dead End.” After his film career hit a dead end, he worked as an appliance salesman. His last wife suffered from multiple sclerosis, and the nursing skills he picked up in taking care of her left him to become a registered male nurse. Resurrected himself in his early 50s by winning a regular role on the hit TV series “All in the Family,” playing cab company owner Burt Munson for 4 seasons, but his earlier poor health habits led to a relatively premature exit. Inner: Extremely self-destructive, while pursuing a career that was largely filled with frustrations, which he went on to internalize. Dead end lifetime of early success, only to fall prey to his own inner demons, before finally straightening himself out and exiting a somewhat healed person for his struggles.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SEMINAL SIDEKICK:
Storyline: The clandestine clown hides his more serious side in order to play if for laughs in public, while pursuing a far more thoughtful and philosophic agenda in private.
Seann William Scott (Sean William Scott) (1976) - American actor. Outer: Both parents had 3 children from previous marriages, and he became the youngest of 7, and their only combined child. Became enamored of movies while working double shifts at a local theater, and decided to become an actor. 5’11”, good athlete. Attended Glendale Community College, and was originally discovered at a talent competition in Los Angeles. Originally wanted to play psycho nutjobs. Began his career with commercials and music videos, as well as small roles in TV movies. While working at Home Depot, he received his first big screen break in 1999, with the popular American Pie, playing overstimulated Steve Stifler, a role he would repeat in two sequels. Went on to star th the next year in Dude Where’s My Car, yet another uberwork of addlepated post-adolescence, thereby cementing his comedic credibility for his generation, despite his feeling he was not innately a comedian. A successful film career has followed in that genre, and in 2005, he elevated himself to both co-producer and director with Gregoire Moulin Vs. Humanity. Inner: Bright and edgy, and extremely private, with no desire to be a tabloid character, preferring to let his work speak for him. Fluent in Spanish. Repeat lifetime, although this time keeping his teeth in, while stretching his talents and building on an innate likability in order to even more fully bring together his still hidden interior with his mischievous exterior. George ‘Gabby’ Hayes (1885-1969) - American actor. Outer: Father was a prosperous hotel keeper. At 8, he began appearing in school theatricals. Left home at 17, despite his family’s desire he continue in their business. Began his career as a circus performer, and also played semi-professional baseball, before turning to vaudeville in 1904 and then the stage in stock companies. In 1914, he married Dorothy Earle, a singer and musical comedy actress, no children from union. Made his film debut in 1923 in Why Women Marry, and initially assayed villainous and character roles. Briefly retired in his 40s, before losing heavily in the 1929 stock market crash, which forced him to return to film work. Took his false teeth out and grew a beard to look more grizzled and became the seminal Western sidekick in the 30s and 40s, playing alongside John Wayne in 15 films, and William (Hopalong Cassiday) Boyd in a half-dozen more, before doing the bulk of his co-work with Roy Rogers in some 40 others, while continually serving as a comic balance to the hero’s steadfastness. In the process, he became a Top Ten Western box office star. Initially took the sobriquet of ‘Windy,’ before legal issues forced him to become ‘Gabby.’ Ultimately appeared in over 200 westerns, basically playing the same toothless and bewhiskered irascible character in most of them. When westerns began to fade, he turned to TV, hosting his own eponymous show in the 1950s, playing old oaters for children, after retiring from the silver screen at the beginning of the decade. Finally retired for good after his wife’s death in 1957, and spent the rest of his life pondering fate and looking after his investments, before dying of a heart ailment. Inner: Despite his filmic image, serious, well-read and philosophical. Bon vivant and sophisticated connoisseur once he put his teeth back in. Claimed, he was “never much of an actor, but I was loud, and that made up for a lot of things.” Deliberately masked lifetime of playing opposite to who he really was, in an attempt to integrate his outer clown with his inner cerebrality.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS TRANS-ATLANTIC HEART/THROB:
Storyline: The mellifluous matinee idol maintains his reserved personality, and continues his double life as a very private public figure.
Orlando Bloom (1977) - English actor. Outer: His assumed father, Harry Bloom, was a novelist and well-known anti-apartheid activist, and hero to many, who died when his son was 4. Named after a Virginia Woolf character. Raised with an older sister by his mother, a businesswoman and writer, as well as a family friend, Colin Stone, who was later revealed to be his true biological progenitor. Both siblings were encouraged to enjoy the arts. As a dyslectic youth, he developed a sensitivity to language, which inspired him to pursue a theatrical career. Began acting at the age of 8, and left home at 16 to appear on the London stage. After 2 seasons with the National Youth Theater, he won a scholarship to the British American Drama Academy and studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. 5’11”, slim, with a small tattoo of the sun on his abdomen. Made his film debut in 1997 with a bit part in Wilds. Continued his education afterwards, with a focus on film as an art form. Very prone to breaking parts of his body. Fell three stories shimmying down a drainpipe in 1998 that nearly left him paralyzed, although maintained his fascination with free fall by tracking down every bungee jump and sky dive he could find in New Zealand, while filming The Lord of the Rings, the post-millennial series of films which brought him to international attention in his role as the elvish archer, Legolas Greenleaf. Has carefully crafted his career, working in both blockbusters and indies, while showing the same matinee idol draw he had previously evinced, as a favorite of teenage girls, although in the early going, has not proved a box office draw on his own, despite his meticulous grooming by many for that role. In 2010, he married Australian super-model Miranda Kerr. Inner: Self-effacing, quiet and modest. Technophobic and a vegetarian. Repeat performance lifetime of continuing to explore himself through his screen characterizations, while trying to maintain his privacy, despite screaming fans and the ubiquitously curious and insensate press. Ronald Colman (1891-1958) - English actor. Outer: Father was a silk importer. Despite a middle-class upbringing, he was raised to be a gentleman, and remained reserved his entire life, even in the face of his very public vocation. Attended boarding school, and had wanted to be an engineer, but his father’s death curtailed that ambition. Joined the London Scottish Regionals at the outbreak of WW I, and was seriously wounded in France and invalided out. 5’11”, 165 lbs. Tried to enter the consular service afterwards, but fate directed him towards the theater, and he made his debut in 1916 with a small role in “The Maharanee of Arakan.” His first film was never released, so his official debut was in the 1919 production of The Toilers. Headed for NYC in hopes of a transAtlantic career, and the following year made his American debut in Handcuffs or Kisses, while also working on the NY stage. Married actress Thelma Raye the same year, before separating without issue in 1924 and divorcing a decade later. His big break came in 1923 with The White Sister, which won him a contract with Samuel Goldwyn, and he became a highly successful Hollywood leading man, with his classic good looks, playing in romantic costume dramas. With the advent of sound, his mellifluous speaking voice was added to the mix, and he fashioned a highly successful career out of intelligent, thoughtful characters with dash and aplomb. A falling-out with Goldwyn in 1934 led him to distrust contracts the rest of his working life. In 1938, he married actress Benita Hume, one daughter from union. In the late 1930s, he also embarked on a long radio career, ultimately reprising a movie role as a college professor with “The Halls of Ivy,” which later became a TV show, and costarred his wife. The highlight of his film career came in 1947, with A Double Life and his atypical portrayal of a deeply disturbed actor, which won him a Best Actor Academy Reward that year. Purposefully slowed down his film career in the 1950s, and planned to write his autobiography, but his inability to speak ill of anyone, plus his own illness, prevented him from doing so. Died of lung disease. Inner: Shy, diffident, thought there was nothing worse than being forced to do interviews. Self-protective lifetime of acting the very embodiment of the English gentleman, in a double life dedicated to maintaining his privacy despite his extremely public choice of profession.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS BEGUILING GEEK:
Storyline: The sly trickster gives further depth to his outer need to be nerdy, and his inner one to give great expression to a far more complex soul roiling beneath.
D J Qualls (Donald Joseph Qualls) (1978) - American actor. Outer: Had a smalltown upbringing, where the primary industry was making caskets. One of 5 children, he realized early on his ambitions were in the larger world. Developed Hodgkin’s disease at 14, and underwent chemotherapy for 2 years. 6’2”, slender. Studied English literature and the evolution of the English language at the Univ. of London, then came back to Belmont Univ., and began acting in local theater productions, while working for a law office in Nashville. A pair of photographers saw commercial gold in his unusual physicality and turned him into a successful, if geekish, print model for Prada, although he found the whole milieu absurd. After a TV miniseries, he made his film debut in 2000 with Road Trip, after winning the role through a single line-reading for another part. Never saw himself doing comedy, although proved a natural as an awkward self-discoverer. Choosey about his vehicles, he found one close to home in Hustle and Flow in 2005, as he continues to try to etch a unique niche for himself in filmdom, as a highly distinctive and yet deceptive character. Returned to his native Memphis in 2010 for “Memphis Beat,” playing a cop on the quirky cable TV series. Inner: Charming, gawky, with a fey sense of humor. Second Act lifetime of building on the first from a rural rather than an urban perspective, and seeing how far he can literally stretch without pigeonholing himself into an archetype as he did in his shorter version the last time around in this series. Wally Cox (Wallace Maynard Cox) (1924-1973) - American actor and comedian. Outer: Mother, Eleanor Atkinson, was a mystery writer, father was an advertising copywriter. Always wanted to be a writer, himself. His parents divorced when he was young, and he, his younger sister and mother moved to Evanston, Illinois, where he grew up. Childhood friend of Marlon Brando. 5’6”, 130 lbs. Moved to NYC after WWII and attended CCNY and NYU, then supported his invalid mother by making and selling jewelry at parties, where he also did comedy routines for guests. Roomed with Brando in NYC, although couldn’t abide his pet raccoon and moved out. Rumor would persist that the two may have also been an item. Nevertheless, he was encouraged by the latter to perform, and studied with Stella Adler to that effect. In 1948, he began doing nightclubs, where he developed offbeat monologues about Dufo, an accident-prone dimwit, which led to a Broadway show, “Dance Me a Song,” in which they were included. Found his ultimate niche on TV, as the eponymous, “Mr. Peepers,” a meek bespectacled teacher, whom he would later disavow as anything like himself, despite his perfect physicality and voice for the part. The series ran between 1952 and 1955, and he was never able to duplicate its success, as he continued on in TV, most notably as a sarcastic member of “Hollywood Squares,” from its debut in 1966 until his death. Also served as the cartoon voice of “Underdog,” the last decade of his life, and cut several albums as a singer. Married Marilyn Gennaro in 1954, later divorced, then wed Milagros Fink between 1963 and 1967. His third wife was actress Patricia Tiernan, whom he wed in 1967. Made some 20 films, mostly as characters and support, beginning in 1962 with Something’s Got to Give. Penned several whimsical books, as a well as a mystery novel for children. Some question remains around his death, which may or may not have been a suicide. A sleeping pill overdose led to a heart attack, from which he exited, with Brando serving as custodian of his ashes. Inner: Sardonic, cynical and deceptively strong, all-in-all quite different from the image he projected. Motorcyclist and nature hiker. Illusionary lifetime of playing the geek for his Dufo public, despite his harboring a far more complex Brandoesque person beneath.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SELF-WOUNDING WORRIER:
Storyline: The jittery joker finds his earlier highly successful go-round in this series, too facile for his own good, and so returns in far more conflicted manner, in order to unleash his own dark interior night, only to be ultimately consumed by it.
Heath Ledger (Heathcliff Andrew Ledger) (1979-2008) - Australian actor. Outer: Of Scottish and Irish descent. From a distinguished, cultured and close family that owned an engineering company. Mother was a French teacher, and father was a mining engineer. His parents loved Emily Bronte’s (Virginia Woolf) “Wuthering Heights” so much that they named his older sister Kate and himself after the two ill-fated main romantic characters in it, Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Kate would go on to become an actress, and then a publicist, and the two would remain extremely close. Went to a private all-boys school, where he excelled in athletics. Made his theater debut at 10 as Peter Pan with a local company, and at the same time, his parents separated, before divorcing the following year. Each would go on to marry again, and each would produce one more daughter. In unintended irony, his mother would marry a man named Bell, which was a Bronte family writing pseudonym, while his father would marry Emma Brown, who would reflect the initial letters in Emily Bronte’s first and last names. Showed early skills in a variety of fields, including chess and choreography, before completing school at 16 and moving to Sydney, where he struggled to get work. Played a gay cyclist in 1996 on a TV show called "Sweat," about Olympic hopefuls, and continued in small Australian parts, including a short-lived TV series, before moving to Hollywood in 1999 to expand his opportunities. Soon afterwards, he hit it big in an American comedy based on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” 10 Things I Hate About You. 6’1”, blonde, with a strongly masculine cast, he found himself in demand, but was choosy about his roles, wanting to challenge himself with each new part, so as not to be typecast because of his leading man looks. Struggled financially because of his choosiness, but stuck to his ideals, and by doing so, continued to draw notice with his portrayals in drama and adventure fare, before returning to Australia to play the continent’s most infamous 19th century bandit, Ned Kelly, while becoming involved with his costar, Naomi Watts. The film, however, would prove a flop, and, after some unchallenging fare, he found a perfect vehicle to play off his sensitive manliness, the highly controversial Brokeback Mountain in 2005, in which he played one of two Wyoming shepherds, along with Jake Gyllenhaal, who fall in love with one another. The film caused a huge hue and cry among conservative elements in the U.S., and was far and away his best performance to that point in his career. Began a relationship with Michele Willilams, who played his wife, and the pair subsequently had a daughter, only to split up two years later, as his career seemed to come first. Found the Australian press and paparazzi far too intrusive for his tastes, much preferring NY and its more blasé attitude towards celebrity. Directed several music videos, and also co-founded Music Masses Co. with musician Ben Harper, while preparing himself to direct features, as the next logical step in his development as a film artisan. After finishing his final film, he was found naked and dead in his rented Manhattan apartment, of an apparent accidental overdose of prescription drugs, including painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication. His final coda performance as The Joker in the Batman epic The Dark Knight, would prove a spectacular curtain call, as he imbued the character with the full and considerable actorly depth of his being, after retreating into himself for 6 weeks to prepare for the role. The film would go on to break all sorts of box-office records, partly out of morbid curiosity, and partly out of the extraordinary universal reviews he received. Genuinely mourned by one and all who knew him, family, fans and friends alike. In a final validating valedictory, he was given a posthumous Oscar as Best Supporting Actor at the 2009 Academy Rewards. Inner: Intense, amiable and well-liked, although uncomfortable with himself and prey to sleep disorder and nervousness. Had a sense he was living in his daughter, which may have allowed him to let go of his life at the top of his game. Foreshortened lifetime of making an indelible actorly mark, but at a considerable price to his interior, which may have motivated him to start over again from a more comfortable integrated perspective, now that he had found true access to the raw artist within him. Donald Crisp (George William Crisp) (1882-1974) - English/American actor. Outer: Some question would remain about his true birthdate and place, with some sources saying Scotland in 1880, although the 1882 and London figures are probably correct. One of 8 children, with 4 sister and three brothers. Fought with the British army during the Boer War in South Africa. 5’8”. Supposedly went to Eton College, although his presence there has been questioned, and finished his education at Oxford Univ. Traveled to America in 1906, and while on board ship, he was offered a job with an opera company, as a singer. Toured with it, while also beginning his movie career the following year with The French Maid. Alternated with the stage and film, and became a stage manager for theater legend George M. Cohan (Michael Flatley), during which time he met director D.W. Griffith. Went out West with him to Hollywood, and wound up appearing in several of his classics, including Birth of a Nation in 1915. Assisted Griffith for several years before making his directorial debut in 1914, with The Little Country Mouse, while appearing for the most part in small roles in nearly 100 films. Returned to England at the outbreak of WW I, and served in the army intelligence division. Married and divorced during the teens, while directing about 70 silents. Finally grew tired of diluting his efforts by putting the relatives of studio heads in his films, and hung up his directorial megaphone for good in 1930. Easily made the transition to sound as a character actor, becoming much in demand throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and in 1941, won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for How Green Was My Valley. In what would be the second union for both, he married American writer Jane Murfin in 1932, divorced in 1944. No children from either of his unions. As capable of kindly support as villainous turns, the latter part of his career saw him playing a variety of father figures. Became an American citizen, and during WW II, he served in the U.S. Army reserves, rising to the rank of colonel. Proved to be as successful with his business investments as he was in his acting career, and was an active power broker, acting as an important liaison between the film industry and the outside business world. Served as both a production and studio executive, as well as on the Bank of America’s advisory board, including a run as its chairman, where he was in a unique position to proffer loans to studios to get their films made during the 1930s and 1940s. Grew quite wealthy through real estate investments, while continuing his long, busy and successful acting career over nearly 6 decades, before finally retiring from in front of the cameras in 1963. Died after a series of strokes. Inner: Well-liked and respected, with a Midas touch to virtually everything he did. Easy pickings lifetime of combining his military, financial and acting acumen into a highly successful package, that saw him easily excel at everything he touched, save for an intimate domestic life, occasioning his return in far more conflicted manner, in order to open himself up to the larger and far more wounded artist still dwelling within.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS CRASH-BAM CRYPTO-COWBOY:
Storyline: The cartoon-monickered entrepreneur joins many of his fellow former western stars in trading in his saddle for a skateboard, and transforming his modus operandi of traditional fare for the far more anarchic self-expression of far more daredevil times.
Bam Margera (Brandon Cole Margera) (1979) - American skateboarder, actor, stuntman and radio and TV personality. Outer: Of Italian, Irish, French, German and Welsh ancestry. Father Phil was a baker, mother April was a hairdresser. Older brother Jess, became a musician. Got his nickname at 3 from his grandfather for running into walls. Began skateboarding at 9, and after turning professional, became the 13th skater to land the difficult loop, and the first street skater to do it. Dropped out of high school in the 11th grade, although later got his GED. 5’8”. Along with his brother plays keyboard in a band called Gnarkill, and has his own record label, Filthy Note Records. Began filming himself and his friends skateboarding, for CKY or Camp Kill Yourself videos, which launched him on his video and film career. The videos led to joining MTV’s Jackass crew, a stunt gang known for its outrageous, and often self-punishing bits. Many of that crew would be crypto-cowboys from film/times past. Appeared in both Jackass movies, and won his own MTV program, “Viva La Bam,” from it, which ran for several seasons, chronicling more stunt and stunted adventures of his crew. Also employed his parents and his uncle Vincent in his cinematic bits. Ventured into film producing and directing with Haggard, based loosely on the life of fellow Jackass Ryan Dunn. In 2004, he began hosting his own satellite radio show called Radio Barn, broadcasting it once a week out of his home. Had a volatile relationship with Jenn Rivell that wound up in court and ended in 2005, and was arrested at LAX airport the following year for carrying brass knuckles. Parlayed his fame into multimillion dollar skateboard endorsement deals, and remains an entrepreneurial figure for his particular subculture set with his fingers in many media pies. Married Melissa Rothstein in 2007, and lives in a large Pennsylvania house dubbed Castle Barn, replete with a skatepark in the driveway. Assaulted with a baseball bat by a 59 year old woman outside the bar he owns, The Note, in 2010, in an ongoing feud twixt the two, although suffered no lasting damage, other than to his ego. Inner: Athletic, entrepreneurial and uninhibited. Harbors a great fear of snakes, which has been exploited on film. Doing the loop lifetime of following his former cowboy compeers into the daredevil world of skateboarding, and as before, making a handsome living from the various venues open to him. Ray ‘Crash’ Corrigan (Raymond Bernard) (1902-1976) - American actor and entrepreneur. Outer: Initially worked as an electrician and gym teacher. 6’2”, well-muscled. Moved to Hollywood, and began serving as a physical trainer in the early 1930s, which led to bit parts and stunts in films, as well as working as a double for movie Tarzan Johnny Weissmuller beginning in 1932. Earned his nickname from his willingness to undertake dangerous stunts, although it also may have come from his wayward way with horses, and his propensity to fall off them. Both began and ended his career in ape/suits, taking advantage of his physicality. Married Rita Jane Smeal and later divorced in 1954, three children from the union. Adopted his working name from a character he played in 1936 in his first starring role, in the Republic serial Undersea Kingdom. Republic turned him into a B-movie cowboy star, and he wound up appearing in 24 oaters for them as part of the “Three Mesquiteers” throughout the rest of the decade, despite not getting along with one of the trio, Bob Livingston. Quit when he was refused a pay raise, and joined Monogram Pictures. Helped create the Range Busters for them, an even lower budgeted version of his earlier trinity, and made 20 films under that group sobriquet, with himself as the clear star, and a dummy named Elmer, along with its voice, Max ‘Alibi’ Terhune, as the comic foil for the threesome. Worked out a production deal with the studio which gave him a substantial share of the profits. Tried another series afterwards, although the genre had depleted itself, and its initial effort was never released. In 1937, he created Corriganville, a ranch and town in southern California, which was used for filming over 1000 westerns, both of the filmic variety and later for TV fare. Beginning in 1949, the ranch was open to the public on weekends as a western amusement center where his staff would stage shoot-outs. After a few more ape-clad performances, he celebrated his valedictory role as It in It, the Terror from Beyond Space. His last marriage was to Elaine DuPont, who was a performer at Corriganville. That union also ended in divorce. A highly successful businessman from his various enterprises, he eventually sold Corriganville to comedian Bob Hope in 1966 for several million dollars after buying it for around $10,000. The latter subsequently redubbed it Hopetown. Retired to Oregon and died of a heart attack. Inner: Good-natured, highly entrepreneurial with an excellent business sense. Blazing wallets lifetime of parlaying his strong physical presence into both a successful B-movie career and an even more prosperous collateral career corralling the profits from his efforts and providing the settings for his fellow tall-in-the-saddle performers.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SERIOUS CRAFTSMAN:
Storyline: The absolute artist refuses to compromise on his desire to reach the acme of his craft, while making himself somewhat more accessible than his previous aloof go-round in this series as Hollywood’s most respected but least liked biopictorialist and faux gangster.
Brendan Sexton III (1980) - American actor. Outer: Father worked for the Municipal Arts Society, a subtle and unconscious reminder of son’s previous go-round as actor Paul Muni. Also had a sister and brother from his original family before his parents split up. 4 more half-siblings were added via parental remarriages, and he ultimately came to live with his father. Began his acting career at the age of 8. Appeared off-off-Broadway at 13 and was spotted by an agent. Turned down potential high-paying roles in Hollywood high profile kidflicks to pursue a lower key career. 5’6”. Dropped out of high school, and made his film debut in 1995 in Welcome to the Dollhouse, then broke his leg (a symbol of acting good luck) when he got hit by a cab on Canal Street, the day it won Grand Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Drew notice at 16 as a street kid in Hurricane Streets, for which he, once again, turned down higher profile roles, preferring to proceed in his profession at his own pace, by taking parts that challenge his growing craft. Inner: Serious, nonconformist, dedicated craftsman. Low-key, high integrity lifetime of looking for himself in the characters he plays, while continuing his noncompromising stance as an artist, once again, of great potential. Paul Muni (Muni Weisenfreund) (1895-1967) Austrian/American actor. Outer: Parents were itinerant actors, appeared with them on stage as a child. At 4, he moved to London with his family, where his father opened a variety theater, which eventually had to be closed because of street gang activity in the neighborhood, which scared away playgoers. The family emigrated to the U.S. when he was 7, and they settled on NYC’s Lower East Side, where they became involved with the Yiddish theater there. Made his first stage appearance at 13, playing an old man. Moved to Chicago the following year, and continued in the same vein, assaying old men as a teen through his skill at both make-up and acting. Suffered from a rheumatic heart condition his entire life. His father died when he was 18, and the company he acted in disbanded. 5’10”. Peddled wick trimmers and read gas meters in between engagements. In his early 20s, he joined the Yiddish Art Theater Co., touring the U.S. and Europe with it. In his mid-20s, he married Bella Finkel, an actress who was the niece of Yiddish star Boris Tomashevsky (John Turturro). Made his English language stage debut at 31 in a Broadway production called, “We Americans.” Signed by Fox at the start of the sound era, but was unhappy with Hollywood after 2 movies, and successfully returned to the Broadway stage. In his mid-30s, he came back to film for two of his most memorable roles in Scarface and I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang. Signed a longterm contract with Warner Brothers and did social dramas and then biopics, doing memorable turns as Louis Pasteur (Jonas Salk), Emile Zola (Saul Bellow) and Benito Juarez (Lazar Cardenas). Extremely conscientious in his portrayals, and a stickler for detail and authenticity, although not particularly liked by his cohorts because of his aloofness. From his mid-40s, he alternated between stage and screen, bringing something unique to each of his roles. Had a hit on Broadway in “Inherit the Wind,” portraying William Jennings Bryan (Al Sharpton). Played his last role in The Last Angry Man in his mid-60s, a fitting epitaph for his career, and wound up with Oscar nominations for both his first and final efforts. During his last years, he succumbed to health problems and advancing blindness, forcing him to retreat into himself. Died of heart trouble. Inner: Serious, aloof, hidden. Self-absorbed lifetime of looking for himself in the characters he played, while putting his life into his art, instead of the other way around, which literally ultimately blinded him to his greater possibilities of self-discovery.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS ONGOING MATINEE IDOL:
Storyline: The activist actor turns from helping organize early Hollywood to the problems of the larger world, while remaining stage center as a natural leading man with a social conscience to match this dramatic abilities.
Jake Gyllenhaal (Jacob Gyllenhaal) (1980) - American actor. Outer: From a noble Swedish family on his paternal side and a Russian-Jewish root on his mother’s. The former was raised in the Swedenborgian tradition. Father was director Stephen Gyllenhaal, mother was screenwriter and producer Naomi Foner. Younger brother of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. Given an extremely liberal view of the world by his parents, he had his Bar Mitzvah, a Jewish coming-of-age at 13, in a homeless shelter to raise his awareness of how his life had been shaped by privilege. Began acting at the age of 10, and made his film debut in City Slickers, although his parents carefully shepherded his career, allowing him to go on auditions for the experience, although not to take the parts. Appeared in a few of his father’s features, and had some bit roles, while going to a prestigious private coed school, before entering Columbia Univ., following both his mother and sister there, only to drop out to continue to pursue acting. Had his first lead in his late teens in October Sky. Came to greater public attention in Donnie Darko, where he was given the opportunity to play normality against abnormality. 6’, with greenish-blue eyes. Although his subsequent choice of vehicles was less than stellar, with an overabundance of somewhat disturbed youths, he managed to appear in one blockbuster, The Day After Tomorrow, before also making his stage debut in London in a revival, “This is Our Youth,” acquitting himself well. By his mid-20s, he was a full-fledged star, thanks to the controversial Brokeback Mountain, a cowboy in emotional turmoil tale, where he played off of Heath Ledger as his can’t quit you love interest. Was nominated for and won several awards for his effort, and also became a fantasy focus for the gay and bi communities. Also able to assay the macho masculine in Jarhead as a marine, so as to give a wide range to his potential for characterizations. With his star ever on the ascendant, he has continued getting high profile roles, while serially involving himself with actresses Kristen Dunst and Reese Witherspoon. Extremely active politically, as a progressive Democrat, with the environment as one of his pet causes, as well as the oft-criticized American Civil Liberties Union. Inner: Thoughtful and analytic, with a desire to improve the world. Far more attracted to films for their stories than their messages. Work-in-progress lifetime of digging deeper into his own humanity via a progressive upbringing in order to be more complete in both his views and the range of his performances. Conrad Nagel (1897-1970) - American actor. Outer: From an upper middle-class family that was musical. Father was a musician, and mother sang locally, before dying when her son was young. Given an extremely supportive upbringing that encouraged his gifts of self-expression. Went to Highland Park College in Iowa, where his father was dean of the music conservatory. Sang in the school’s glee club, before getting a liberal arts degree. Began acting in theater at the age of 17, in “Experience,” and continued doing stock and vaudeville. Served on an admiral’s staff during WW I, and made his film debut in 1918 in Little Women. 6’, 165 lbs. with blond hair and blue eyes. Married Ruth Helms in 1924, after appearing with her, one daughter from the union, which ended in divorce in 1935. Was engaged to much younger starlet Kay Linaker four times, although the two never married. As an all-American looking lead, he specialized in drawing-room and his/storical dramas as well as romantic comedies. By his second film, The Fighting Chance, where he met his wife and also costarred with Anna Q. Nilsson (Maggie Gyllenhaal), he was a leading man. By the end of the silent era, he made the easy transition to talkies, starring in one of the very first, Glorious Betsey in 1928. Along with 35 others, he co-founded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, for whom he helped create the Oscars, garnering an honorary one in 1940, for his work with the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Also served as host of the third Academy Rewards in 1930, the 5th two years later, and acted as co-host with Bob Hope in 1953 for the 25th. Served as its president from 1932 to 1933. Won the enmity of the studio heads, particularly Louis B. Mayer (Master P) of MGM, for helping organize the Screen Actor’s Guild, so that the parts offered him afterwards were of lesser and lesser qualities. Directed one film, Love Takes Flight in 1937. Did only a handful of movies after 1940. Married character actress Lynn Merrick in 1945, later divorced. Worked on Broadway, radio, and later television, including a decade stint on the middle medium from 1937 to 1947 as host of “Silver Theater.” From 1949 to 1952 he was a game show host on early TV for “Celebrity Time.” His third and final marriage was to Michael Coulson Smith in 1955, one son from the union, which also ended in divorce. Continued working until his last years, sporadically appearing in a variety of TV series. Inner: Charming, suave, highly social and a pivotal player in early Hollywood, particularly as a behind-the-scenes organizer. Multitasking lifetime of employing his charisma to give the film industry its early cachet on a variety of levels, only to ultimately suffer for it, but not to be undone, using other media available to him, for a long and rewarding outer career, if not quite a similarly reflected private life.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS MULTI-LIFE MULTI-TALENT:
Storyline: The all-around entertainer follows the same career trajectory, beginning as a baby-faced crooner who morphs into maturity, when allowed to move beyond his initial public introduction.
Justin Timberlake (1981) - American singer and actor. Outer: Paternal grandfather was a Baptist minister, and his father was a choir director at a Baptist church. After his parents divorced when he was 4, both remarried. His stepmother became manager of the all-girl group Innosense, while his mother, who wed a banker, went on to run an entertainment company called JustinTime Entertainment, taking advantage of her son’s meteoric rise in show business. Has two half-brothers, as well as a half-sister who died minutes after she was born, from his father’s second marriage. Made his debut on “Star Search” in 1981 as a country music singer, although didn’t win his segment. In 1989, he became a regular on “The New Mickey Mouse Club,” along with Britney Spears. Sang at the Grand Old Opry at the age of 10, and in 1995, after “MMC” ended, he became the front man for the boy band, ‘N Sync, which his mother coined, using the last initials of its 5 members. After releasing their first self-titled album in 1998, they proved a huge hit with the teeny-bopper set, with a number of best-selling albums, including the fastest-selling album of all time, “No Strings Attached,” in 2000, which cemented him in the public’s eye as a baby-faced bubblegum lightweight of the highest order. Modeled himself after his own teen idol, Michael Jackson. Had a four year relationship with fellow Mickey Mouse Clubber, Britney Spears, and then followed it with a four year relationship with actress Cameron Diaz. 6’1”. Took time off from ‘N Sync to release his debut solo album, called “Justified” in 2002, which went triple platinum, and he suddenly found himself a pop icon on his own, in slightly more mature form, thanks to a genuine talent. At the halftime show for the 2004 Superbowl, he accidentally exposed singer Janet Jackson’s breast at the conclusion of a duet, although suffered no damage to his career, while hers was temporarily eclipsed. Won Grammys in 2004, after issuing an apology in order to appear on the award show, while Jackson did not, and the following year launched a clothing line, “William Rast,” named after his and his partner’s grandfathers. Began adding acting to his résumé, first with a made for TV film, “Model Behavior” in 2001, and then gradually building up his chops with Edison Force, Alpha Dog and Black Snake Moan, showing himself to be a credible screen presence. Continues his recording career with other artists as well, in between being operated on for nodules in 2005. Started his own record company, Jay Tee Records, the same year, while also launching several restaurants. Won critical acclaim for his second album, “Future Sex/Love Sounds,” and it, too, proved a runaway bestseller, while his performances have amped up his projected sexuality as well. Showed an angrier side during a world tour in 2007, abusing and hurling objects at fans, but remains an icon of his times, with 6 Grammys before he reached 30, and his first two albums selling worldwide in the 18 million range. Inner: Self-styled simple guy from Tennessee. Well-mannered, southern boy-next door, who has learned how to transcend his slight build and project a sexy image. Good instrumentalist and extremely well-prepared, for all his creative endeavors, with a clear plan for an extended run as a pop phenomenon. Telescoped lifetime of following a similar career arc as his previous go-round, of baby-faced crooner morphing into a pop star of substance, thanks to a great desire to build on his previous successes in highly parallel manner. Dick Powell (Richard Ewing Powell) (1904-1963) - American singer, actor, director and producer. Outer: Mother played the piano, and father was a machinist. Middle of 3 brothers. The family moved to Little Rock when he was 10, and he continued to pursue his musical interests. The possessor of a pleasant baby face, he sang with an orchestra, then formed his own band, Peter Pan, at 17. Spent a year at Little Rock College in Arkansas, before becoming a coin collector from pay-phones for the phone company. 6’, 175 lbs. Restarted his singing career, and had several hit records as a band vocalist and instrumentalist with other groups, including Charlie Davis’s orchestra, and was married to Maude Maund from 1925 to 1927. 6’. Made his film debut in 1932 in Blessed Event, as a singing bandleader, before going onto a decade-long run as a Warner Bros. musical star, beginning as juvenile lead in backstage dramas, while appearing in pleasant fluff to good advantage. In 1936, he married actress Joan Blondell (Zooey Deschanel), with whom he often worked, divorced in 1944, daughter and adopted son from union. In the early 1940s, he saw he desperately needed to expand if he wished to extend his career, as more than a mere song’n’dance man. Married actress June Allyson in 1945, the year after he thoroughly changed his filmic image, in Murder, My Sweet, convincingly playing hard-boiled private eye Philip Marlowe, which led to far more dramatic roles for the rest of the decade in the same film noir genre, while refusing to sing in any of them. One adopted daughter and one son from union, actor Dick Powell, Jr. who later portrayed his father on film. Transliterated his transformed screen image into radio, with “Richard Diamond, Private Detective,” from 1949 to 1953. In the early 1950s, he became a producer-director, most memorably of The Enemy Below in 1957, and also was able to use the new medium of TV to good advantage in a similar role as part of the highly successful Four Star Production Company, which created rotating dramas specifically for the small screen. One of his productions, The Conqueror, which he also directed, was filmed in 1956 in Utah near an atomic test site, and proved to be fatal to several members of the cast and crew, including himself, and he died of lymphoma cancer, the same day, and for the same reason as actor Jack Carson (Matt Damon). Inner: Charming, good-humored, and far more driven than his easy surface likability. Athletic, with a great love of sailing. Step-by-graceful-step lifetime of gradually opening himself up to his larger talents, only to be ultimately undone by the poisons of the world, which he would try to redress his next go-round in this series.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS FARCICAL EVERYMAN:
Storyline: The nondescript scriptwriter and actor parlays his well-honed comic sensibilities into leading man status as a reflection for the priapic imbedded within every male of less than movie-star mien.
Seth Rogen (1982) - Canadian/American actor, comic and producer. Outer: Of Jewish descent, with both his parents meeting on an Israeli kibbutz. Mother was a social worker, and father worked for a variety of non-profits. Both parents were socialists and politically active, while his one older sister became a social worker. Went to a Hebrew elementary school, and began working as a standup comic at 13. Wound up coming in second in a Vancouver comedy competition at 16. 5’11”, with everyman features. His standup work would make him an improviser and ad-libber in his later scripted efforts. Discovered by Judd Apatow in Vancouver, he made his TV debut at 16 in “Freaks and Geeks,” which occasioned his moving to Los Angeles. Worked as a writer on two TV shows, then director Apatow hooked up with him for several highly successful comedies, beginning with a support role his own virgin effort, The 40 Year-Old Virgin. Earned a starring role in his next effort, Knocked Up, playing off his previous life’s wife, Katherine Heigl, and the combination made him a geekish star. Continued his association with Apatow-produced films, and also co-wrote and starred in Superbad, a semi-autobiographical comedy, for which he won a Canadian Comedy Award. Maintained his connection with Apatow with Funny People, playing against his own experience as a longtime standup, with a turn as an unfunny tyro behind the mike. Together the two would shoot a ton of film, which is quite unusual for comedies, in order to capture the freshness and spontaneity of uninhibited joking. In addition to his own filmwork, he has also lent his voice to a variety of animated features. Inner: Inspired by some of the same people he would come to work with, while harboring a similar leering sensibility as his audience in his sex comedies. Reflective lifetime of mirroring his audience in both his tastes and interests as a rogue Rogen, and benefiting handsomely from his ability to give voice to the libidinal humor of his generation. Stu Erwin (1903-1967) - American actor. Outer: Went to UC Berkeley, then began his career on the stage in Los Angeles, before switching to silent film in 1928, appearing in some 100 features, beginning with Mother Knows Best. 5’9”. In 1931, he married actress June Collyer (Katherine Heigl), son and daughter from the union. His career consisted almost exclusively of comedy roles, and in the beginning, he played mostly vacuous young men, with 1936’s Pigskin Parade, an early highlight, garnering him an Academy Reward nomination for his role as a rustic football hero. Made his initial Broadway bow in 1942 in “Mr. Sycamore,” where he turned into a tree, an effort which failed to find root with an audience. Although popular during a five decade run, he remained a figure of his time, with no long-lasting reputation or following. Finally achieved a measure of fame through the newly minted medium of TV, starring in his own show, “The Stu Erwin Show,” as a small-town high school principal, along with his real-life wife. The show ran from 1950 to 1955, and ultimately became known as “The Trouble With Father.” Continued in bland comedies for the rest of his career, appearing in several Disney films, before dying of a heart attack. Inner: Extremely modest, rarely promoting himself, preferring to blend in rather than stand out. White bread lifetime of giving expression to the ordinary and its potential for smiling recognition, rather than laugh-out-loud reaction.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS REINVENTED FORMER SAD SACK:
Storyline: The erstwhile walking horror show resurrects himself in much more satisfactory form with a deliberate desire to focus on the positive after a monstrous go-round doing battle with both a lost childhood and a diminished sense of self, thanks to a father of many faces who had none for him.
Kellan Lutz (Kellan Christopher Lutz) (1985) - American actor. Outer: Middle child of six brothers and one sister. Grew up in the Midwest before his family moved to Arizona when he was young, where he graduated high school. Very athletic, with a participatory love for all sports. Began modeling in his early teens, and received athletic scholarships to a number of colleges. Given a lot of support, particularly after dropping out of school to pursue a career in acting. 6’1” and burly. Began his career modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch and in 2006, started getting bit parts on TV, before winning recurring roles on “Model Citizens,” and the “Cornerback.” Appeared on numerous shows, did commercials and videos, as well as the HBO miniseries, “Generation Kill,” which was shot in Africa. Hit an early peek in 2008 with the popular Twilight vampire franchise, playing one of its main characters, Edward Cullen. Formed a close bond with his fellow Twilight stars, many of whom were from his Universal Studio horror days in the 1940s, in an unconscious reunion on all their parts. Saw TV as a better vehicle for him in his early career, although his appearance in a blockbuster has opened up the large screen for him, as well. Became a coveted Calvin Klein underwear model and remains a work-in-progress, to see if he can transcend the previous profound unhappiness that informed his earlier go-round in this series. Inner: Happy, competitive, uncomplicated and well-supported, with an unconscious desire to make amends for the psychological scars of his earlier conflicted relationship with his far more talented father. Loves extreme sports and going very fast. Has a fascination with old horror films, unconsciously tapping into his previous go-round in this series. Transformative lifetime of making amends for a stunted earlier life childhood through a far more integrated one, in preparation for a far more satisfactory career in the same demanding realm of magical cinematic make-believe. Lon Chaney, Jr. (Creighton Chaney (1906-1973) - American actor. Outer: Of English, French and Irish descent. Father was the man of a thousand faces, actor, director, and silent film star Lon Chaney, Sr. (Dustin Hoffman). Mother was Cleva Creighton, a 16 year old singer at the time of her marriage. Born prematurely, and was initially thought dead. Had an extremely unhappy home life, with his mother attempting suicide while standing in the wings during one of his sire’s performances in 1912. The following year his parents divorced, while his father told him his mother had died, before he remarried a chorus girl, Hazel Hastings, whom he passed off as the young boy’s mother. Made his first stage appearance at the age of 6 months, although his famous father subsequently discouraged him in his pursuit of an acting career. Spent time in foster homes, until his progenitor finally was making enough money to provide him with a family domicile. Studied his father’s famous make-up techniques, despite the latter’s unwillingness to see him follow in his large footsteps by telling him he was too big for a successful film career. 6’2”, 220 lbs. Worked as a boilermaker, plumber and fruit picker, and then went to business college, and joined a Los Angeles appliance company. Married Dorothy Hinckley in 1928, two sons from the union which ended in divorce in 1937. Didn’t really begin his acting career until his sire’s demise, playing stage roles with midwestern stock companies under his birth name of Creighton Chaney. Only became aware his mother was still alive following his father’s death in 1930. Carried a great sadness because of his upbringing, and turned to alcohol to assuage his feelings of inadequacy. Made his film debut in 1932 in a serial called The Last Frontier. Three years later, he was convinced to begin billing himself as Lon Chaney, Jr. Married former model Patsy Beck in 1937. In 1939, he showed his acting chops in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, playing the slow-witted and tragic Lennie. Became pigeonholed afterwards in Universal Studios popular horror films of the WW II era, with his most famous role in a werewolf drama, The Wolf Man, a part he would repeat, along with a host of other monster films, making 30 of them for the studio. Had the distinction of being the only person to appear in all of Universal’s classic horror series, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, Frankenstein and Dracula. By then he was a full-fledged alcoholic. Often played off the “queen of the screamers,” Evelyn Ankers (Kristen Stewart), although the two did not get along. When horror films had spun their course after the end of WW II, he played both heavies and western heroes, often appearing in low budget B films, although he would occasionally get character parts and support roles in in A-list films. Did a live TV drama in 1952, where he was noticeably drunk assaying Frankenstein. His end career saw him in better fare, particularly on TV, after rereleases of his earlier horror work brought him a new generation of fans. His health habits of both drinking and smoking wore his body down, and he came down with throat cancer, which finally forced him to retire at the end of the 1960s. Worked on a his/story of his family, “A Century of Chaneys,” although it was never published. Died of heart failure, and his body was donated for medical research. Inner: Outdoorsman and an enthusiastic hunter. Father-obsessed, with dualistic sentiments about him, including feeling he had not lived up to his extraordinary reputation. Child-like in many of his performances, as reflection of his unintegrated upbringing. Well-liked by most of his fellow performers, although he also had a temper, which translated into angry tiffs with some of them. Oedipal lifetime of carrying great sadness over the name he carried, while never exorcising the monster within despite the many vehicles he was given to try to do so.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS ONGOING OTHERWORLDLY TOTEM:
Storyline: The celluloid monster creates such a unique niche for himself in the cinematic realm of the undead, that he returns in similar, albeit far more romantic form, to try it again from a heartthrob, rather than a heart-pounding perspective.
Robert Pattinson (Robert Thomas-Pattinson) (1986) English actor and musician. Outer: Father of the same name was a dealer in vintage automobiles. Grew up in a London suburb, as the third of three children, with two older sisters, including Lizzy, a musician. His siblings took great delight in dressing him as a girl and calling him ‘Claudia,’ a practice they abandoned when he reached 12, at which point he began modeling. Musically talented from an early age, beginning with the piano, he later took up the guitar, which he employed in fronting a rap trio. Educated at a private school in London, where he was never particularly interested in his studies. Began acting in his mid-teens in amateur theater with the Barnes Theatre Club, and parlayed his success into a professional career, although found himself beaten up on numerous occasions for his theatrical posturing. 6’1”. Made his professional debut on TV in a made-for-the-medium film, “Ring of the Nibelungs” in 2004. Fired the following year prior to the opening of a play at the Royal Court Theater, then made his big screen debut in the popular Harry Potter series, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Power. Came to universal public attention, after beating out 3000 other aspirants for the coveted role of the vampire Edward Cullen in Twilight in 2008, which was based on another best-selling series. Coupled up with his Twilight costar, Kristen Stewart, much to the delight of their fans, despite his difficulties in handling all the adulation given him, as well as his lack of confidence with the opposite gender, which had him declaring in one interview he was “allergic to vaginas.” Once again seems destined for a memorable movie career, although this time, from the vantage of being a far more nuanced, albeit also more conventional, male lead. Inner: Huge fan of Jack Nicholson, to the point of learning his trade by mimicking him. Earnest, and initially amazed at his celebrity. Act two lifetime of transliterating his earlier middle-aged success, into youthful matinee idoldom, while waiting to see if he can transcend his previous stuttering serial record at the altar, with a more stable sense of domesticity. Boris Karloff (William Henry Pratt) (1887-1969) - English actor. Outer: His paternal grandmother was the sister of Anna Leonowens, who taught at the Royal Court of Siam, and whose biography became the basis for the hit musical, “The King and I.” Had some East Indian blood in his ancestry, which gave him a relatively dark skin tone. His father was the Deputy Commissioner of Customs Salt and Opium of the Northern Division of the Indian Salt Revenue Service, while his mother was the former’s third wife. The youngest of 9 children, he was raised by his brothers and sister following the premature death of the latter. Two brothers became distinguished diplomats, a career pathway he wished to follow as well. Went to King’s College London, and became an actor instead, following the path of another sibling. 5’11”, slim, with a slight speech impediment. Emigrated to Canada in 1909 and changed his name to the far more theatrical Boris Karloff, in order not to embarrass his family with his chosen profession, and began his stage career with a Canadian touring company. Learned his trade in the Canadian backwaters as well as the northern American midwest, while contracting the first of his six marriages in 1910. Divorced in 1913, he married actress Olive de Wilton, in another union which ended in divorce. Exempted from WW I service for health reasons, he divorced and contracted another short-term marriage in 1920. Came to Hollywood during the silent era to inaugurate his film career, which was sporadic at best in eminently forgettable fare, forcing him to do manual labor to support himself. Married a fourth time in 1924 to Helene Vivian Soule, but divorced in 1928. The following year, he finally had a long-term union with Dorothy Stine, which lasted until 1946, and produced his only child, a daughter, who would share birthdays with him. In 1931, after 81 films, he achieved stardom in Frankenstein in his mid-40s, playing the mute totemic monster, and from then on was pigeonholed in horror films, despite playing in other genres to good effect during the 1930s. Universal Studios made him one of their icons, with several more appearances as the scar-faced, neck-bolted, elevator-shoed monster, as well as numerous mad scientist roles, capitalizing on his bushy-browed, faintly disturbing looks. Frankenstein, however, would take a physical toll on him, causing much subsequent back pain from the heavy brace he had to wear for the role, which occasioned three major back surgeries. Often played off Bela Lugosi (Benicio Del Toro), who was his main rival for Hollywood’s King of Creepdom, although the two were never particularly close off the set. With his reputation as a horror icon secured, he returned to England for a shoot in 1933 after a near quarter-century absence, where he was astonished to find his starchy siblings gloried in his strange fame. Able to make fun of his image on radio, where he was a frequent guest on both comedy and drama shows. Completely different from his screen image, he was gentle and generous to a fault, particularly to children’s charities. One of the original members of the Screen Actor’s Guild, he championed safe working conditions, while also continuing to work on the stage in the 1940s. In 1946, he contracted his sixth and final union to Evelyn Hope Helmore, which spanned the rest of his life. Concluded his career with TV work in a variety of series on both American and British television, as well as guest appearances on a number of popular variety and comedy shows, including serving as a host for an anthology series called “Thriller,” in 1960, which revived interest in him to a whole new generation. Achieved immortality of a sort by serving as the narrator on the Christmas perennial, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” which was first aired in 1966. Suffered from arthritis and emphysema in his later years, and had great difficulty walking or even standing. Moved back to his native England from Los Angeles, and died in a hospital of pneumonia. Continued appearing in low caliber films which were shot prior to his death, in an ironic valedictory to his oft-cast image as one of the undead. Inner: Modest, bookish and reserved, he never took himself seriously as an actor. Used to mark his lines in his scripts, a practice Jack Nicholson copied off of him. Well-liked by everyone who knew him, with a particular affinity for children. Gracious lifetime of achieving iconic status by dint of a peculiar universal and Universal fascination with the weird at the onset of the Depression, which also allowed him a domestic stability heretofore denied him, in a well-rewarded life for his peculiar and unique gifts.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS AS WHITEBREAD WORKAHOLIC:
Storyline: The highly popular patriarch parlays excellent business instincts with a gift for entertainment to relaunch himself as a teen idol, like his earlier son, in order to incorporate that archetype into his ever-expanding show business c.v.
Zac Efron (Zachary Efron) (1987) - American actor and singer. Outer: Of Jewish descent, although irreligious. Father was an engineer at a power plant, mother was a secretary who worked there. Enjoyed a middle-class upbringing, with one younger brother. A self-styled class clown at school, he began acting at 11, and appeared in numerous high school productions, while taking singing lessons. At the same time, he attended a local community college, Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, which gave him more opportunities to hone his thespian chops. Began getting guest roles on TV series in 2002, culminating with “Summerland,” in 2004, where his appearances led to becoming an ongoing cast member. After graduating high school, he was accepted by USC, although by then, his career took precedence. Always one of the shortest kids in his class, he eventually topped out at a blue-eyed, shaggy-haired 5’10”, with a lean, athletic physique. Rose to instant stardom via the Disney Channel’s “High School Musical,” in 2006, and became a certified screaming object of infatuation, with his picture plastered on teenybopper bedroom walls across America. Became the first singer to debut with two charted songs the same week on Billboard in 2006, and has been able to parlay his innocent good looks into an incipient film career, beginning with Hairspray in 2007, and following that up with more High School Musical reduxes, as well as original filmic fare. A multimillionaire by the end of his teens, he also has been an on-screen and off-screen duet with his HSM costar Vanessa Hudgens, since their initial co-appearance in the show. Inner: Uncomplicated, career-driven and extremely focused on staying the straight and narrow pathway to enduring fame’n’fortune. Take two lifetime of playing with teenage veneration as a further means of exploring all avenues of show business, in his ongoing desire to be the compleat entertainer. Ozzie Nelson (Oswald George Nelson) (1906-1975) - American bandleader, singer, sitcom producer, director and actor. Outer: Of Swedish and English descent. Parents were Swedish immigrants. Father was a banker who also produced amateur theater. 2nd of two sons, in an extremely tight-knit family. The youngest Eagle Scout ever at 13, he and his brother did a goodwill tour of Europe with them. Played football in high school and college, despite an unathletic frame, and later coached the game. Total straight arrow, never drank or smoked. 5/10”, with brown hair and blue eyes. Graduated Rutgers, and while studying law at their Newark School of Law, he put together an eponymous dance band, playing saxophone, and found his true calling. Played hotels and casinos on the east coast, as a low key singer and leader, before Harriet Hilliard became lead vocalist in 1932, with the two often singing duets, playing off of their opposing laid back and perky personalities. Their rapport was obvious, not only musically but comically as well. All during the decade, he recorded, enjoying one huge hit, “And Then Some,” in 1935, the same year he and Harriet wed. They became a popular radio couple on the Red Skelton Show, while also making several WW II musical fluff films and shorts, including three minute pre-MTV fare that promoted his singles. Their two sons, David and Ricky, were an integral part of their life, and they eventually became a working family. In 1944, they launched the hit radio show, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” with two actors initially playing their sons. The show swtiched to TV in 1952, and they incorporated their real life sons into it. Over the next 14 years, they became America’s symbolic first family, in a show largely about nothing, save for the white bread warmth of familiar characters, who would always greet one another in a ritual of welcome that the country adored. Played the stereotypical bumbling sitcom dad of the time to his wife’s smart-alecky mom, in total contrast to his real life persona, which saw him in complete control over everything he did. Produced and co-wrote each show, while launching his son Ricky’s meteoric pop career by weaving his musical talents into storylines.Also continued to tour with his wife in light theater fare, and also produced and directed other popular TV shows. His oldest son David followed in his highly successful footsteps. In 1973, he tried another sitcom “Ozzie’s Girls,” although it failed to capitalize on his previous formula and only lasted a season. Penned his autobiography, “Ozzie,” the same year. Suffered from malignant tumors, a sign of hidden anger, and died of liver cancer. Inner: Workaholic, with an excellent business sense as well as a need to be completely in control of all aspects of his life. His tumors indicate a hidden anger beneath his seeming warmth and good humor, although it never publically surfaced. The wizard of Ozzie lifetime of combining family and good fortune for a highly memorable run as America’s premier familial foursome, while showing a Midas touch with virtually everything he did, in a well-loved go-round with any of its dark edges completely hidden, from everyone but himself.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS ENGAGING SECOND BANANA:
Storyline: The repeat support performer segues easily into a reprise of his earlier cinematic success, by taking on the subsequent imaginative creation of the same author at career’s beginning, in order to launch himself into similar orbit around a repeat role, and presumably, a more varied later oeuvre through it.
Rupert Grint (1988) - English actor. Outer: Father was a race-car memorabilia salesman, with the same name, Nigel, as his earlier go-round in this series, mother was a homemaker. Oldest of 5 children. Athletic and musical with an interest in science, as well as the normal pursuits of his early 21st century peers. Attended a local all-boy’s school and only acted in one school play, before deciding to audition for the role of Ronald Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, because he liked the books so much. Wrote a rap song centered around the character and got the part. Along with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who also played opposite him in his previous go-round’s Sherlock Holmes series, he appeared in the five initial films, and appears to be headed for a similarly successful career as a lookalike comic character actor. Followed the course of his costar with a deliberately steamy role in Cherrybomb, in order to announce his filmic coming olf age, as well. Inner: Preference for comedy, as well as a wide range of interests, which will probably expand his portrayals. Encore lifetime of strong character identification in the beginning of his career, rather than its middle, in order to make him into a better-rounded actor with the ability to take on more challenging fare. Nigel Bruce (William Nigel Bruce) (1895-1953) - English actor. Outer: Father was a baronet. Born while his parents were visiting Mexico. 6’. Served in the British army during WW I, where he was gravely wounded. Began his theatrical career afterwards, appearing on stage in London and on Broadway. A natural comedian, he often played caricatures of his own overstuffed class. Inaugurated his film career in 1929 with Red Aces, and in 1934, crossed oceans to become a Hollywood character actor. Married actress Violet Campbell, two daughters from union. Best remembered for playing the bumbling Dr. John Watson to Basil Rathbone’s (Daniel Radcliffe) Sherlock Holmes, in the 1939-1946 series of films based on the A. Conan Doyle (J.K. Rowling) classic detective stories, which also featured Mary Gordon (Emma Watson) in a support role as their house/keeper. Repeated the role on radio as well. Ultimately became largely a one-note performer, thanks to the repetitious nature of the characters he undertook. Died of a heart attack. Inner: War experiences probably dictated a need for creativity and self-expression to counteract its near self-destructive effects on him. Straitjacketed smoking jacket lifetime of becoming thoroughly identified with the archetypal character of the blustery Englishman, before returning to use the same author and partner as a springboard for a more nuanced career.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SLEUTH TURNED SORCEROR’S APPRENTICE:
Storyline: The archetypal actor uses the repeat imagination of the same docent to reveal his own double nature as cerebral and cuddly limner of wizardly wonders, as he shifts over to the feminine side of his character to give fuller expression to himself.
Daniel Radcliffe (1989) - English actor. Outer: Father was a literary agent, and mother was a casting director. Suffered from dyspraxia, a neurological disorder which impairs movements, from childhood on, making him feel inept in most of his endeavors, which in turn, turned him toward make-believe and the camera. Desired to be an actor from the time he was 5, although his parents didn’t initially support him. Attended an all-boys private school, and began his professional career playing David Copperfield in a BBC production of the Charles Dickens (Richard Burton) novel. Fashioned his film debut in 2001 in The Tailor of Panama, and the following year made his London stage debut in Kenneth Branagh’s “The Play What I Wrote.” Didn’t finish reading any of the Harry Potter books, until he was finally selected for the lead role, after one of his father’s friends, a casting agent, thought he would be a perfect fit for the part of the fledgling wizard. After the success of the first two films, he became Britain’s third richest teenager, although will have to do eventual battle with a public who often freezes very young stars into endless teenagedom, and cannot let them mature into their craft. The series would reunite him two of the other support characters, in his previous go-round’s Sherlock Holmes series, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, and the trio would become especially close, thanks to the unique pressures of being pubescent stars. In order to break free of the Potter mold, in 2007, he took on the role of the disturbed and disrobed teenage protagonist in “Equus,” to the shock of both his parents and fans, despite getting good reviews for his efforts. Inner: Thoughtful, creative. Return lifetime of taking a chance on being boxed in early with a character, after earlier having escaped the same fate in mid-career, despite playing a continuation of the imaginative output of the same creator, who first trapped him in similar circumstances. Basil Rathbone (Philip St. John Basil Rathbone) (1892-1967) - English/American actor. Outer: Parents were British emigrés in South Africa, but his sire was accused of being a spy and the family had to flee back to England in 1895. Father was a mining engineer, mother was a violinist. Younger brother and sister. Educated in England, although was far more interested in sports and theater than his studies. 6’1 1/2”, slim. His progenitor disapproved of his theatrical ambitions, so he worked as a clerk in an insurance company for a year, before joining a Shakespearean troupe managed by his cousin. Served his apprenticeship doing classical theater, and eventually worked his way up to juvenile leads. Married Marion Forman in 1914, divorced a dozen years later, one son from the union, Rodion Rathbone, who became an actor. In 1915, he traded in his stage tights for a military uniform, rising to second lieutenant while working in intelligence during WW I, and ultimately received the Military Cross for bravery. Gaunt and intense, projecting a sharp intellect. After mustering out, he rejoined his acting troupe, and ultimately became a transatlantic star, with many Shakespearean portrayals. Married actress and scenarist Ouida Bergere in 1926, adopted daughter from union. His wife also collaborated on several screenplays. In 1929, he co-wrote and starred in a short-lived Broadway play, “Judas,” before focusing his creative attention on filmwork. Began his screen career in 1921 with Innocent, and initially played romantic leads. Became an American citizen in 1930. Made an easy transition to sound, with his clearly enunciating voice, and ultimately wound up playing many Hollywood sword-in-hand villains to the studio stars of the day, winning 2 Academy Reward nominations for best supporting actor along the way, only to lose both times to actor Walter Brennan. Best remembered, however, for his portrayal of detective Sherlock Holmes, in a fourteen film series stretching through the war years, based on A. Conan Doyle’s (J.K. Rowling) classic stories, in which he and Nigel Bruce (Rupert Grint) successfully teamed, and Mary Gordon (Emma Watson), provided support. Also reprised the role on radio. Felt, however, he was being pigeonholed, and returned to stagework in NY after WW II. Won a Tony in 1947 for “The Heiress,” before exploring TV drama, and doing occasional film forays. Toured the U.S. with a one-man show, “An Evening with Basil Rathbone,” as a career coda. Continued working his entire life, and died of a heart attack. Inner: Cerebral, taut and aloof, with a decidedly masculine cast. Manly lifetime of running an actorly gamut, despite being largely identified with one role, before softening on his return, to try to expand his potential, despite once more coming into prominence through the same imagination of the same reincarnated author.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS SHAMELESS SELF-EXPLOITER:
Storyline: The brazen stereotype resurrects himself as an uncommonly precocious actor of unusual ability in an effort to balance out his earlier demeaning grinning and shuffling as Hollywood’s favorite resident darky.
Craig Lamar Traylor (1989) - American actor. Outer: Of African/American descent. Mother was a youth counsellor, father was a manager for the Caterpillar Corp. in Ontario Canada. Close with the former. Extremely precocious, he started gymnastics at 2, and began modeling for magazine ads when he was 4. Caught the attention of an agent, and within a week of signing with him, he was doing commercials. Made his TV debut at 5 on “ER,” and fashioned his motion picture debut in a family film, Matilda, in 1996. Came to wide public attention as the TV character Stevie, a wheel-chair bound paraplegic on the surprise hit, “Malcolm in the Middle,” beginning in 2000, serving as a role model for the disabled in an unconscious attempt to expunge his previous existence’s take as a role model for negative stereotypes. Harbors fantasies of being a gym teacher or brain surgeon, but will probably continue to explore the full breath of acting, as compensation for the limits placed on him the last time around. Inner: High energy, versatile, loves to sew, a skilled tailor. Fascinated with the TV Amazon, Xena. Rehabilitating lifetime of showing his acting chops early in order to reclaim his entertaining self. Stepin Fetchit (Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry) (c1902-1985) - Outer: Of African-Caribbean descent. Named after 4 presidents. Father was a cigar maker, who had a great love of traveling carnivals and minstrels shows. Mother was a Bahamian seamstress, who steered her son towards school and church, but it was the former whose influence ultimately prevailed. His begetter died when he was young, and he left home by 1914, and began his career appearing in Royal American Shows plantation revues and later vaudeville, creating a comic character based on shuffling stereotypes of old. 5’10”, slim. Took his name from a Baltimore racehorse, Step ‘n’ Fetchit, and wrote a routine for himself and a partner. When the act broke up, he retained the name for himself. Began in films in 1927 in In Old Kentucky, and went on to play to his white audience’s archetype of the lazy, ignorant, childlike negro, becoming the first African-American to receive featured billing for his willing degradation. Always able to hold his own on the screen, with a strong visual sense, as well as his own exquisite timing, which usurped the action around him, and gave him an odd power. Married and divorced, then wed Winifred Johnson, with whom he had two sons. Made some $2 million during the Depression Era of the 1930s, playing to prejudice, but squandered it on cars, Chinese servants, women and a lavish lifestyle as exemplified by a pink Rolls-Royce with his name emblazoned in neon lights on it. Became the first black actor to have a known life away from the screen, with accidents, brawls and high-living as part of his legend. Denounced by black civic and church leaders, thanks to a penchant for public pugilism and a a taste for teenagers. By the end of the decade his movie career was largely over, and he was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1947, although he sporadically appeared in low budget “race pictures” afterwards, taking a two decade break from the 1950s to the 1970s. His later performances were drained of their earlier energy. Converted to the Muslim faith in the late 1960s, and in 1969, his son Douglas killed 2 people on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, wounded 15 and then killed himself. His car was found to be filled with militant literature. Unsuccessfully sued CBS in 1970 for trying to exploit his own earlier self-exploitation. Given some due in 1976 and 1978, with an award from the NAACP and later election to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, claiming “I was a militant. In fact, I was the first militant,” for his earlier illusionary trickster stance. Suffered a stroke in 1976, and couldn’t speak afterwards. His third wife left him a widower in 1984. Died of pneumonia and heart failure in a convalescent home. Inner: Happy-go-lucky, good-timer, who was eventually forced to face himself, becoming paranoid in the process. Shuffling lifetime of enjoying acclaim and success at the expense of dignity and self-worth, shamelessly playing to stereotype, while reaping the material rewards for it, but not the emotional satisfaction behind his bald-faced sell-out.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS MULTI-GENERATIONAL MULTI-TALENT:
Storyline: The prodigy progeny switches genders but retains parents in an attempt to re-experience an earlier full range of expression from a masculine rather than a feminine vantagepoint.
Owen Kline (1991) - American actor. Outer: Son of actor Kevin Kline and actress Phoebe Cates. Sister Greta also an actress. Made his screen debut in 1991, with Anniversary Party, for which he also composed and sang, “I recognize love.” Thanks to his parents friendship with the director, Noah Baumbach, he made a noticeable impression in 2005 with The Squid and the Whale, with his parents on the set, and proved a natural actor, despite the difficult role, although professed at the time he wasn’t interested in pursuing it as a career. Makes movies with his friends, pens graphic novels, designs his own clothes and plays drums, evincing a wide array of talent. Inner: Expansive lifetime of doing it all again from the same base but a different gender perspective. Cornelia Otis Skinner (1901-1979) - American actress and writer. Outer: Daughter of actor Otis Skinner (Kevin Kline), and actress Maud Durbin (Phoebe Cates?). Born while her parents were on tour. Her mother retired from the stage immediately afterwards, and she grew up in Bryn Mawr, Pa., where the family maintained a home. Tall, dark and stately. Spent 2 years at Bryn Mawr College, but was never much of a student. Traveled with her mother to Europe, where she continued her education at the Sorbonne in Paris. Was deeply appreciative of European civilization, and also had classical training in the theater in France. Made her first professional stage appearance with her father in “Blood and Sand,” in 1921. Collaborated with him in writing her first play, “Captain Fury,” four years later. In 1928, she married Alden Blodget, a wealthy banker and sportsman, one son from the union. The couple lived in a mansion on Long Island’s fashionable North Shore. Specialized in monodramas and during the 1930s, staged a host of them, in both the U.S. and London, based largely on herstorical characters. Achieved recognition as an actress in 1939 with “Candida,” before carving out her own memorable career on the stage. During WW II, she was active with the American Theater Wing, entertaining the armed services. Co-wrote a bestseller in 1942, “Our Hearts Were Young and Gay,” about a youthful trip to Paris, which was also translated to both the screen and stage. Contributed both poetry and essays to a number of leading magazines, which were also collected in bookform. The possessor of a sharp sense of humor, her writings were mostly light verse, sketches, anecdotes and monodramas, but she also did a couple of well-received biographies of theater people. Did some TV work in the 1950s, as well as sporadic films, and retired from the stage in 1960. Her husband died in 1964, and she moved to NYC for the rest of her life, before finally succumbing to a cerebral hemorrhage. Inner: Sophisticated and cultivated, with an excellent stage presence, and a quick wit. Smart set lifetime of taking full advantage of a nurturing milieu to allow the complete scope of her creativity complete display.

*

PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS WIDE-EYED RAPPER AND ACTOR:
Storyline: The jittery jester gives the full breath and breadth of his lives to the entertainment of others, while expanding his natural penchant for clowning into a far more satisfactory vehicle of expression of himself than his earlier playing to strict stereotype.
Bobb’e J. Thompson (1996) - American actor and rapper. Outer: Of African/American descent. The youngest of a large family of nine children. Had immediate show business ambitions, and made his debut as a rapper at the tender age of 5, with his own take on L’il Bow Wow’s “Where My Dogs At.” Took on a host of entertainment names, including Master Groove, and variations of his own birthname, while rapping with the popular JammX Kids, a prepubescent hip hop nine-some. Made his film debut in 2004’s animated The Shark’s Tale, and then in the flesh in Cellular. Came to larger public attention in Role Models in 2008, in what looks like the beginning of a long successful career, built around his various gifts. Inner: Natural performer, with a great deal of self-confidence, and the ability to be completely professional, despite his extreme youth. Self-rehabilitating lifetime of expanding himself far beyond the limits earlier placed on him. Mantan Moreland (1901-1973) - American actor. Outer: Of African/American descent. Short and chubby. Began running away from home at the age of 12 to join circuses and medicine shows, only to be returned. Finally out on his own, he pursued the chitlin circuit as his venue, and established a nightclub and stage act, sometimes as a solo, and sometimes as part of a tandem. Entered films in 1937 in Shall We Dance, and found his niche the following decade playing to stereotype as a goggle-eyed nervous manservant, most notably as Birmingham Brown in the Charley Chan series, where he was his chauffeur, and could be counted on for some variation of uttering, “Feets get me outta here,” whenever a corpse turned up. Pigeonholed as such, he, nevertheless, delivered the requisite humor in those detective dramas, as well as others, to enjoy a highly successful career in the 1940s. Suffered for his success, however, in the wake of changing attitudes surrounding stereotypes, and found less work in film in succeeding decades. Wound up doing TV work and commercials, although found some redemption through the stage, particularly an all-black Broadway revival of “Waiting For Godot.” Died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Inner: Likable and eager to please. ‘Feats get me outta here’ lifetime of successfully playing to stereotype by demeaning himself, before choosing to expand in the less seen, but far more rewarding venue of the stage, as a means of balancing out his own sense of artistic integrity.

*