In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« The Closer Blog
Our Team of Actors
Meet The Family
Every actor dreams of finding the right role at the right time in the right show, a part that will afford them an opportunity to reveal their art. This rare combination of character and performer creates a bit of dramatic alchemy referred to in the trade as "theater magic." Though it may not have poured out quite so liberally on me, perhaps I can be forgiven for believing that a substantial amount of this particular form of enchantment was sprinkled over the cast of The Closer.
I am not alone in this belief. Our beautiful leading lady, Kyra Sedgwick, was nominated, as I stated previously, for a Golden Globe, a Television Critics Association award for best leading performer (the only woman so cited), and the Screen Actors Guild award for best actress. Our cast was also nominated for SAG’s coveted best-ensemble award, and there’s a reason for that.
Professionally trained, honed by experience and gifted with amazing instincts that come from a deep-seated need for honesty, Kyra brings the role of Brenda Leigh Johnson to vibrant, three-dimensional life; if one believes in her, then one believes in the show. And one does believe in Kyra: in my case, the way one believes in Christmas. For writers, she is a gorgeously wrapped present that’s even better when opened; for audiences, she’s a novel way of following a story, a protagonist with whom men and women both seem to identify with equal abandon. I love Kyra. She is my feminine self. And living proof that you don’t have to be a diva to be a star. Watch her on Friday nights at one of the cast and crew’s karaoke parties, cheering on those daring people at the microphone as if she were a teenager at a rock concert, and you’ll know what I mean. Among the plus sides of working with Kyra, besides the unique collaborative relationship we enjoy: meeting her family, especially her teenage kids, who explode any myths of adolescent immaturity.
Backing up Kyra, The Closer has a supporting cast of absurdly talented actors.
J.K. Simmons plays the role of Assistant Chief Will Pope, Brenda’s dodgy but mostly supportive boss (and ex-boyfriend) with the same easy skill I witnessed firsthand on The D.A., a short-lived series we did together on ABC a few months before starting The Closer. I wrote the role of Pope for J.K. because... well, I’m selfish and I couldn’t imagine doing another show without him. A utility player, he blends seamlessly into any style and every medium. Many people don’t know that J.K.’s first claim to fame was as a musical star, assaying the role of Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Or that he performed on Broadway with Nathan Lane and Peter Gallagher in Guys and Dolls. J.K. is a big-screen chameleon. Whether portraying Peter Parker’s boss in Spider-Man, Brad Pitt’s unreliable cohort in The Mexican or Tom Hank’s overly confident co-conspirator in The Ladykillers, J.K. can disappear into a part until all you see is the character. His star turns on Oz and Law & Order are television standouts. Not only does he shine on camera, he also taught me the rudimentary elements of playing tournament-style Texas Hold ‘Em, (mainly so he could separate me from my money). Biggest pluses of having J.K on the roster: getting to know his family, his wonderful parents and some of his best friends, which include nearly everyone who’s ever met him.
Corey Reynolds was discovered in the audition process, though anyone passingly familiar with Broadway or Steven Spielberg would find him instantly recognizable. Nominated for a Tony Award for playing Seaweed in Hairspray, and making his big-screen debut in The Terminal, Corey has led a charmed life for an actor. At The Closer, we believe he’s a movie star waiting to happen. What a thrill it is to have someone with Corey’s immense potential — still at the beginning of his career — pursuing his ambitions as a member of our squad. He has made the role of Sgt. Gabriel the indispensable man, the charismatic diplomat who eases Brenda’s way through the Byzantine world of the LAPD. Biggest pluses working with Corey: wild enthusiasm, “go-team” spirit, his love and friendship, Tara, and his musical genius.
Robert Gossett is yet another member of our ensemble who earned his wings on stage. Years of New York theater performances, working with some of the greatest playwrights of our time, prepared him very well for the moral complexity of Commander Taylor. Honing his craft through a host of well-received film and television roles, including the harrowing psychological thriller Arlington Road, Robert has a fearless commitment to his art. He also has the hardest job of all of our performers because he must consistently act as if he dislikes Kyra, a difficult assignment if ever there was one. Robert does amazing things for children in his community. I especially enjoy having dinner with him after a day’s shoot and listening to the war stories of his childhood in Brooklyn. Biggest pluses in working with Robert: meeting his family and his kids, and the occasional outing to a play at the Mark Taper Forum. Robert is a good-hearted friend.
Jon Tenney is another masterful stage actor. He projects warmth, compassion and command without ever stepping out of the tonal reality of our show. As a character actor in a leading man’s body, Jon segues easily from the intensity of a great dramatic performer to the charm of a modern-day Cary Grant, and then back again. Special Agent Fritz Howard not only provides us with a window into Brenda’s private life, he also gives us a running shot at adult romance, all thanks to the multifaceted art of Mr. Tenney. Best pluses about working with Jon: his inimitable sense of humor, his beautiful daughter Emerson, and the ever-so-lovely Leslie.
G.W. Bailey was one of my acting teachers in high school. Never in a million years did I think we would one day go from Lubbock, Texas, to working together on a television show in Hollywood, although G.W. did just that long before I reappeared in his life. Appearing famously in the last three years of M*A*S*H, he also starred in Flo and The Jeff Foxworthy Show between stints in pictures such as Mannequin, the Police Academy movies and many other films I lack the space to mention. Before taking on the part of Lt. Provenza, G.W. spent a considerable part of his career on stage; he still does. Just last summer, I went to see him play Clarence Darrow in Inherit the Wind. Cunning, brilliant and wise, his Darrow made me recollect instantly why G.W. was such an inspirational figure in my youth. His sterling performances as a professional actor have been almost eclipsed by his not-for-profit work with the Sunshine Kids, an organization devoted to organizing fantastic trips and adventures for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Greatest pluses of working with G.W.: too many to count, but being reminded on a daily basis of how marvelously intertwined we are in the lives of others is even better than the huge laughs he provokes from his unsentimental take on daily life.
Tony Denison and I have been friends for over 10 years. Though he can be scary, tough and dangerous on screen, I don’t know that guy. The Tony with whom I’m familiar is sweet-natured and charming, a grown-up 8-year-old with a talent for make-believe. The generosity of Tony’s spirit is on display constantly as he takes the lion’s share of ribbing from the cast, mainly because of his uncanny knack in setting himself up for one-line jabs. Like the boxer he once was, Tony rolls with the punches. And if J.K. taught me how to play Texas Hold ‘Em, it’s fair to say Tony taught me how to beat him. In addition to his memorable performance as Ray Luca in the series Crime Story, Tony also did The D.A. with Mike, Greer and I, and also Playmakers on ESPN. Best pluses of working with Tony: his unending patience, Jackie (of course) and his infectious love of life. Also, if you’re ever in a tight place, Tony is the guy who instantly has your back.
Michael Paul Chan was a revelation from the moment he first auditioned. The geeky intellectual Lt. Tao you see on screen is about as far a cry from MPC’s personality as one could possibly imagine. Allergic to ill manners and incivility, Michael lends an air of grace to everything he does, playing the former Scientific Investigation Division officer with an honor student’s glee at finding the right answer to every question. But you would never know from watching him that he spends practically every spare minute he can find surfing. Or that his real wardrobe marks him as one of L.A.’s casual hipsters. It’s impossible not to enjoy his company, just as it’s impossible to miss his ubiquitous presence in television (did you catch his recent and hysterical recurring role on Arrested Development?). Best things about working with Michael: meeting his wife, of course, and his commitment to making our show feel even more like a happy family.
From Day One, Raymond Cruz took the role of Det. Julio Sanchez and made it his own. Stony and tough, he took a couple of scenes in the pilot and nailed them to the wall with his eyes alone. His tough-guy image is no act, either; it’s the real deal. And yet, though he fought his way up from the streets of L.A. (he’s proud of the fact that he’s never tried alcohol or drugs of any kind), I always think of him as smiling. Smiling with a gun in his hand, but smiling. Training Day and Clear and Present Danger, to name only two of his more successful films, demonstrate Ray’s electric sense of interior danger. I know, I know — I keep talking about everybody’s sense of humor. We have a funny cast. But Raymond has an honest wit about him; he makes people gasp. In a good way. He can be dark, but very, very funny. Pluses about working with Ray: his laugh, his viper-fast comebacks, his cynical asides and his character.
Gina Ravera is the Other Woman on our show and the camera finds her almost as delectable as she is in person. It’s hard to think of Gina as anything but a lady, and she brings a quiet sensibility to the squad that keeps the men on their toes. Our first season had her character of Det. Irene Daniels jousting a lot with Raymond on screen, which neatly portrays their real-life relationship. Unbeknownst to us, Gina and Ray had been longtime friends before they started up on The Closer, and their back-and-forth isn’t too far away from what you see on screen. Gina adds a touch of sophisticated grace to every little thing she does. Or, as G.W. likes to say, Gina classes up the joint. Best pluses about working with Gina: her eyes, her eyes, her eyes. And a sudden laugh that erupts from somewhere deep inside, an unvarnished guffaw that reminds you that, in addition to be a lady, she’s a woman.
Phillip P. Keene patiently sits at the audiovisual surveillance desk playing Buzz, the much-put-upon civil servant that Provenza and Sanchez continually harass. Though this is only his second television credit, he’s performed with the skill of a seasoned pro, instinctively knowing when to ignore what’s being said around him, and when to pay rapt attention. A former Pan Am employee with a pilot’s license, he only recently went back to college to get his degree. Weirdly, after all that, and fairly late in the game for our business, he decided to try his hand at acting. We think he’s doing pretty well, and the proof is his growing presence in the life of the squad. Best pluses about working with Phillip: his deadpan stare at some of the absurd things said around the set (which provokes ear-piercing giggles from the makeup trailer), and his constant disappointment with Buzz’s choice in clothes (expressed with a sad, wistful shake of the head). For fun, Phillip’s has recently taken up surfing with Michael Paul Chan.
Lucky me. These are the generous actors who devote their time to The Closer. And while I may not be the best writer in television, I will always insist that I have the best cast.
|
|
|
|
Jun 24, 2006 2:10 PM
|
|
Thank you for such a rich and rare look into the individual members of your team! It is truly a diverse and talented group! I had wondered about the actor who plays "Buzz", who seems more integral than just a background character. He does an exceptional job for someone so new to this.
|
|
Jun 24, 2006 4:52 PM
|
Thank you for more information on the actors who play the characters that we have come to enjoy on the show. It is always nice to know how they are alike and different from their characters and what kind of people they are in real life.
This talented group of actors really makes this show what it is.
|
|
Jun 27, 2006 3:20 PM
|
Mr. Duff -
I cannot thank you enough for your wonderful blog entries and the the back stage look you give us about my favorite show The Closer. Ever since I watched the Premiere I have hounded family, friends and co-workers to make sure they never miss an episode.
The cast is sublime. So is the writing and pacing of the show.
We love learning about everyone who works on the show, how they got there, and their personal histories.
Please keep blogging. Your writing is so smooth and effortless and dare I say - so full of grace and humility.
|
|
Jun 28, 2006 6:57 PM
|
I love, love, love - this show. The Closer is exceptionally well written, well acted and well choreographed. I hope it has a long, lo9ng run.
The entire cast is excellent - they are perfect in their roles and I can picture no others as the characters. Even Brenda's enemy - Taylor!
Your writing in this blog prompted me to respond for the first time ever to a blog. I often read them and move on. Your insight into the actors and your writing are great. Hope to hear more and hope to see more of the series for a long time.
|
|
Jul 9, 2006 2:56 AM
|
Thanks for the great information and insight to your show, cast and processes! This is the best show and I never miss it. My only wish is that we could get more episodes in a season! Kyra is great and my choice to win for Best Actress in a Drama at the Emmys!
And thanks for the shout-out to Lubbock! This old Red-Raider appreciates it!
|
|
Jul 10, 2006 5:11 PM
|
|
I was so impressed Mr. Duff would take time out of his busy schedule to give us insight on THE CLOSER, I am now writing the first time ever on a blog. This is one of the best programs I have ever seen on television, with superb writing and cast. I enjoyed the first season with Deputy Chief Johnson getting her team together and dealing with every day politics in her workplace. This season, the writing is just as great and I look forward to every Monday. Living in Los Angeles, its been a long time since we have seen another show based here. Thank you Mr. Duff, not only for your detailed postings about the show and cast, but for creating THE CLOSER.
|
|
Jul 11, 2006 1:12 AM
|
This show is absolutely fantastic.
I started watching after the sexiest bachelors came out for people magazine.I love Jon Tenney, he is such a great actor. Him&Teri did make a cute couple, but those were the older days. Teri is my true idol and fav actresses.She really is something. I was watching reruns from Lois&Clark days when Jon Tenney was on there guest staring as a alien from Krypton, I could see what makes him a great actor come out in the role. It was also cute to see them together on screen. Yes. They have a beautiful girl Emerson Rose Tenney.=) anyways now to Kyra Segdwick. She is absolutely a great part of the cast. She actually is the one that brings the show to life and im glad she is nominated for an emmy. GO KYRA!
Thanks.
Taylor,14,Dallas
|
|
Jul 24, 2006 11:13 AM
|
|
Anything I could add would only be redundant, so I'm only going to say "Keep up the Great Work" and please try to extend the season!!
|
|
Jul 24, 2006 6:47 PM
|
Excellent cast and crew. Thank you for an peek into the making of your superb show.
On a personal note, I'm been a fan of Raymond Cruz since Clear and Present Danger and have had a hard time finding him in TV and movies. Now I get to watch him on screen weekly.
|
|
Sep 19, 2006 8:20 AM
|
|
Is Jon Tenney leaving the show?
|
|
Oct 16, 2007 5:47 PM
|
|
|
