Monday, October 20, 2014

John Pappas: The Actor Who Is Hiding In Plain Sight

By Dominique Martin


This actor has been acting all his adult life. With more than forty years of experience in the public eye, most of us have seen him in a movie or TV show. If you saw John Pappas at the local grocery store, he might look familiar, but you probably would not be able to pinpoint where you had seen him before. As a passerby you might even say hello, because it just feels like you somehow know him.

He hails for Northern California, spending his youth in Oakland and attending college at San Francisco State University. Since 1974 he has spent most of his time in the greater Hollywood area. Seems that he went where he could find work in his chosen fields. That was not going to happen in Oakland.

He is a multi talented individual. Not many people can act, write, direct and do stand up comedy. Name a detective show of the 1980s and he had a guest role. He also appeared in numerous sitcoms. He also made many appearances on the popular daytime talk shows of the 1970s as a standup comic.

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

Part of his acting talent is the ability to change face, to somehow morph into the face of his character. This how he has been able to play bad guys, good guys and just ordinary guys and be equally believable playing all three types of characters.

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

He did stand up comedy alone and, at times, with a partner. The routines were funny and lighthearted. Nobody got their feelings got hurt. It was good family viewing that the entire family could watch together without fear of upsetting the little ones.

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

He truly has the best of both worlds. He has enjoyed success and celebrity without the pitfalls of stardom. He and his wife live happily with their two dogs, Golden Retrievers, who have been the subject of some of his paintings. He made it work. He has the balance of creativity, productivity and personal fulfillment. Really, who could ask for more. He has been gifted with many talents, but he had the wisdom and discipline to put his talents to good use. Congratulations to this fine actor. It is a rare man who can achieve this balance. For all we know, he is a Zen master too.




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