Jon Cryer

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For the British politician, see John Cryer.
Jon Cryer
JonCryerHWOFSept2011.jpg
Cryer at a ceremony to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2011
Born Jonathan Niven Cryer
(1965-04-16) April 16, 1965 (age 48)
New York City, New York, USA
Occupation Actor, screenwriter, film director, film producer
Years active 1984–present
Spouse(s) Sarah Trigger (1999–2004; 1 child)
Lisa Joyner (2007–present; 1 adopted child)
Parents Gretchen Cryer
David Cryer

Jonathan Niven "Jon" Cryer (born April 16, 1965) is an American actor, screenwriter, film director, and film producer. He is the son of Gretchen and David Cryer. Cryer made his motion picture debut in the 1984 romantic comedy No Small Affair, but found greater fame in the 1986 John Hughes-written film Pretty in Pink. In 1998, he wrote and produced the independent film Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five.

Although Cryer gained subsequent fame by starring in these films, it took several years to find success on television. The shows in which Cryer starred, such as The Famous Teddy Z, Partners, and The Trouble with Normal, did not last long. In 2003, Cryer was cast as Alan Harper on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men, for which he won two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009 and 2012.[1][2] Cryer received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television in 2011.

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Early life [edit]

Cryer was born in New York City, New York. His mother, Gretchen (née Kiger), is a playwright, songwriter, actress, and singer; his father, Donald David Cryer, is an actor and singer who originally studied to be a minister.[3][4][5] Cryer's paternal grandfather, Rev. Dr. Donald W. Cryer, was a well-known Methodist minister. He has two sisters, Robin and Shelly. He also has a step-sister, Hannah Douglas-Cryer.[6] When Cryer was twelve years old, he decided that he wanted to become an actor.[7] When his mother heard this, she thought he should have a backup plan, and joked: "Plumbing is a pretty good career."[6] Cryer attended Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center for several summers as a teenager,[8] and is a 1983 graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. He was classmates with screenwriter and film director Boaz Yakin.[9] To his mother's "great disappointment", Cryer skipped college and went to study acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, United Kingdom.[10]

Career [edit]

Cryer's first professional acting effort was as David in the Broadway play Torch Song Trilogy, replacing Matthew Broderick, who he "closely resembled".[11] Cryer was later an understudy and replacement for Broderick in Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs in 1989. This resemblance to Broderick became something of a running joke,[12][13] even referenced numerous times on his hit series Two and a Half Men, where his character posed as Broderick in order to get star treatment on various occasions.

Cryer at the Los Angeles premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest in 2006

At age 19, Cryer appeared in the 1984 romantic comedy film No Small Affair, in the lead role as Charles Cummings.[14] He went on to have small roles in films and television movies, and he made his breakthrough as Phil "Duckie" Dale in the John Hughes-scripted film Pretty in Pink.[15] In an interview with the Daily News, Cryer's mother said that after Pretty in Pink, she started getting calls from teenage girls from all over the world, who would leave hysterical, giggling messages on her answering machine.[6] In 1989, he got the lead role in the TV comedy series, The Famous Teddy Z. His performance gained poor reviews[16] and the show was canceled after the first season.[16]

One year later, he starred with Charlie Sheen in the Jim Abrahams comedy Hot Shots!,[7] which was received very positively.[17] Cryer is frequently linked to the Brat Pack.[18] In a March 2009 interview on Anytime with Bob Kushell, Cryer stated that he had auditioned for St. Elmo's Fire but was not cast in a role.[19] In 1993, he was asked to audition for the role of Chandler Bing on Friends, while doing a play in London. His reading was videotaped by a British casting agent but the tape failed to arrive in the U.S. before the network had made its final decision.[7]

In 1995, he was cast as Bob in the sitcom Partners, which, like his prior show The Famous Teddy Z, was canceled after its first season. In an interview with Time Out New York he stated, "Hey, every show I'm in goes down. Think about this: George Clooney was in 28 pilots, or something. It means nothing".[6] After guest starring on shows such as Dharma & Greg and The Outer Limits, he successfully wrote and produced the film, Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five. It debuted in 1998 at the Los Angeles Film Festival and gained positive reviews from critics.[20] Leonard Maltin from Playboy Magazine called it "A breath of fresh air".[21] In 2000, he was cast as the lead in a comedy series called Trouble With Normal. For the third time, Cryer starred in a show which was canceled after its first season.[22]

Cryer's long run of unsuccessful TV projects finally ended three years later. Against the wishes of CBS executives (who were aware of his past failures), he was cast in 2003 to portray Alan Harper on the hit comedy series Two and a Half Men. To date, he has earned seven Primetime Emmy Award[23] nominations and two wins[1] for his acting work on the show.[2] In a comment on the show's high ratings, he said: "When you’re on a show that's fighting for survival every week, you stop trusting your instincts, because you think, ‘My instincts haven't worked so far.’ But when people clearly like the show and are watching it in great numbers, it takes a huge amount of pressure off you. It allows you to trust your instincts and go with what has worked for you before."[7] After former co-star Charlie Sheen's departure from the series, Cryer's character has since become the show's central character, mainly due to the show's retooled plot. Before being cast for Two and a Half Men, Cryer auditioned for the role of Gaius Baltar on the Sci-Fi Channel's reimagined Battlestar Galactica, but the role went to James Callis.[24] In 2008, Cryer appeared with Laurence Fishburne and James Cromwell in the film Tortured,[25] and in 2009 co-starred with James Spader in the film Shorts.[26]

Cryer made a guest appearance on the sitcom series Husbands in its second season.[27] He was initially cast to voice the lead character in the DisneyToon Studios animated film Planes, a spin-off of Pixar's Cars,[28] but later dropped out and was replaced by Dane Cook.[29][30]

Personal life [edit]

Cryer with wife Lisa Joyner in September 2011

Cryer married British actress Sarah Trigger in 1999, with whom he has a son, Charlie Austin.[6] The pair divorced in 2004. In February 2007, on an episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he announced that he would marry entertainment reporter Lisa Joyner; the couple married in Mexico[6] in June 2007.[31][32] On September 29, 2009, Jon and Lisa announced that they adopted a baby girl, whom they named Daisy.[33][34]

During the 2008 presidential election campaign, Cryer attended a fundraiser hosted by the McCain campaign and, according to most news reports, endorsed Senator John McCain.[35][36] Cryer's spokeswoman, Karen Sanfilippohis, stated: "Jon is not a Republican. The mistake was made because in 2008 he attended events for both parties. It seems the Republican Party was very quick to align him with their group of supporters. He did attend events for both parties, because he wanted to hear what both sides had to say. He's not really political."[37]

Film [edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1984 No Small Affair Charles Cummings
1985 Noon Wine Teenage Herbert
1985 O.C. and Stiggs Randall Schwab Jr.
1986 Pretty in Pink Phil "Duckie" Dale
1987 Morgan Stewart's Coming Home Morgan Stewart
1987 Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Lenny Luthor
1987 Dudes Grant
1987 Hiding Out Andrew Morenski
Max Hauser
1988 Rap Master Ronnie: A Report Card
1989 Penn & Teller Get Killed Frat boy
1991 Hot Shots! Jim "Wash Out" Pfaffenbach
1993 The Waiter Tommy Kazdan
1993 Heads Guy Franklin
1996 The Pompatus of Love Mark Writer
1996 Cannes Man Himself
1997 Plan B Stuart Winer
1998 Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five Daniel Writer and producer
1998 Holy Man Barry
2000 Clayton
2001 Glam Jimmy Pells
2003 The Metro Chase Mr. Stamm
2008 Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs and a Baby Richard Pig Voice
2008 Tortured Brian
2009 Weather Girl Charles
2009 Shorts Dad Thompson
2009 Stay Cool Javier
2010 Due Date Dr. Alan Harper Cameo
2013 Ass Backwards Dean Morris

Television [edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1986 Amazing Stories Phil Episode: "Miscalculation"
1989–1990 The Famous Teddy Z Teddy Zakalokis
1995–1996 Partners Bob Producer
1996 The Outer Limits Trevor McPhee Episode: "Vanishing Act"
1997 It's Good to Be King Mort
1997 Dharma & Greg Brian Episode: "Shower the People You Love with Love"
1998 Getting Personal Sam Wagner Producer
Episode: "Sam I Am"
1998 Hercules: The Animated Series The Winged Wolves Voice
Episode: "Hercules and the Underworld Takeover"
1998 Mr. Show with Bob & David Duckie Episode: "It's Perfectly Understandishable"
1998 Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place Justin Episode: "Two Guys, a Girl and a Thanksgiving"
2000 Family Guy Kevin Swanson Voice
Episode: "A Hero Sits Next Door"
2000–2001 The Trouble With Normal Zack Mango
2002 Andy Richter Controls the Universe Lemuel Praeger Episode: "Gimme a C"
2002 Practice, TheThe Practice Terry Pender Episode: "Of Thee I Sing"
2003 Becker Roger Episode: "Chris' Ex"
2003 Hey Joel Joel Stein Voice
2003 Stripperella Voice
2003–present Two and a Half Men Dr. Alan Harper Lead Role; Directed three episodes
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2009)
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2012)
Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011)
Nominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series (2012)
2005 Danny Phantom Freakshow Voice
Episode: "Reality Trip"
2006 American Dad! Quacky Voice
Episode: "It's Good to Be The Queen"
2006 Danny Phantom Freakshow Voice
Episode: "Control Freaks"
2008 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Himself Cameo
2010 Hannah Montana Kenneth Truscott Episode: "The Wheel Near My Bed (Keeps on Turnin')"
2010 Family Guy Himself Voice
Episode: "Brian Griffin's House of Payne"
2011 Hannah Montana Kenneth Truscott Episodes: "I Am Mamaw, Hear Me Roar!"

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b Silverman, Stephen M. (2009-09-20). "Kristin Chenoweth, Jon Cryer Are Emmy Night's First Winners". People (People.com). Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  2. ^ a b "Jon Cryer Wins Emmy". Two and a Half Men Fan Site. 21 September 2009. Retrieved 2012-12-08. 
  3. ^ "Jon Cryer Biography (1965-)". Filmreference. Retrieved July 16, 2008. 
  4. ^ Thompson, Donald Eugene (1981). Indiana authors and their books, 1967-1980. Wabash College. p. 90. ISBN 99904-4-038-7. 
  5. ^ Conn, Suzy (20 February 2005). "More on Gretchen Cryer". Blogway Baby. Retrieved 2010-11-12. 
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Jon Cryer - Profile, Latest News and Related Articles". Notes. E! Online. Retrieved 2008-08-22. [dead link]
  7. ^ a b c d Juba, Scott (26 March 2006). "Interview: Jon Cryer: Failed Friend Who Became a Man". The Trades. Retrieved 2008-08-21. 
  8. ^ "Alumni". Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center. Retrieved 2011-12-08. 
  9. ^ "5th Annual Report on Black/Jewish Relations in the United States". Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. 2001. Retrieved 2011-12-08. 
  10. ^ "In Step With: Jon Cryer". Parade (Parade.com). 18 April 2004. Retrieved 2011-12-08. 
  11. ^ Jon Cryer — Bibliography
  12. ^ Jon Cryer Totally Looks Like Matthew Broderick
  13. ^ Who does Jon Cryer look more like?
  14. ^ Maslin, Janet (9 November 1984). "No Small Affair (1984)". The New York Times (NYTimes.com). Retrieved 2008-09-14. 
  15. ^ Bierly, Mandi (2006-08-23). "Don't You Forget About Duckie". Entertainment Weekly (ew.com). Retrieved 2008-09-13. 
  16. ^ a b Tucker, Ken (1990-05-25). "TV Review - The Famous Teddy Z". Entertainment Weekly (ew.com). Retrieved 2008-08-22. 
  17. ^ "Hot Shots! (1991)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2008-09-13. 
  18. ^ Lurie, Karen (2002). "Brat Pack". St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture (Gale Group). Retrieved 2008-09-13. 
  19. ^ "Anytime with Bob Kushell feat. Jon Cryer". Anytime with Bob Kushell. Season 2. Episode 1. 2009-03-17.
  20. ^ "Went to Coney Island on a Mission From God... Be Back By Five (1998)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 22, 2008. 
  21. ^ "The Cover of Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five". HD Magazine. Retrieved June 22, 2008. 
  22. ^ Coleridge, Daniel R. (23 July 2003). "Sheen and Cryer: Sitcom Survivors". TV Guide (TVGuide.com). Retrieved 2008-09-14. 
  23. ^ "Jon Cryer Emmy Award Nominee". emmys.com. Retrieved 2012-10-17. 
  24. ^ Adam B. Vary (20 March 2009). "The Beginning of the End: A 'Battlestar Galactica' Oral History". Entertainment Weekly (ew.com). p. 42. Retrieved 2011-12-08. 
  25. ^ Borys Kit (15 May 2007). "Cryer, Denton "Tortured" by thriller". Hollywood Reporter (Reuters). Retrieved 2011-12-08. 
  26. ^ Hilton, Beth (2008-05-30). "Cryer, Spader join Rodriguez's 'Shorts'". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 22, 2008. 
  27. ^ Hollywood Stars Drop in on Male Newylweds in ‘Husbands’, Tubefilter.com, retrieved August 18, 2012 
  28. ^ DeMott, Rick (August 23, 2011). "Jon Cryer Leads Voice Cast For DisneyToon's Planes". DisneyToon Studio via Animation World Network. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  29. ^ "Disney Sets Theatrical Release Date For 'Planes'". Retrieved January 16, 2013. 
  30. ^ "Dane Cook Leads the Voice Cast for Disney's Planes". Retrieved February 28, 2013. 
  31. ^ April MacIntyre (17 June 2007). "Jon Cryer marries Lisa Joyner". Monstersand Critics. Retrieved 2011-12-08. 
  32. ^ Wang, Cynthia (13 April 2007). "Jon Cryer of Two and a Half Men to Wed in Summer". People (People.com). Retrieved 2008-08-21. 
  33. ^ Everett, Cristina (29 September 2009). "'Two and a Half Men' star Jon Cryer and wife Lisa Joyner adopt baby girl". nydailynews.com. Retrieved 2012-10-17. 
  34. ^ "Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer wants his ex-wife left homeless, lawyer claims". News Limited. 8 May 2010. Retrieved 2012-10-17. 
  35. ^ Stephen Dinan and Ralph Z. Hallow (22 August 2008). "Hollywood conservatives to rally for McCain". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2011-12-08. 
  36. ^ "Celebrity endorsements in the 2012 presidential campaign". thehill.com. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 2012-10-17. 
  37. ^ Emily Goodin (17 November 2011). "Conservative celebs mostly not yet committed for 2012 presidential race". The Hill (thehill.com). Retrieved 2011-12-08. 

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