Tuesday, October 21, 2014

John Pappas: The Actor Who Is Hiding In Plain Sight

By Dominique Martin


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

He 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.

He also distinguished himself with his work in the theater. He was a playwright, a director and an actor, all at the same time. In all aspects of the performing arts he has proved himself a worthy player. Very few actors achieve the success that Pappas has on such a wide spectrum of the performing arts.

He is known for playing small roles that are pivotal to the story line. His versatility provided the opportunities to get the acting jobs he wanted. He has not been the star that eclipses everyone else, but he has been the star that shines clear and constant.

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

During the years he was performing as a comic he had a partner. One part of their act was a hysterical send off on a hit rock song of the day. They called it, Short Little White Guy. Audiences loved it. His was light hearted humor absent obscenities. It shows that a person can be funny without being mean spirited.

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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