Friday, October 24, 2014

John Pappas: As Talented As He Is Ubiquitous

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 has always been a man of multiple talents. If the acting jobs were not forthcoming, no problem. It was time for some stand-up comedy or improvisation. He proved extremely resourceful at keeping himself employed. During the 1970s he regularly made the rounds of daytime talk shows. He was always a welcome guest.

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.

With his chameleon-like appearance, he is just plausible as the evil villain in a spy thriller as he is at playing the guy next door. Typically, he is not the star. Rather he fills a small but pivotal role.

He made many guest appearances on one of the longest running soap operas of all time. He also has a long stint, twenty-two years, as a regular in the same soap opera. Most fans did not recognize him from one role to the next. He played his character, rather than playing himself.

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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