We all change in appearance in the course of a lifetime, but for an actor, that physical change from teenager to adult can determine the types of parts offered. Case in point - Warren Berlinger.
As a young performer he fit the leading man mold, thrusting him into major roles in teen angst dramas that were the norm of the time. With movies like Blue Demin and Because They're Young, Warren Berlinger appeared to be on the same career path as Dennis Hopper. The difference, though, was that Hopper's performances were cold and intense, while Mr. Berlinger's more charming and lovable.
And that is probably why as this wonderful actor matured, Hollywood saw him more as a supporting type casting him in guest starring roles in mostly television comedies that ranged from The Joey Bishop Show to Love American Style.
This author first noticed Warren Berlinger in a short-lived television show called The Funny Side. That was well over forty years ago and while I don't remember much about the series, I do remember him as a very gifted comic actor. And to recently discover some of his early dramas, it was a no-brainer to include him in this blog dedicated to the real working actors in the entertainment field.
As a young performer he fit the leading man mold, thrusting him into major roles in teen angst dramas that were the norm of the time. With movies like Blue Demin and Because They're Young, Warren Berlinger appeared to be on the same career path as Dennis Hopper. The difference, though, was that Hopper's performances were cold and intense, while Mr. Berlinger's more charming and lovable.
And that is probably why as this wonderful actor matured, Hollywood saw him more as a supporting type casting him in guest starring roles in mostly television comedies that ranged from The Joey Bishop Show to Love American Style.
This author first noticed Warren Berlinger in a short-lived television show called The Funny Side. That was well over forty years ago and while I don't remember much about the series, I do remember him as a very gifted comic actor. And to recently discover some of his early dramas, it was a no-brainer to include him in this blog dedicated to the real working actors in the entertainment field.
A special thanks to an Anonymous reader who pointed out to me that I had spelled Mr. Berlinger's name wrong. It has been corrected. Sometimes in proof reading the obvious mistake is the hardest to find. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. Greetings from Germany
DeleteMy biggest memory of him is from an episode of Happy Days in which he played an Army drill instructor. He was hilarious in the role.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is a very good comic actor, but his early dramatic work is quite good as well.
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