Is In Everything

Samuel L. Jackson is in Everything.

When he spoofed Danny Glover in Loaded Weapon, I didn't really know who he was but thought he was very funny. I think it was with Pulp Fiction that he achieved the level of popularity he now has, and his memorable lines from that film are forever cemented in my mind. From that point I started noticing him in films, even ones I'd seen already such as Jurassic Park, Goodfellas, and Patriot Games, all of which yielded the reaction of, “he was in that?” Since then he's starred in A Time to Kill, Shaft, Unbreakable, Star Wars Episode I and the other prequels, and The Incredibles. Looking at his filmography, one can see that these are just a few highlights. And as I continue to catch up on films I haven't seen, I'm sure I'll continue having the “He was in that?” reaction like I did just last week when I finally saw Do the Right Thing.


Daniel Dae Kim is in Everything.

Fans of Angel probably remember his role as an evil lawyer, which is where I too first noticed his work. After leaving the show he appeared in some television phone ads before landing a recurring role as a serious and reliable Agent Baker on 24. On the big screen he's had supporting roles in The Hulk and Spider-man 2, and his most recent work has been part of the eclectic ensemble on Lost. A few months ago I rented 1997's The Jackal and was surprised to see him in a significant supporting role as a very cool sniper. He's not in the same class as Sam Jacks yet, but his career could conceivably reach the point that once he's noticed by the mainstream public, people will be surprised how much is on his resume.


Adam Baldwin is in Everything

Though he's been acting since the early ‘80s, I didn't notice his work until he had a recurring role as a super-soldier on the last few seasons of The X-files. From there he went on to play Jayne Cobb on the cult hit Firefly, the role I'd wager contributed the most to his being as well-known as he is today. Fans like myself are no doubt eagerly anticipating the exploits of his gruff anti-hero in the upcoming film version, Serenity. Adam's currently starring as part of a team of FBI profilers on The Inside, a show with such interesting characters and great plots that if it was on any other network than FOX it wouldn't be airing in the Summer. It's GOOD and it airs Wednesdays at 9, so I suggest catching it before they cancel it and replace it with either a reality show or some series about teenagers who live on a beach and have money so they can spend their free time having relationships while experiencing angst about their hard lives. As for Adam Baldwin, he keeps popping up. A few months ago I caught him in 1987's Full Metal Jacket, and according to his filmography he was in the absurd Independence Day, though I'm not certain I remember his role.

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As I wrote tonight's post, I had a strong sense of Deja Vu, especially on the Dae Kim section. I may have written something similar, but I couldn't find it in my archives. Hopefully I didn't repeat myself too much. There are dozens of actors who gain popularity after they've been around a long time. Steve Buscemi comes to mind, as does Joe Pantoliano. Who are some of your favorite stars whose careers exceed their popularity? And who do you like now that a lot of people might not know of, that you think will someday be a household name?