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John Friedrich

Actor | * 03/15/1958 (66) | LA, California (United States of America (USA))
John Friedrich (born March 15, 1958) is an American film actor. ()

John Friedrich(b. March 15, 1958,California) is an American film actor. A talented and enigmatic character actor of the 1970s and early 1980s, John Friedrich is probably best known for his portrayal of Joey Capra inThe Wanderers(1979),Philip Kaufman's film adaption ofRichard Price's novel. A familiar face on television throughout the '70s, Friedrich made guest starring appearances on the police drama series,Baretta, andThe Streets of San Francisco. He also had a strong supporting role in theJohn Travoltatelefilm,The Boy in the Plastic Bubble. In 1984 Friedrich played the lead role of Marshall Weatherly inThe Paper Chaseepisode "Not Prince Hamlet". In 1978, he appeared in the much-criticized disco film,Thank God It's Friday. The year later he was cast as Joey inThe Wanderers. In 1982, he worked alongsideJames Woodsin the prison drama,Fast-Walking, in which he portrayed agayconvict called "Squeeze." Another of Friedrich's most recognizable roles was as Frank Cleary, the oldest of the Cleary brothers, in the 1983 mini-series,The Thorn Birds; based on the novel byColleen McCullough. In both The Thorn Birds, and Friedrich's final film release, The Final Terror, he worked with the British actressRachel Ward. After working in The Thorn Birds, Friedrich ended his film career. The Final Terror, which was filmed in 1980 under the titleThree Blind Mice, was released (after Friedrich's retirement) due to the popularity of its female leads: Rachel Ward andDaryl Hannah. At the peak of his career with The Thorn Birds; Friedrich retired to New Mexico, married, started a family, and began a career as a financial consultant.[1]He also became something of a cult icon as his films developed a cult following. Rumors persisted about him, including one recurring myth that he was working as a live-in gardener for his Wanderers co-star,Ken Wahl,[2]who had gone on to success in the television seriesWiseguy. There has also been confusion between the film actor, and an Australian criminal and former government official of the same name who committed suicide in 1991. At least one website, listing actors (Answers.com) has claimed that the actor and the criminal,John Friedrich, are one and the same.[3] In 2007, Friedrich resurfaced when he appeared on stage at theUniversity of Hawai'ito discuss his films with UH professor, Marc Moody. During this stage appearance, Friedrich shared anecdotes of his decade-long career and commented that he would like to return to acting, to "complete that chapter" in his life.[4].

Photo of John Friedrich
Most frequent genres for this person: Drama | Crime | Comedies

Known for these Movies & Shows

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Movies with John Friedrich as Actor(10)

as Zorich1983 The Final Terror
as Squeeze1982 Fast-Walking
as Alex Haddox1980 A Small Circle of Friends
as Joey1979 The Wanderers
as Darryl Fitzgerald1978 Almost Summer
as Artie Lewin1978 Forever
as Josh Lewis1976 Bittersweet Love

TV Shows/Series with John Friedrich as Actor(6)

as Frank Cleary1983 The Thorn Birds
as Cpl. Pascarella1980 A Rumor of War
as Martin Lonigan1979 Studs Lonigan
as Moxey1979 Studs Lonigan
1975 Baretta

Full Name: John Friedrich
Born: Saturday, 03/15 1958 (March) in LA, California (United States of America (USA)) (current age: 66 years + 14 days)
Zodiac sign: Pisces (Chinese zodiac sign: Dog)
Languages: English (EN, native language)
John Friedrich frequently works together with these people:
Rob Cohen (3x, Crew)
Burt Young (3x, Actor)
Lee Stanley (3x, Crew)
Nicholas Colasanto (3x, Actor)
Brad Davis (3x, Actor)
James B. Harris (3x, Crew)
William Watson (3x, Actor)
Martin Davidson (2x, Crew)
Scott Rudin (2x, Crew)
Joel Thurm (2x, Crew)
Jeff Haley (2x, Crew)
WatchPlayStream ID: PEOPLE:616717, Added: 10/21/2018, Last updated: 03/14/2024