James Olson

James Olson is now retired from the business, but in the 1960's, '70's and '80's it was hard to turn on your television and not see him as a featured guest star in many of the top westerns, dramas and police shows of that time.

However, he did more than just appear in many of the classic programs, as he often upstaged the stars of those shows like Peter Falk, Richard Boone and Raymond Burr, just to name a few.

Underrated is an overused term, but it's the only word that I can think of that properly describes the talent of James Olson. Many talented actors like himself tend to get lost among all of the episodes of so many shows that aren't always available to the younger generation. That's why it's good to know that he was also a stand-out in movies as well.

His work in The Andromeda Strain, Crescendo, Rachel, Rachel, Ragtime and a whole slew of made-for-television movies like The Family That Nobody Wanted and The Court-Martial of George Armstrong Custer are actual proof as to why James Olson is Not Very Famous...but should be.

ADDENDUM

James Olson passed away on April 17, 2022 at the age of 91. Thank you to the reader, ebaymaven, for pointing this out. It's always a joy to stumble on to one of James Olson's many wonderful performances in television and film. Rest in peace Mr. Olson. And thank you for your fine work.

Michael Rapaport

Although he had already worked in other mainstream movies and television shows, Michael Rapaport first caught the public's eye as Christian Slater's friend, Dick Ritchie, in the popular film at the time, True Romance.

He has continued doing quality work in both mediums, but always seems to be recognized as that guy from True Romance. This is a shame, for his body of work is quite good and he at least deserves the name recognition that other lesser actors have gotten.

All of his work is impressive, but probably his best is as the racist television executive in Spike Lee's underrated gem, Bamboozled, where his characters enthusiasm for a television show done in black face is both applauding and uncomfortably funny.

Other memorable roles followed in the films, Higher Learning, Woody Allen's, Mighty Aphrodite and the television shows, Boston Public, Prison Break and Friends, where he played Phoebe's policeman boyfriend. However, these titles don't scratch the surface to the originality and charm that he brings to each project and why Michael Rapaport is my pick of the day for Not Very Famous...but should be.

Jeffrey Wright

If I was forced to pick one actor that represents the title of this blog, then Jeffrey Wright would be strongly considered. With a background in theater it's highly unlikely that this talented man strives for more mainstream recognition. No, Jeffrey Wright appears to be just a team player who takes his job as an actor very seriously. And we as audience members are the better for it.

A perfect example of his work is in the remake of the blaxploitation classic, Shaft. No one had high expectations for that film and yet his performance as the villain, Peoples Hernandez, was picked by many critics that year to be nominated for an Oscar as best supporting actor. That didn't happen, but if you've seen the film you'll understand why many critics felt that way.

This wasn't just one movie, though. Jeffrey Wright knocks it out of the park with almost every performance. Check out his work in Angels in America, Celebrity, Ride with the Devil, Broken Flowers, Boycott and as the title role in Basquiat and you'll see for yourself what a truly amazing actor he is.

Yes, as film actors go, Jeffrey Wright is Not Very Famous, but that's all right. Fame tends to make actors abandon their craft and as long as this hidden gem can continue to slip through the cracks, we will be privy to some wonderful performances.

Stephen Furst

As Flounder, Stephen Furst was the heart and soul of the hit comedy, Animal House, but  he never seemed to get the recognition from that film that he so richly deserved. Instead, he has managed to stay under the radar and continued to work in the business both in front and behind the camera for over three decades.

After Animal House, he went on to another popular ensemble, televisions St. Elsewhere, where as Dr. Elliot Axelrod,  he was once again overlooked among the cast that also included a then unknown Denzel Washington.

Stephen Furst is a very good actor that has proven himself in comedic roles like in the aforementioned Animal House, and the mental patients-on-the-loose comedy, The Dream Team. He can do more than comedy, though, as is evident in the haunting role of Junior Keller in the horror film, The Unseen, and another television role, that of Vir Cotto in the cult television show, Babylon 5.

All of these are vastly different characters and one of the reasons audiences don't recognize Stephen Furst from role to role. That's the sign of a good actor and also the curse of being Not Very Famous. This is good, for had he been more famous, Hollywood would have most likely cast him in the same role time after time, and this underrated talent would not have the resume that he has today. Check out his work and you will find some hidden gems.

ADDENDUM

Stephen Furst passed away on June 16, 2017. Sadly, his death played out like his career - not much publicity. However, he achieved in life what so many others have failed at. He was a working actor. And a very good one at that.