BIO
Jon DeVries is an American actor with an extensive career on stage, screen, and television. Born in 1938 in East Orange, New Jersey, DeVries grew up in New York City and attended the University of Michigan before returning to the city to pursue a career in acting.
DeVries made his Broadway debut in 1961 in the play "The Hostage" and has since appeared in over 20 Broadway productions. Some of his notable stage credits include "The Price," "The Homecoming," "The Cherry Orchard," and "The Herd."
In addition to his work on stage, DeVries has also appeared in numerous television shows and films. He had a recurring role on the HBO series "The Leftovers" and has also appeared in "Law & Order," "The Sopranos," and "Boardwalk Empire." His film credits include "The King of Comedy," "The Devil's Advocate," and "The Rebound."
Despite his success in film and television, DeVries has always remained committed to the stage. He has worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry, including Harold Pinter, Sam Shepard, and Edward Albee.
One of DeVries' most memorable stage performances was in the 2012 production of "The Whale" at Playwrights Horizons. In the play, DeVries played Charlie, a morbidly obese man who is dying of heart failure and trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter. DeVries' performance was praised by critics for its sensitivity and nuance, and he was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.
DeVries has also been recognized for his work off-Broadway. In 2001, he won an Obie Award for his performance in "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" at the Atlantic Theater Company. He has also appeared in several productions at the Public Theater, including "The Tempest," "The Winter's Tale," and "The Seagull."
In addition to his work as an actor, DeVries has also taught acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. He has also directed several productions, including "The Glass Menagerie" at the Berkshire Theatre Festival.
DeVries' most recent work includes the 2019 Broadway revival of "The Rose Tattoo," starring Marisa Tomei. In the play, DeVries played Assunta, a friend of Tomei's character Serafina. The production received mixed reviews, but DeVries' performance was singled out for its warmth and humor.