To some, it seems like a distant memory, while to others, it is still fresh in their minds – seared in by the heat of indignation. Most Americans can remember the moment when the news broke that Jerry Sandusky, a longtime assistant coach at Penn State University, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of molesting young boys that were part of a youth program he ran through the university. People likely remember victims coming out of the woodwork to tell their side of the story – many of them well into adulthood.
Well, for those who wish to take a deeper look inside this dark story of betrayal and victimization, HBO has finally given the go-ahead to “Happy Valley,” a film that will chronicle the case against Jerry Sandusky. So far, Al Pacino has been slated to play the role of the late Joe Paterno, who was found to be complicit in the behavior of Sandusky. While the role of Paterno has been filled, it is not certain who will play the role of Jerry Sandusky, so we decided to take a short at pointing five actors who are built to play the role.
1. John Carroll Lynch
Because of the darkness and vile nature of Sandusky’s character, it will take a well-established veteran actor to play the role – someone who isn’t worried that they might be typecast in the role. When the idea of the film first surfaced in 2012, John Carroll Lynch headed the list of actors who were being considered for the role. Lynch has the range and ability to get into character, and his well-established career will not be negatively impacted by taking on such a dark role.
2. Alec Baldwin
As part of the Baldwin clan, Alec Baldwin may be the most accomplished out of the bunch. He has an exceptional charisma about him, and he has the acting resume that proves he definitely has the range and skill set necessary to pull off this role. At age, 58, Baldwin is young enough to play a younger Sandusky and old enough to be aged through makeup to play the older Sandusky.
3. Bruce Willis
While most people see Bruce Willis as the action hero from the Die Hard franchise, but Willis has starred in more than 50 movies over his career, including the Jackal, Red, Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense and more. He not only has range, but he has an uncanny ability to get into character and sell the role. While most would immediately think of Die Hard when Willis’ name is mentioned, less than 2 minutes into any new movie and the image will have faded; he is that good.
4. George Clooney
Although might consider Clooney too much of a reach, he has an ability to bring characters to life with relative ease. He has the resume to prove it. He has conquered comedy, drama, action and more throughout his career, and he is always up to the challenged of taking on something new. At 55, Clooney is the ideal age to play the character from beginning to end, ensuring the audience remains connected throughout.
5. John Travolta
It would be difficult to find an actor with the diversity that John Travolta possesses. He has a career that spans four decades, and he seems to continue to get better. He has not lost his hunger for the craft, nor his willingness to take on the most challenging of roles. While the role of Jerry Sandusky would be a challenge for many actors, Travolta would embrace it, because he would immediately understand the power of telling this story.
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