For the longest time Jay Duplass has been most comfortable behind the camera, and one of Hollywood’s film juggernauts, along with his brother Mark. However, this past summer, Jay decided to step from behind the camera to take on a role in the television series, Transparent, which has rapidly become a fan favorite. The show is built around the story of a trans woman (Maura, who is played by Jeff Tambor) who is in the process of going through her late-life transition. Duplass plays one of Maura’s adult children – a music producer that lacks emotional maturity.
While seeing Jay as an actor may be something new for television fans, he has been behind the camera for years, along with his brother Mark. With him being so new to being in front of the camera, there is definitely some things you don’t know about him, so let’s take a look at a few.
1. Jay & Mark are Considered Filmmaking Juggernauts in Hollywood
Jay may be new to acting, but he is definitely not new to Hollywood, and he is not new to filmmaking. In fact, while he is checking out the waters in acting, he is simultaneously working with his brother to bring a new series, Togetherness, to HBO. Another drama series that combines drama and humor to create a more human experience that the fans seem to enjoy.
2. Jay Got His Start in the Indie Circuit
Many filmmakers enter the world of Hollywood film giants by taking the not so impressive independent filmmaker route. One thing about being an indie is that you really have to love what you do, because there is not a lot of money in it, and putting together work worthy of the Sundance Film Festival and other indie outlets can be an ongoing challenge. Yet Jay and Mark have done an amazing job.
3. Mark May Be the Catalyst of the Families Fame
While Jay has traditionally remained behind the camera, Mark would often play roles in their productions. But, it was Marks willingness to play in projects outside of the family that is what likely brought fame to the family name. He played in some powerhouse projects, including, Zero Dark Thirty, The League and Melissa McCarthy’s “Tammy. In fact, Mark has a reputation for being one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, and not Jay has decided to join the party.
4. Jay Prefers a Slower Steady Pace
While Mark feels compelled to constantly work, Jay seems to be more willing to make a film every couple of years, and spend the interim in his garden, or doing some other lighthearted hobby in order to find his center. However, this current project has the roles shifting. It is Jay who is doing double duty. While the two worked on editing Togetherness, Jay was also on the set of Transparent shooting.
5. Their Father Steadied Their Film Careers
Many people are unaware of this, but both Mark and Jeff were struggling at the beginning of the filmmaking careers. They were editing their films at night while they both held down full-time jobs, but their father believed in what they were doing enough to financially invest in their work. It was this investment that allowed them to quit their jobs and become full-time filmmakers and the rest is history.
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