If you’re looking for the next up-and-coming film star, look no further than Jon Donahue. The versatile actor has been making his way through different roles in television and film for years. He’s often been one of the great unseen voices in various comedies, dramatic films, and even animated character voice-overs. Most recently Donahue starred in the Ron Howard epic Inferno, the third sequel to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code book series. Following the release of his largest film credit to date, we asked the actor about his industry experiences so far and what he and fans can look forward to.
1. You were an entertainment reporter before you fully committed to acting. What made you want to make the switch? Did your experience in the industry prepare you for the change in your career?
After leaving Nickelodeon Studios in Florida a few years prior, a job that I loved, I was happy, and very fortunate, to find myself as an on-camera feature reporter for a CBS affiliate in Binghamton, NY… I was reaching a larger audience, where I had creative freedom to find, shoot, write, host and edit my own on-air segments to a television audience… I learned a lot. Entertaining is in my blood, so I knew that I wanted to move to Hollywood for my next adventure…and dedicate myself full-time to acting and entertaining. My experiences in my professional life, be it be hosting shows at Universal Florida, or as a television reporter, has helped in one way or another to shape the person that I am today, both personally and professionally. It’s been almost 17 years now since I made the decision to come to LA, and I (almost) haven’t looked back!
2. Talking about Inferno, who is Richard Savage? What is his role in this latest Dan Brown biblical-inspired tale?
Richard is a smart, no-nonsense guy who is the aid to Dr. Elizabeth Sinskey, played beautifully by Sidse Babett Knudsen. She’s a very powerful woman who happens to be the head of the World Health Organization. We are hot on the trail of Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) and Dr. Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones). We do a lot of running in this film! I can’t tell you why, because there are so many twists and turns, that I don’t want to give anything away. As the mystery unfolds, audiences are going to find out who is good…and who is not! It’s a lot of fun.
3. Inferno will be your second movie with Tom Hanks. How was working with him this time around different than your last film with him, Bridge of Spies?
This will actually be our third time acting together in front of the cameras…actually my scenes in “Bridge Of Spies” didn’t involve Tom, so I guess it’s our second? Now I’m confused…which is easy to do. But to answer your question, every time we work together is a blast! He really is the nicest guy in Hollywood…maybe the planet? Can an actor be sainted? Well, if not, they should be. Seriously though, I have learned a lot from the guy and he’s been very supportive of my acting career. I’m very lucky to know him and be able to work with him on these wonderful movies. We have a fun dynamic on the set, he once referred to me as his comedic foil. I’ll take that.
4. Is there anything specific that you’ve learned working with really successful actors and producers who have been around for a long time?
Always know your lines and hit your mark. Oh, and be nice.
5. What are some projects you have coming up this year?
There are a few projects in the works! You can keep updated by following me on twitter @JonDonahue and you can ‘LIKE’ my Facebook page @JonDonahueActor. But I can tell you, off the record of course, that I’m looking into becoming a ‘Taco Artist’ at my local Taco Bell…so keep your fingers crossed! :)
See Jon Donahue in Inferno, in theaters now.
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