Episode 194 – Unmasking Creature & Character Actor Doug Jones from Star Trek Discovery, The Shape of Water, Hocus Pocus & More - Part 2
Hollywood ObsessedShow Notes
In PART TWO of my fascinating conversation with the extraordinary DOUG JONES, we dive deeper into his remarkable collaborations with visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and the unforgettable characters they’ve brought to life together! Doug reveals how a chance encounter on the set of “Mimic” led to their longtime creative partnership and how del Toro specifically chose him to play Abe Sapien in “Hellboy.” He takes us behind the scenes of “Pan’s Labyrinth,” sharing the incredible challenges of portraying both the Fawn and the terrifying Pale Man, including five-hour makeup applications, towering stilts, and a mechanically operated head. Doug also reflects on the magic of “The Shape of Water,” predicting its Oscar success two years before filming began and describing the unforgettable, emotional moment he stood onstage as the film won Best Picture!
Next, we journey into the final frontier as Doug discusses his beloved role as Saru in “Star Trek: Discovery.” From inventing Saru’s distinctive walk in hoof-like boots to enduring hours in heavy silicone makeup, Doug explains the physical and emotional demands of bringing the compassionate Kelpien officer to life. He also shares the extraordinary bond he developed with his castmates, especially Sonequa Martin-Green, and the heartwarming moment Star Trek fans welcomed him into their legendary family. Plus, Doug reveals how playing Saru’s journey through fear and anxiety became a deeply personal and rewarding experience.
Things get deliciously dark and delightfully funny when we discuss Doug’s role as the Baron in “What We Do in the Shadows,” a performance that allowed him to embrace outrageous comedy and poke fun at vampire mythology. We also explore his very different vampire roles in “The Strain” and “Nosferatu,” his enduring friendship with del Toro, and the dream role that almost brought him into the director’s long-awaited “Frankenstein.” Doug opens up about his evolving relationship with fame, the career milestones that made him a recognizable face, and why he jokingly dreams of playing a dad in a Hallmark Christmas move!
Finally, Doug offers invaluable advice to aspiring creature performers, emphasizing that strong acting skills must come before the makeup and prosthetics.
DOUG JONES – BIO
Doug Jones is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and recognizable character actors and creature performers. His career spans more than three decades across film and television.
His unforgettable film roles include the Silver Surfer in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” Abe Sapien in “Hellboy” and “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” and the dual roles of Pan & the Pale Man in Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning “Pan’s Labyrinth.” A longtime collaborator of del Toro, he also portrayed the Amphibian Man in “The Shape of Water,” which won the Oscar for Best Picture. Other fan favorites include Billy Butcherson in “Hocus Pocus” & “Hocus Pocus 2,” a circus clown in “Batman Returns,” and Count Orlok in the 2024 film “Nosferatu.”
On television, Doug earned a devoted following as Captain Saru in “Star Trek: Discovery,” appearing throughout its five-season run. His other credits include “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Falling Skies,” and as the chilling lead Gentleman in the Emmy-nominated “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” episode “Hush,” a role that showcased his extraordinary ability to convey emotion and menace without dialogue.
His unique talent has made him one of the most beloved performers in science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
Official Doug Jones Cameo - https://www.cameo.com/actordougjones
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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - http://camfrierson.com/voice
Music by QubeSounds from Pixabay
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In PART ONE of my conversation with the extraordinary DOUG JONES — the acclaimed actor, contortionist, and mime artist behind some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable characters — we go behind the makeup for a fascinating look at his remarkable career, from the Oscar-winning “The Shape of Water“ and “Star Trek: Discovery” to the beloved Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus!” Doug reveals why he’s flattered by comparisons to legendary horror icon Lon Chaney, and how childhood idols Don Knotts, Bob Denver, and Dick Van Dyke inspired his dreams. He even shares the magical story of finally meeting Dick Van Dyke and telling him he wouldn’t have a career without him!
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