Episode 193 - Unmasking Creature & Character Actor Doug Jones from Star Trek Discovery, The Shape of Water, Hocus Pocus & More - Part 1
Hollywood ObsessedShow Notes
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!
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated creature performers, Doug was Charlie Cardinal, Ball State University’s beloved mascot, and a mime discovering the power of physical comedy. Then came Mac Tonight, the unforgettable moon-faced character from McDonald’s commercials that became a sensation! Doug shares how his contortionist abilities led to unexpected comedy roles, and how he landed one of his most iconic parts: the hilariously decomposing Billy Butcherson in “Hocus Pocus!”
Speaking of “Hocus Pocus,” we dive into the film’s audition process, its transformation into a beloved Halloween phenomenon, and its multigenerational fanbase. Doug discusses returning for “Hocus Pocus 2,” whether he’d consider a third installment, and how Bette Midler personally recruited him for the star-studded virtual “Hulaween” reunion during the pandemic. He also reveals the physical challenges of playing elaborate creatures, including enduring hours in heavy prosthetics and spending an astonishing SEVEN HOURS transforming into Abe Sapien for “Hellboy!”
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. He began his entertainment career in the 1980s, gaining widespread recognition as the memorable Mac Tonight in a series of popular McDonald’s commercials.
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 Academy Award for Best Picture. Other fan favorites include Billy Butcherson in “Hocus Pocus” and “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, the compassionate Kelpien officer in “Star Trek: Discovery,” appearing throughout its five-season run. His other credits include “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Falling Skies,” “Teen Wolf,” and “The Neighbours.” One of his most memorable performances was 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.
Throughout his career, Doug Jones has redefined the art of character acting, bringing humanity, humor, and vulnerability to some of entertainment’s most unusual and unforgettable creations. His unique talent has made him one of the most beloved performers in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. A feature-length documentary about his life and career, “Get Me Doug Jones,” is in development.
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Music by QubeSounds from Pixabay
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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!
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