Bates University: John Shea
John Shea '70: Actor, Freelance
Known for playing Bobby Kennedy in the Kennedy television mini-series, John Shea, '70 has gained much experience across the Broadway/Hollywood spectrum. Shea considers his performance in the motion picture Missing to be his best work and in fact, turned down many roles thereafter. "They [the roles] weren't worthy successors," he explained. "I existed that way for many years. Then I realized I may only get to make one great film in my life. It doesn't happen very often."
Shea's track record also includes starring in the sitcom W.I.O.U., as well as in the film The Windy City. He additionally earned the Emmy Award for his performance in the mini-series Baby M.. In retrospect, though, Shea expressed unhappiness with the role he portrayed. "Hollywood will typecast you in a beat," he cautioned. "It's part of the Hollywood reality."
Elaborating on this concept, he distinguished theatre from film and television. "Theatre is like mountain climbing. It's not something you can do everyday, but when you do it, there's nothing like it," he commented. However, unlike the stage, "Hollywood is a commercial reality," explained Shea. "It's how you combine business and art without compromising your artistic values. It's a matter of whether or not you can sell tickets to survive," he added.
A drama and speech major at Bates, Shea attended Yale Drama School for three years. He felt that the "psychological difference" between Bates and New York City was too intense. "I needed more training," he stated. "And New Haven was the perfect bridge."
After Yale, Shea acted in various Broadway productions. Preparing for the male lead in Yentl, he once disguised himself to study the lifestyle of rabbis in Brooklyn. "I had to transform my Yankee wasp personality to a Hasidic Jew. That was the play that convinced me that acting was a fully satisfying, creative experience," affirmed Shea.
Since his beginnings with Broadway , Shea has acted in approximately 20 films throughout the world in countries such as Mexico, England, Spain, Germany and Israel. He advised young performers to be prepared for the "hard truth, business side" of acting. He emphasized the will and ability to "juggle" roles. "You always have to keep them guessing," said Shea.
by Beck Shoenfeld: from Career Compass, Vol. 1, No. 17
Return to The Mutant X Warehouse