Johnathon Schaech- Proof that you just can’t keep a good man down – for long!
Johnathon Schaech is out to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is more than his dashing good looks, great physique and disarming smile. Schaech seems to have moved into another phase of his life into a place of self discovery and evolution. After a series of made for television movies and straight to video productions and his most memorable movie contribution in “That Thing You Do” starring opposite Tom Hanks; Schaech feels he has a lot more to offer. He’s offering it through his business partnership with Richard Chizmar and Chesapeake Films. Regardless of the perception of success, granted he may not have had a string of movie blockbusters, Schaech has starred opposite some very talented actors such as Charlize Theron, Liv Tyler, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harvey Keitel and Djmon Hounsou just to name a few.
After Schaech married Christina Applegate back in 2001 and divorced in 2005, his focus shifted – to fans it may have seemed that he just dropped off the face of the planet. Except for the odd public appearance along side Applegate, no one seemed to know what happened to him. During that time period Schaech focused on his marriage and writing, setting his life up to be successful in marriage and children and now things have changed for him again- for the better. So what has this 37-year old actor, writer, director, producer and Economics Major from Edgewood, Maryland learned since he burst onto the scene back in 99’? It would seem quite a lot.
I met Johnathon Schaech at an after show soiré for the stars of the Toronto film festival movie premiere for In Her Shoes which included Cameron Diaz among others whom we could not find in the crowd. Who we did have the good fortune of hooking up with was Johnathon Schaech. It was kismet. There I was in tandem with Alannah Myles upon setting our gaze on this handsome actor, both agape at our good fortune.
While Alannah was reminiscing with Johnathon about her earlier performance of the American anthem at the baseball game that afternoon, much to his surprise he’d actually recognized her and admitted that her rendition of the song brought tears to the corners of his eyes. Alannah was so touched she was compelled to put her arms around him and give him a great big hug while whispering in his ear, “I’m making all these women green with envy”. He blushed unexpectedly but utterly appropriately as I was unable to curtail the words that seemed to fall out of my mouth “I’m sorry, I don’t really know who you are, but are you married???” for which I was met with hasty adjudication by my female peers.
My femininity was strained by my professionalism and I found myself wincing back into the farthest corner of the room where I’d found some lascivious admirer to lick my wounded humiliation. All in all I managed to compose myself and it was unanimously agreed that Johnathon Schaech was the consummate sweetheart of Hollywood. How I found the initiative to bring myself to request an interview, I’ll never know; perhaps it was that consummate pro!
Here’s your TOP 10 with Johnathan Schaech.
ORLENA: What has been your biggest accomplishment since the start of your career?
SCHAECH: I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment has been being continually hired by the people I have worked with before. As well, Stephen King’s glowing review of a script that Chizmar and I wrote for him specifically was a highlight to my career!
ORLENA: Who is the most inspiring actor that you have worked with to date?
SCHAECH: Tom Hanks was the most inspiring individual I have ever worked with on and off the court. To stand with him on-set or work beside him again would be something I look forward to. In addition to that I have had the chance to direct the brilliant Djimon Hounsou. Now he’s another actor I would long to work with again. So many great spirits out there, so little time.
ORLENA: What motivated you to get involved in writing/producing films?
SCHAECH: To write and produce was so that my ex wife (Christina Applegate) and I could have a more grounded life —then the two of us being actors. The objective was that I would stay home with the kids and write. But, that has changed now and I’m motivated to simply be better then I was the day before.
ORLENA: How did your friendship with your now business partner evolve into a production company?
SCHAECH: Rich Chizmar has always told stories and for me that was the connective link. Together, we wanted to tell good stories, both of us have a lot to give and share with the world through CHESAPEAKE FILMS. Moving forward we will continue to make magic (smile), I know have a friend for life in Rich.
ORLENA: What motivates your decisions behind the selected novels to transform into film?
SCHAECH: First of all Chizmar and I select books that are movies when we read them, even though we have very unique tastes and differences.
You can feel a book and whether or not it can make a great film! To date we’ve set up all of our projects with successful companies, which was of paramount importance to both us from the beginning.
ORLENA: Why does it seem like you fell off the radar in film/T.V for awhile? What were you focused on?
SCHAECH: When I got married I changed my focus, I wanted to concentrate on my writing more and I did. My ex was very supportive of my career path for the most part.
I also started to work with such successful and wonderful people as a writer.
I was inspired to change my focus. Now I’m inspired to be the actor again.
I’m more relaxed and confident in my storytelling skills as an actor now that I have spent time working so hard on screenplays.
I’m going to be like Clint Eastwood (smile).
ORLENA: Now that you are single again, what takes up most of your day(s)?
SCHAECH: I write everyday -Tom Fontana has been such a huge inspiration and friend to me during my growth as an actor. He gets up at 5am and writes no matter what. I may not have that discipline, but I do write at least an hour a day and most days though I write a blue collar day -9-5. I do take time to work on some various characters that I plan on playing in the future. I always make sure my acting tool is lubricated!
ORLENA: Any select works that will make it to the Toronto Film Festival or any Indie flicks?
SCHAECH: I’m certain that a film Chizmar and I wrote and Tim McCain directed, will get into the Toronto Film Festival; if not this year than the following year for sure. The direction and execution of the film took it away from a typical thriller. McCain has always had a certain spirit that I know artistic f@*#s will like.
Artistic fucks like me and I like them! I have big dreams for this particular film and they include the Toronto Film Festival. I love the Toronto Film Festival!!
ORLENA: What can fans look forward to seeing you in the near future?
SCHAECH: As an actor I star in “Prom Night” - it will hit theaters in April 2008. It carries with it weight to be a “big deal”.
The movie “Poker Club” just wrapped so who knows when that will make it to the screen. Another notable project is “Living Hell”, which looks to do something at the beginning of 2008. Finally, Little Chenier and Sea of Dreams are set to hit art houses very soon!
Sea of dreams is a Mexican film that opened in Mexico and made tons of money last year, so hopefully it will have success in the States and the rest of the world.
The movie “Little Chenier” has collected 5 Best Fest awards and continues to impress critics and movie goers. This is my best acting work to date and I hope people get a chance to see it! But with my life, career and my understanding of the universe - it’s not up to me - I have to give it over to something greater.
ORLENA: What have you learned most about the industry that you work in and what do you like/dislike?
SCHAECH: Orlena, the most important thing I’ve learned about this movie world is that you can never stop working on yourself. Never stop growing. Never stop living.
Acting is the art of living and if you give up on it - you’ll own too much regret inside. That will in evidently lead to many a non creative night, this will then lead to “THE END.”
** Johnathon Schaech is far from “The End” of his career, since his arrival back in 99′ it would seem that his true beginning is happening now. Sometimes it takes a few of life’s lessons to prepare us for what we are truly meant to achieve.
By Orlena Cain
