Annie Walton Doyle
There’s an incredibly famous actor with an astonishing resume – but most people wouldn’t even recognize him.
Here’s a puzzle: which star connects Batman Returns, Hocus Pocus, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, and Pan’s Labyrinth?
The answer isn’t obvious because his face is rarely seen – the actor may not be a household name but his presence in Hollywood is undeniable.
With over 150 credits spanning three decades, it’s unlikely you’ll have missed him on your screen.
What sets him apart is not just his acting prowess but his ability to disappear into roles obscured by intricate makeup, prosthetics, and costumes.
If someone were to ask you to guess the most prolific actor globally, you might naturally think of big-name celebrities like Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, or Meryl Streep.
However, it’s surprising to discover that one of the most hardworking actors in the world is not as widely recognized.
Standing tall and slender, he is a favorite among creature effects teams who appreciate his distinctive physique as a canvas for their artistic creations.
The actor’s career began with roles as background characters, such as the zombie Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus.
But it was his collaboration with visionary director Guillermo del Toro that elevated his career to new heights.
Del Toro recognized the star’s talent and cast him in pivotal roles, including the amphibious Abe Sapien in Hellboy and dual roles in Pan’s Labyrinth – the Faun and the eerie Pale Man.
His physical performances were integral to the films‘ successes, with Pan’s Labyrinth winning three Oscars, including Best Makeup, partly due to his transformative work.
The actor’s dedication to his craft extends beyond the screen – he prepares meticulously for each role, studying movement and gestures to convey characters who often communicate without words. His ability to emote through layers of latex and prosthetics is a testament to his skill and commitment.
While many actors strive for recognition and fame, Doug Jones thrives on the anonymity his roles afford him.
His face may be unknown to most, but his performances have left an indelible mark on the films he graces.
In an interview with BuzzFeed, Jones modestly said: “I’m hired because I’m a tall, skinny guy – with other talents, I hope.
“But the creature effects guys love to start with a skinny, long palette because they can build on it and not make it too bulky.”
Del Toro has also spoken out in praise of Jones’ talents.
“A creature performer needs to be a very odd combination of [a] marathon runner and a mime, who can express himself through layers and layers of latex and acrylic and silicon,” the director told BuzzFeed. “It’s a very, very rare discipline… [and] there are very, very few that are actual actors, in my opinion, that goes beyond being able to work in a suit or under makeup.
“Doug is a proper actor.”
While Jones acknowledges that a career behind masks and prosthetics can be isolating, his hard work has paid off.
More recently, he portrayed Commander Saru in the TV series Star Trek: Discovery.
Additionally, Jones delivered a memorable performance as the Amphibian Man in del Toro’s acclaimed film The Shape of Water (2017), which garnered significant acclaim and accolades, including multiple Academy Awards.
So, the next time you see a tall, otherworldly character in a film, check the credits – it might just be Doug Jones under all that makeup.
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