Jon Cryer: This Guy Went From Nerdy Sidekick To Comedy Gold
5 min readJon Cryer: This Guy Went From Nerdy Sidekick To Comedy Gold
If you are watched a sitcom and chuckled at one of the characters who has always been able to take even most bad situations into top-notch comedy gold, well then likely its Jon Cryer. Over the course of more than 3 decades Cryer has shown not to be just a “nerdy sidekick,” but rather one of everyone’s favorite faces on TV. Have a seat and let us have an insight into the life of this extraordinarily funny man who makes everyday hilarious.
Star is Born: The Beginnings
Jon Cryer was born on April 16,1965 in New York city to an Actress and Playwright. It was apparent at a very young age that Jon got his dramatics honestly. His parents probably never would have thought that their little sunny boy, would grow up to be one of the funniest actors in America with unforgettable comedic timing and as a integral part on some of television’s most beloved sitcoms.
Cryer came into stardom guns blazing—literally, as he threw himself headlong into the world of acting with a zealotous unabashedness that might make even the most ADD kid hopped up on cotton candy blush. His first leading role was in the 1984 film Pretty in Pink as Duckie Dale. And like c’mon, you can’t forget Duckie. Eccentric and always bouncy, Duckie won the hearts of many — hey, so did those dance scenes.
Duckie takes on the Small Screen
As not to float on the cloud for reverberating waves of Pretty in Pink, Cryer did anything but rest. Instead, he became an expert on TV — his passion. After the Sopranos he made his next big move, joining Two and a Half Men in 2003. As Alan Harper, Cryer demonstrated that he was much more than a one-hit-wonder.
That is where the right actor can take even “simple” roles such as Cryer making Alan Harper on Two and a Half Men (above) forever part of TV lore. Jonathan Taylor Thomas played Alan, who was like… the Everyman of awkward and teenagedly cringe-y lives rather than an actual person. However, Cryer brought just enough to make Alan sympathetic and more importantly funny. The way he could deliver a line laced with self pity and humor was pure genius.
Ironically, Cryer won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance as Alan Harper showing you that no matter how awkward or unlucky-in-love the character may be if it is played by and actor with perfect timing they are unbeatable. And let´s be honest, Cryer performance made us all feel a bit better about our own life circumstance because at least we were roomier than Alan!
Comedy Genius behind Cryer: Laughing
Even as we laugh, Cryer brings a great deal of realism to his comedic roles that sets him above the rest. And unlike those actors who are punchline machines, Cryer has a way with characters. So, whether he is a neurotic divorcee or just the quirky best friend next door; Cryer brings it all together with real touch of humanity. It is this attitude that makes him such a pleasure to watch.
This also should be mentioned, Cryer has great timing in his work as a comedian. He has a delivery that is sure to make you laugh but also appreciate the art form of comedy. Think of a perfectly timed joke as an elaborate symphony — Cryer is the conductor who expertly makes sure every note rings true.
Oh and we never should forget his fondness for slap-stick humour as well. Cryer has a knack for becoming entangled in ridiculous predicaments (stumbling over his own feet or winding up in spectactualrly awkward messes), giving an added sense of humour to the performances. He also becomes an example of how the best jokes are often in broader concepts and more commons places.
Jon Cryer Behind the Scenes
While he may often portray the lovable loser on screen, Jon Cryer has a reputation for being very cool and genuinely nice when his back is off camera. He is a family man, as he has been happily married to Lisa Joyner and the couple shares one daughter together. Cryer certainly is not all about the laughs — he knows how to be there for his wife and kids.
Fun fact: Cryer loves social media, where he enjoys regaling followers with funny stories and tidbits from behind the scenes of his show (but not before sneaking in a dad joke). His Twitter account is a smorgasbord of jokes and silliness inspired by his own life.
Next For Jon Cryer
For now, Jon Cryer is still going strong. He has remained an industry mainstay in both television and film landscape. He may be getting into new projects, doing some producing or just having a laugh with his fans but in short Cryer is very much active.
But what could possibly be next for this comedic genius? Let’s hope he takes on a few more of those distinctly Ruddian humor characters. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure though, the future of Jon Cryer in entertainment will be one filled with laughs and smiles — and probably a lot more crying.
So, farewell and good luck to Jon Cryer!
In a medium where comedy swings hit or miss, Jon Cryer is the ironcorn of television. From his Duckie Dale beginnings to his Alan Harper legacy, Cryer has cemented himself as one of the most endearing and talented actors in all of the industry.
And so, to Jon Cryer — ad infinitum; an actor who can make the most mundane of scenes into gold comedy, showing us that truly any man or woman is fascinating if given a funny enough nudge. Regardless of if you’ve been following him since the 80s or just discovered his work, there’s no denying Cryer is a comedic genius that deserves to be celebrated.
Here is to a man who has made us into laugh, cry (to hard), and in general makes life that much more enjoyable. Yes, through that laughter…we need it more than ever…and you do too good a job not to continue.