Jeffrey Jones Biography

JEFFREY JONES

Date of Birth: September 28, 1947

One of the most widely recognized character actors in Hollywood, Jones hails from Buffalo, New York. Jones attributes his love of theatre to his frequent visits as a child to the Stratford Theatre in Ontario. While attending Lawrence University, he performed in a production of Hobson's Choice. His performance caught the eye of Sir Tyrone Guthrie, who invited him to train at his prestigious Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.

After several seasons with Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater, Jones worked in South America and London, and then returned to his first love, the Stratford Theatre in Ontario, Canada. His many years on stage have made him a veteran with such plays as The Elephant Man, Trelawney of the Wells, Secret Service, Boy Meets Girl, Cloud Nine, Comedy of Errors, The Tempest and London Suite under his belt.

Jones' career in motion pictures was highlighted by a 1985 Golden Globe nomination as best supporting actor for his role as Emperor Joseph II in Amadeus. Two years later, he became known for memorable supporting roles such as the hysterical high school principal in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Doctor Jenning in Howard the Duck (1986), and Winona Ryder's father in Beetlejuice (1988).

The '90s provided many more films for Jones to showcase his talent. Strong performances in such hit films as Who's Harry Crumb (1989), The Hunt For Red October (1990), Ed Wood (1994), The Devil's Advocate (1994), Ravenous, Sleepy Hollow, and Stuart Little (all 1999), all cemented his image in theatregoers' minds.

In the mid to late '80s, Jones spent much of his time in television, with regular gigs on such series as Square One TV and The People Next Door, as well as the miniseries Fresno, and George Washington II: The Forging of a Nation. He has also made appearances on television with guest roles on such series as Remington Steele, The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt, The Outer Limits, as well as voicing characters in Duckman and Eek! The Cat.

Filmography:

Amadeus, The Director's Cut (2002)
Par 6 (2001)
How High (2001)
Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)
Heartbreakers (2001)
There's No Fish Food In Heaven (2000)
Company Man (2000)
Robots of Mars (1999)(voice)
Stuart Little (1999)
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Ravenous (1999)
Flypaper (1997)
Santa Fe (1997)
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
The Pest (1997)
The Crucible (1996)
Alien Encounter (1995) (voice)
Houseguest (1995)
Ed Wood (1994)
Mom and Dad Save the World (1992)
Out on a Limb (1992)
Stay Tuned (1992)
Enid Is Sleeping (1990)
The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Valmont (1989)
Who's Harry Crumb? (1989)
Without a Clue (1988)
Beetlejuice (1988)
The Hanoi Hilton (1987)
Howard the Duck (1986)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)
Amadeus (1984)
Easy Money (1983)
The Soldier (1982)
The Revolutionary (1970)