Thomas Jane is a talented actor who has had an interesting career, though we’re left wondering if he could have been a bigger star. Jane made quite an impression with early roles in “The Punisher” and “Boogie Nights,” and then starred in the lead role on the HBO series “Hung.” Many of us thought he was destined to be a leading man in Hollywood, but that hasn’t panned out.
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Bullz-Eye.com Interview with Thomas Jane
We interviewed Thomas along with Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven in connection with their starring roles in “I Melt with You.”
Acting Career
“Boogie Nights” (1997)
Jane burst onto this scene with his role as Todd Parker in this brilliant film from director Paul Thomas Anderson. Jane delivered a brilliant performance and was able to hold his own in this ensemble film that featured an all-star cast of some of the best actors and actresses in Hollywood. His character is introduced as part of a classic scene at a New Year’s Eve party with “Driver’s Seat” by Sniff ‘n’ the Tears playing in the background.
“The Punisher” (2004)
Jane scored the lead role was in this 2004 Marvel film, playing Frank Castle, aka the Punisher, a vigilante who sets out to take down the mobsters who killed his family. The character is dark and brooding, and Jane did an excellent job of portraying him on screen.
“Hung” (2009 – 2011)
We enjoyed covering this television show during its run on HBO for three seasons. Jane plays Ray Drecker, a high school history teacher and basketball coach in Detroit, Michigan. Ray is struggling. He’s divorced with two kids, and wants them to live with him, but his public school salary is barely enough to make ends meet as it is, and when a fire guts the majority of his house, things really start looking grim. As Ray considers how to make extra money, a series of events lead him to using his best “asset.” Co-stars included the lovely Anne Heche as his ex-wife and the amazing Jane Adams as his “agent.” Check out Will Harris’s reviews of season 1 and season 2, and then his article from season 3.
Will interviewed Thomas Jane’s costar from “Hung” Jane Adams, who said about him: “Thomas (Jane) and I really just kind of click. I think Tanya’s and Ray’s relationship goes deeper as soon as Thomas and I are in front of the camera and they say, ‘Action!’ It’s just a dynamic that’s very Ray and Tanya that comes out somehow. I don’t know, it’s a mystery to all of us.”
“61*” (2001)
Jane stars as Mickey Mantle opposite Barry Pepper as Roger Maris in this film by Billy Crystal about the iconic home run chase of 1961. Jane delivers an amazing performance here as he brings the iconic Mantle to life. He looks and talks like Mickey and delivers some of the funnier lines of this film. It’s a brilliant film that any baseball fan will love.
Interviews
“Hung” Roundtable at 2009 TCA Tour
Will Harris was able to participate in this roundtable featuring Thomas Jane and Jane Adams prior to the premiere of “Hung.” The exchanges here are hilarious as Thomas spars with the press about his “hung” character and his edgy profession.
Thomas Jane on The Rich Eisen Show in 2022
Here’s an excellent interview with Jane as he talks about a wide variety of topics, including learning how to hit a baseball for “61*”. He also tells a great story about how Burt Reynolds kicked him in the nuts on the set of ‘Boogie Nights.’