Jon Gries Q&A: The Man Behind Uncle Rico

Jon Gries is an accomplished actor, writer, and director with a career spanning over four decades. Born in Glendale, California, on June 17, 1957, Gries comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His father, Tom Gries, was a renowned director, which helped shape Jon’s early interest in acting.

Gries’ breakthrough role came in the 1980s with his performance in “Real Genius” and “The Monster Squad.” However, it was his portrayal of Uncle Rico in the 2004 film “Napoleon Dynamite” that solidified his place in pop culture. Uncle Rico, a character obsessed with his high school football days, is both comedic and tragic, capturing the essence of a man who cannot move beyond his past. Gries’ nuanced performance brought this character to life, making Uncle Rico a fan favorite and a cultural icon.

Beyond “Napoleon Dynamite,” Jon Gries has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Lost,” “The Pretender,” and “Dream Corp LLC.” His versatility as an actor is evident in the wide range of characters he has portrayed, from villains to lovable misfits. Gries continues to work in the industry, contributing his talents both in front of and behind the camera.