Welcome to our exclusive interview with Jon Gries, an actor whose versatile career has seen him take on a variety of roles across film and television. Best known for his portrayal of Uncle Rico in the cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite,” Gries has captivated audiences with his unique blend of humor and depth. In this interview, we delve into his experiences on the set of “Napoleon Dynamite,” the impact of his role as Uncle Rico, and his reflections on a career that has spanned several decades.
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.
Jon Gries Interview
1. How did you initially approach the character of Uncle Rico, and what aspects of his personality did you find most challenging to portray?
Self-involved… Can’t read a room… Very much like the 45th President.
2. The scene where Uncle Rico throws a steak at Napoleon is a fan favorite. Can you share what it was like filming that scene, and did you expect it to become so iconic?
I threw it. Best acting moment ever… Not even on camera.
3. “Napoleon Dynamite” was made on a modest budget but became a cultural phenomenon. What do you think contributed to the film’s unexpected success?
Fresh voice from a fresh visionary, Jared Hess
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4. You’ve played a wide variety of characters throughout your career. How did your role in “Napoleon Dynamite” influence the types of roles you were offered afterward?
Don’t know. I don’t have an answer.
5. Looking back, what’s your favorite memory from working on the set of “Napoleon Dynamite,” and how does it compare to your experiences on other films?
Was like summer camp. Totally unaware of it being a movie… We were all lost in it.
6. “Napoleon Dynamite” is still beloved by fans decades later. How do you feel about the film’s enduring legacy, and do you still get recognized as Uncle Rico?
Now and then—The film has a heart… Makes people laugh. Feel good. Why not?
7. The cast of “Napoleon Dynamite” has reunited for various events over the years. What’s it like revisiting the film with your co-stars, and how have those experiences impacted you?
We’ve always maintained contact. Always close.
8. What do you think Uncle Rico would be up to 20 years later, and do you ever find yourself imagining where the character’s life would have taken him?
Don’t know.
9. How did working on a low-budget, independent film like “Napoleon Dynamite” compare to your experiences on larger studio productions, and what did you learn from it?
Different—P.S. I usually don’t answer these things—but oh well.
