Gary Jones

Gary Anthony Hickerson-Jones was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 23 to Kathleen (Hickerson) and Daniel Jones. His mother was a government worker and highly involved in the community with children introducing them to church, sports, and the arts. She was responsible for Gary's appreciation for speech, English, and the theatre. His father was a gospel singer (Minister of Music) and foreman at a well-known steel corporation. He also supported his son's interest in modeling and acting. They both attended his fashion shows and theatre productions. Gary was discovered in junior high school (Woodbury/Shaker Jr. High School) by his Spanish teacher, Mrs. Edna Johnson, who felt that he should further utilize his voice after casting him as the emcee for the school's talent show. Gary was a hit. He was rediscovered again by his high school theatre teacher, John Barner (graduate of Carnegie Mellon). After casting Gary in several school plays, he asked him to appear in a pilot for a television series about teenagers for PBS. Gary started a modeling troupe while in junior high school, where he booked several local and national shows for churches, private organizations, and community clubs at professional fees. This enabled him to attend The Ohio State University where he graduated with Honors earning a B. A. degree in Communications/Public Relations with a minor in Theatre in 1979. While attending college, he appeared in several print ads, television commercials, and television shows. It was during this time that Gary appeared in the major films, The Deer Hunter (1978) starring Robert De Niro, Brubaker (1980) starring Robert Redford, and One-Trick Pony (1980) starring Paul Simon. Several memorable motion picture jobs followed, including Cecelia, A Christmas Story (1983), Day of the Dead (1985), and Glory for Me. In the 90s, Gary would embark on some of this most significant work when following Heartland of Darkness (1992) and Double Dragon (1994); he appeared in The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Not only a major film actor, but he has appeared in numerous television shows, including several episodes of Sex and the City (1998), Rescue 911 (1989), America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back (1988), Babe Ruth (1995), and The Judge (1986). In addition to film and television shows, Gary has filmed several national commercials for General Motors, Hair Club Spokesperson, State Farm Insurance, Nike with LeBron James, Mega Millions, Lifebanc, Buick Factory, Verizon, Vitamin Water, and Comcast. His voice-over work from junior high school has continued over the years with campaigns for The United Way, Ohio Lottery, Toyota, Wendy's Hamburgers, Cleveland State University, and Ohio Lottery Cashier. In the 2000s came the opportunity to work again in high profile major motion pictures. Gary appeared in Proximity starring Rob Lowe, Antwone Fisher (2002) starring Denzel Washington, Alex Cross (2012) starring Tyler Perry, Draft Day (2014) starring Kevin Costner, With This Ring (2015) starring Regina Hall, Criminal Activities (2015) starring John Travolta, and Dog Eat Dog (2016) starring Nicolas Cage. Gary's latest work includes White Gloves, Purple Heart (Announced), and The Shoes (Post-production). In addition to his formal education, Gary has trained with Weist Barron (New York City), Karamu Theatre, Improvisation (Cleveland, Ohio), Tri-C Community College-Metro, Theatre (Cleveland, Ohio), and Cleveland State University, Theatre with Frank Adams (Cleveland, Ohio). Gary was a member of an acting troupe known as Sight, Sound, and Motion, where he performed at the Cleveland Playhouse.