Actors You Recognize, But Don't Know Their Names: Jason Bernard

 

Bernard, who passed in 1996, is another one of those prolific performers whose filmography makes my jaw drop. He started out in the soap, Days of Our Lives, then worked steady through the ‘70s with appearances on the hit shows Starsky & Hutch, M*A*S*H, and The White Shadow, and in the movies CAR WASH, and COMA.

The ‘80s were just as busy with turns on every show that aired from The Cosby Show to The Facts of Life to Cagney & Lacy to even The Dukes of Hazzard. Bernard’s filmwork during the era had him popping up in such titles as WARGAMES, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, BIRD, NO WAY OUT, and ALL OF ME which had my favorite role of his, Steve Martin’s blind musician buddy, Tyrone Wattel.

While Bernard has played many doctors, cops, teachers, and reverends, the part he seemingly played the most was that of a judge. He held court in THE STAR CHAMBER, I WAS A MAIL ORDER BRIDE, EQUAL JUSTICE, LIAR LIAR, and even an episode of Night Court. Happy Birthday your Honor, wherever you may preside.

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