TV stars on the big screen

Coming soon to a theater near you: Stars from your favorite TV shows.
Chances are if you go to the movie theater in the next few weeks, you’ll catch a glimpse of The Office’s Pam Beesly, Jim Halpert, or Dwight Schrute. Or you may see Scrubs’ J.D., Arrested Development’s Michael Bluth, or Nip/Tuck's Christian Troy. All the actors who play those roles on the small screen now have movies playing on or coming to the big screen. (Check out IMDB to find the current films for each actor.)

TV stars are landing movie projects so frequently now that it’s difficult to find a big-screen project that doesn’t somehow have TV ties. And that makes me happy. It seems the film world has finally noticed the excellence happening on television and is tapping the talent. I can’t say I blame them. Most respected film actors started on the small screen, from Leonardo DiCaprio (Growing Pains) to Brad Pitt (Dallas) to George Clooney (ER.)

Years ago, TV stars rarely got film opportunities, as television was thought of as the bastard stepchild of “serious” actors. Now, flip through the TV dial on any given night, and you’ll find a cornucopia of Hollywood heavyweights, including such names as Glenn Close, Gary Sinese, James Caan, Forest Whitaker, James Spader, Kiefer Sutherland, Alec Baldwin and Rob Lowe.

I stand by my conviction that 80 percent of what is on the tube is better than what’s showing at the local Cineplex. I’m grateful that actors from our favorite shows are getting the chance to make their magic on the big screen, too.

To further prove my point, check out this outrageously funny clip of Scrubs star Zach Braff’s new movie The Ex, that also stars TV-funny guy Jason Bateman. Braff introduces the clip with an intro and a shout-out to his favorite American Idol contestant. The film hits theaters May 11. Mark you calendars.

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