Christopeher Stanley - He Did It Again

The enigmatic actor Christopher Stanley managed yet again to reincarnate himself yet again and come to life in one of my favorite shows. For those of you who don't know his name, remember it. Playing the role of Henry Fancis, the phantom suitor of Mrs. Betty Draper, Stanley has appeared in many of television's most decorated shows and has not only held his own, but at times, has outshined even his better known co-stars. Playing a bigoted police officer on NYPD blue, Stanley managed to humanize a complex and conflicted character, a would be hero, fallen victim to his own prejudice. His arc on the show took place during its most award winning era and led to another Bochco appearance on the less successful but equally powerful Brooklyn South where he played another tragic figure undone by homophobia and rage. In one unforgettable scene, Stanley's character came absolutely unhinged while the entire cast stood spellbound; watching in absolute awe as he raged against his partner who turned him in for wrongs he had committed, and then ultimately broke down into tears. It was as if even the regulars understood they were seeing something extraordinary and didn't even have to act. Now Stanley has appeared as a loaded spring on Mad Men and I cannot wait to see what the producers and writers have in store for his character. Anyone familiar with this actors work would know that he is capable not only of the tenderness and sensitivity he has shown in the role of Henry, but also of explosive outbursts of emotion. Like all great actors he has the ability to walk the fine line between life and art. I have no doubt that there are big plans for his character so look out Mad men fans, there are bound to be fireworks when Don Draper inevitably confronts this unpredictable talent inhabiting a yet to be fully defined character. I for one cannot wait!