With a career spanning four decades, Jasper Cole has established himself as a prominent figure in film and television, boasting over 120 credits. His diverse resume showcases his remarkable talent. He is best known for his memorable role as Zeke in the cult classic ‘MacGruber’, starring alongside Val Kilmer, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, and Ryan Phillippe, Cole also displayed his acting range in the critically acclaimed thriller *Fall* with Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Currently, he is taking on the lead role of Rodney Garrett in the Christmas horror thriller ‘Final Recovery’, which he also produced. This film, from the team behind the award-winning series ‘Kombucha Cure’, tells the story of a desolate rehab center in Michigan where nothing is as it seems, and a ruthless administrator complicates the patients’ recovery efforts. We had the pleasure of speaking with Jasper about his career.
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Jasper, thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. From MacGruber to Final Recovery, your career has spanned an impressive range of roles. What drew you to take on both lead role and producer position for Final Recovery?
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The role was written for me almost 16 years ago by fellow Georgian, Jerry Lee Davis. It’s been our passion project all these years with many obstacles along the way but thankfully we just kept pushing on. It’s been great seeing it come together from script to pre-production, shooting , and post-production. The whole cast, crew, and team were amazing to work with.
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Having played numerous villainous characters throughout your career, including your award-winning role as Cory Black in The Family Business, how did you approach the complex character of Rodney Garrett in Final Recovery?
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I’ve been “living” with Rodney for so long that we became part of each other. He is like so many addicts who can’t get out of the rehab then relapse cycle of addiction. He’s a good person who’s trying to better himself but doesn’t really have the tools to get better.
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Over your four-decade career, you’ve accumulated more than 120 film and television credits. How has your approach to selecting roles evolved since you first started in the industry?
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In the beginning, obviously; I wanted to take any and all jobs and opportunities that came my way. As my career evolved, it’s now a case-by-case situation. I still rarely pass on jobs, but now for me, it’s all about who’s directing and starring etc. I really want to work with new young creatives as well because I love their passion and new ideas.
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Your work spans comedy (MacGruber, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) to intense drama (Fall, American Horror Story). Which genre challenges you more as an actor, and why?
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I love both, but I feel comedy is much harder. Most comedy is rooted in drama but it takes an innate skill of comedic timing and delivery. I think it’s like singing, you either have it or you don’t. I love to improvise and have fun, but not all actors like it.
As both the lead actor and a producer of Final Recovery, what unique challenges did you face wearing these two hats simultaneously?
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Luckily for me, most of my producing work was done in pre-production so when I got to Michigan to shoot the film, our director and his company made it so easy to just concentrate on acting. Post-production required a lot of my time and focus, along with my fellow producers and our superstar DP and editor, Nolan Elias, and her brother, Jarryd Elias who did our musical score. Our entire post-production team was epic.
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Working alongside industry veterans like Charlene Tilton and Richard Tyson in Final Recovery, what was the on-set dynamic like during such an intense horror thriller?
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I have known Charlene for over 20 years and have wanted to work with her, but hadn’t found the right project until Final Recovery. She really kills it in this film, no pun intended. Her fan base will be amazed to see her in a powerful role. We truly had a blast on set. Her real-life daughter, Cherish Lee, steals every scene as well. Richard Tyson is also a seasoned veteran with an incredible career. All three of us are playing roles outside our usual wheel house and working together was great. After all these years of supporting roles, this was my first lead film role and first time being number one on the call sheet.
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Through your podcast ‘One on One with Jasper Cole,’ you’ve been on both sides of the interview table. How has hosting influenced your perspective as an actor?
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I love doing my show so much. I was a psychology major so I’m fascinated by people and their stories. It also gives me a chance to really be myself and have fun. I’ve met lots of great industry colleagues on my show which in return has led me to work with them as well. In fact, I met our Final Recovery director, Harley Wallen, when he was a guest on my show. It was almost five years later that we reconnected again.
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From MacGruber to Fall and now Final Recovery, you’ve been part of projects that have developed cult followings. What do you think makes a project resonate so deeply with audiences?
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My fan base and supporters are the best ever. It’s so amazing how a big studio film like MacGruber, that didn’t exactly blow up the box office when it first opened 14 years ago, has gone on to gain a huge cult following. Thankfully streaming keeps it out there and during the pandemic, it really got even more popular. On the other side, a small indie film like FALL, comes out and is a summer hit right out of the gate which sort of took people by surprise. I get more recognition now from FALL then any film I’ve ever done. I’m so grateful.
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Having worked in both traditional television and streaming platforms, how do you see the entertainment industry evolving, especially for character actors?
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It’s a blessed time with so many opportunities from streamers, cable, and networks. There are so many series being made that I can’t keep up. Character actors have always been fortunate to have longevity in this crazy business. It took me years to get on a list of playing bad guys so I’m so glad to be typecast.
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As someone who’s successfully navigated multiple roles – actor, producer, and host – what advice would you give to emerging artists trying to build a sustainable career in entertainment?
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I think it’s a great time to be able to create your own content and not be at the mercy of others. Take control of your career and use social media to promote your work and build your own brand. Tell the industry who you are and how you want to be seen.
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Looking back at your journey from your early days to now leading and producing Final Recovery, what has been your most significant personal evolution as an artist?
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It’s ironic that when I first moved to LA, I produced, co-wrote and co starred in a play. I learned that doing more than acting was important for me. I have evolved with age and experience to know that there is no “making it” in life or a career. Living and working all along the way is truly “making it”. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. My biggest regret is not always being in the moment and enjoying the journey as I was already on to the next thing.
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With the upcoming Fall sequels and Final Recovery’s release, what types of roles or projects are you hoping to tackle next?
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I have two new films I’m starring in and producing next year as well as continuing to do my supporting character roles on TV. My dream job would be to be a part of an ensemble playing an undercover agent who gets to play a form of the roles I’m known for.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
I’m on Instagram, @jaspercolesays. Here is my website: http://www.jaspercole.com , and lastly you can find me on Facebook with my name. Thank you so much!
Photographer Credit: David LaPorte provided courtesy of Katz Public Relations
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