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The Mercury News
April 9, 2003
Team Players: TV's Unsung Supporting Actors
by Charlie McCollum
They are the unsung heroes of American television: the supporting
actors and actresses who each week make so-so dramas and comedies
worth watching and make good series even better.
Some -- Allison Janney of "The West Wing," Bryan Cranston of
"Malcolm in the Middle," Victor Garber of "Alias" -- eventually
break through into the public consciousness and get the recognition
they deserve. But for most, it's still a case of "Gee, I recognize
the face but . . ." Periodically, it's worth taking a look at these
performers and why they are TV's most valuable players.
CARL LUMBLY
Marcus Dixon
"Alias" (9 p.m. Sunday, Ch. 7)
• Where you've seen him: Although he's probably best-remembered as
Det. Marcus Petrie on "Cagney & Lacey," Lumbly is a very familiar
face on TV and in film. His recent performance as the father in an
ABC remake of the classic family drama, "Sounder," was the stuff
the Emmys are made for.
• Why he's an MVP: The role of Dixon wasn't easy at the beginning
because he was an espionage agent working for the bad guys who
actually thinks he's one of the good guys. Plus his partner and
friend Sydney Bristow was constantly lying to him because she's a
good agent who knows she's working for the bad guys. Dixon could have
come off as the dullest tool in the box but Lumbly has made him into
a totally engaging character, a decent man whose world crumbled when
he found out the truth.
© The Mercury News 2003
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