Okay, I’ve got a whole gaggle of Paul Ben-Victor news to share with you, so let’s get started.
First, let’s get the bad news out the way. I’m sorry to report that, after only nine episodes, John from Cincinnati has been cancelled. Even though Paul’s character, Palaka, has been praised, the show itself hasn’t been getting many good reviews and it just couldn’t seem to find its audience.
Now for some good news. The Foxhole site has a really great podcast interview with Paul. In it they cover a whole range of topics from John from Cincinnati to The Wire to how Paul got his start in show biz and more. The podcast is an hour long and I should warn you that there are a couple of swear words in this interview.
In addition, there are a couple of links given during the course of the interview. One is to Paul’s old Atari video game commercial (You might remember that one from when I posted the link on The Invisible Man Online back in September of last year.) and the other is to Paul’s father’s photography website. Note: If you click on those links during the podcast, you’ll have to restart the podcast from the very beginning each time. It doesn’t pick up where it left off. So for your convenience, I’ve included the links below. Now you can listen to the podcast without interruption and then come here to click on the links or vice versa.
Foxhole Podcast Interview with Paul Ben-Victor
Here’s the link to the Atari video game commercial that Paul did many years ago (note the hair). His costar is a very young Elisabeth Shue.
Atari Video Game Commercial
Paul’s father, Victor Friedman, has been a photographer for over 40 years. You can view his work at the link below. Warning: There is some nudity.
Victor Friedman Photography
Paul’s Upcoming Projects
In the above podcast interview Paul mentions that he will be back in season five of The Wire in his role as Vondas. He will be in at least three episodes, possibly four. No word yet on when season five will start or which episodes Paul will appear in.
While one series ends for Paul, another series is getting underway. In Plain Sight is a USA original series being shot in New Mexico. It’s the story of a no-nonsense federal marshal who masquerades as a parking attendent, but really works in the witness protection branch of the FBI. It is purported to possibly start after the new year. Here are a couple of articles about the filming of the pilot:
Albuquerque Journal: TV Pilot to be Filmed Here
Valencia County News-Bulletin: Highland Meadows Gets Visit From Hollywood Crew
In the feature film arena, Paul appears in the movie Randy and the Mob, which is scheduled to be released in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 21, 2007. According to the official website, which is still under construction, there will be a national tour to promote the film. In the meantime, go check out the trailer that is up at the official site.
Official Randy & the Mob Website
Paul’s Website
Last, but certainly not least, if you haven’t been to Paul’s website in a while, go on over and pay it a visit. While still under construction, Paul’s website has been given a whole new look. Do some exploring and you’ll find some really great info about Paul’s character Bobby Hobbes. I’ve found that the site can be extremely slow sometimes in loading the links, but if you click one of the small pictures under Paul’s demo reel, you can get into the rest of the site.
Paul Ben-Victor’s Official Website
Okay, that’s it for now. When I hear more, I’ll pass it along.