Take a look at Michael Jeter’s filmography on IMDB.com and you’ll see over 50 films to his credit as an actor. He also won a Tony Award for ‘Grand Hotel’ in 1990 and an Emmy in 1992 for ‘Evening Shade.’ Yet, most people would still respond to the news of his death with a ‘who?’ Michael Jeter was a character actor with a face known to many and a name known to few. He’d been a constant presence on the screen for over 20 years, so much so that even in passing, he’ll still be seen in a number of upcoming films.
Jeter had a scene-steeling turn as a homeless, transvestite singer in Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King and since then it’s been hard to miss him. He may have been short in stature, but he was instantly recognizable in his many supporting roles. He was death row inmate Eduard ‘Del’ Delacroix in The Green Mile and the guy speaking at the district attorney’s convention in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. He appeared in films as diverse as Jurassic Park III, Mouse Hunt, The Gift and Air Bud. He even had a reoccurring role on ‘Sesame Street’ since 2000.
More recently Jeter gave one of his best performances as Toto, an aging thief, in the otherwise unremarkable Welcome to Collinwood. In many ways, this film was a fitting tribute to his skill as an actor. He elevated mediocre material through his gravely voice and wonderfully comic presence and created some of the most moving moments in the film.
Jeter threw himself into every role, which were rarely glamorous. He was unafraid to get messy and could often be seen on screen covered in dirt with unkempt hair and his little, red, ratty moustache. Staring roles were rare for Jeter, but he made the most of whatever screen time he had in any given film.
His cause of death has not yet been determined, but in 1997 he revealed that he was living with HIV. In the coming months he will be seen the Kevin Costner directed Open Range, as well as Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation of the children’s book The Polar Express, which he was shooting at his time of death. In his passing, the screen has lost one of its great utility players. He may not have ever been a major star, but he still leaves behind a memorable body of work.
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