James Spader’s Two Distinct Career Phases
As we eagerly await a new episode of The Blacklist tonight, I can’t help but reminisce about the fascinating career of James Spader. Just yesterday, I mentioned how Howie Mandel has essentially had two careers: curly-haired Mandel and bald Mandel. That’s basically it. As soon as Mandel appeared on Deal or No Deal, his post-curly hair era began, and his fro days were over. James Spader has had a strikingly similar career path.
For those old enough to remember, James Spader was the quintessential pretty boy, yuppie, Ivy League-type character in the 80s. He wowed us with his bravado as Steph in Pretty in Pink. He played a crazy “white collar” drug dealer in Less than Zero. Even in Baby Boom, he was the up-and-coming snotty advertising executive nipping at Diane Lane’s heels. Spader had long, beautiful hair, a death stare that women loved, and an 80s appeal that was very high. However, if you look at his career, the 90s were effectively a blur. He was a guest star on Seinfeld. I mean, that’s just weird. Even though it was awesome, it just didn’t fit his profile at all. Sure, in 1990 he starred in White Palace, but that was really just a carryover from the 80s. So when did his career take a turn?
The Turning Point: Supernova and Beyond
I’m going out on a limb and saying it was with the movie Supernova. When you see that movie, you will not believe it’s James Spader. He must have taken steroids for that film, and all of a sudden, people must have been talking. “James Spader!” “That guy’s still around?” I mean, seriously. Look at his 90s work. It’s almost non-existent. Now, Supernova was released in 1997, and he really didn’t have a significant role until Secretary, which was probably his true turning point and the role that landed him Alan Shore on The Practice, which became Boston Legal.
Still, though, I think it was that transformation in 1997 that set up Spader to become TV James Spader. Once he landed the role of Alan Shore, he never turned back. He had a slight hiatus again, but he killed it on The Office and then landed Red on The Blacklist. The rest is history.
From Pretty in Pink to The Blacklist: A Remarkable Transformation
I just have a very hard time looking at the Pretty in Pink picture and realizing that’s actually James Spader. His transformation from an 80s heartthrob to a TV icon is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a testament to his talent and adaptability as an actor that he’s been able to reinvent himself so successfully. As we continue to enjoy his captivating performance as Red Reddington on The Blacklist, it’s fascinating to look back on the evolution of James Spader’s career and appreciate the incredible journey he’s taken to get to where he is today.
