From 2012 to 2013, Copper captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of 1860s New York City. This drama series didn't just excel in its storytelling but also in the talent it brought before the camera. Here, we delve into some lesser-known facts about the cast that you might find surprising and intriguing.
Tom Weston-Jones: The Man Behind Detective Corcoran
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Tom Weston-Jones was the face of Copper as Detective Kevin Corcoran. Did you know:
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๐ญ Theater Background: Before TV stardom, Weston-Jones honed his skills in Londonโs theater scene, where he performed in various Shakespearean productions. This classical training added depth to his portrayal of a police officer in a tumultuous era.
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๐บ Language Skills: He is fluent in German, which he used in several roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
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๐ฅ Film Debut: Weston-Jones made his feature film debut in Not Safe for Work in 2014, marking his transition from stage to screen.
Franka Potente: From Germany to Gotham
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Franka Potente portrayed Eva Heisser, but her journey to this role was an interesting one:
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๐ฉ๐ช International Star: Born in Germany, Potente became an international star with her role in Run Lola Run. Her multilingual capabilities have allowed her to work in film industries across the globe.
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๐ฌ Directorial Skills: She directed her first feature film Home, showcasing her talents behind the camera as well.
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๐ Adventure Enthusiast: Known for her love of adventure, Potente has traveled extensively and engaged in activities like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
<p class="pro-note">๐งญ Note: Franka's adventurous spirit often influences the characters she chooses to play, giving them an extra layer of resilience and complexity.</p>
Kyle Schmid: A New Face in a New York City Tale
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As Robert Morehouse, Kyle Schmid brought charm to the show, but there's more to him:
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๐ Sci-Fi and Fantasy Enthusiast: Schmid's resume includes numerous roles in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, including Being Human and The Covenant.
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๐ฎ Gamer: Heโs known to be an avid video game player, a fact that endears him to the gaming community.
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๐จ๐ฆ Canadian Roots: Despite his successful career in Hollywood, Schmid often returns to Canada to work on homegrown projects.
Anastasia Griffith: From Here to NYC
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Anastasia Griffith, who played Elizabeth Haverford, has an engaging background:
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๐บ Born in Paris: Griffith was born in Paris but raised in London, adding to her international charm.
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๐ซ Connection to Royalty: She dated one of the princes of the British Royal Family for a short time, adding a touch of glamour to her life.
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๐ Drama School: She graduated from the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), which refined her acting prowess.
Ato Essandoh: Bringing Diversity to the Screen
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Ato Essandoh portrayed Matthew Freeman, a character that brought diversity to the show:
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๐บ๐ธ Education: Essandoh graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, a stark contrast to his acting career.
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๐ถ Musical Talent: Besides acting, he's musically inclined, playing guitar and writing songs.
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๐ก A Science Buff: His interest in science has led him to host educational segments on public television, combining his love for acting and education.
Lee Tergesen: The Acting Veteran
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Lee Tergesen's role as Brendan Donovan was compelling, but here's what you might not know:
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๐ญ Long Career: With over 30 years in the industry, Tergesen has appeared in series like Oz and Generation Kill.
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๐ด Fitness Enthusiast: He's known for his love of cycling and has even participated in multiple marathons.
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๐ Typecast Twist: Despite often being cast as troubled characters, Tergesen has shown remarkable range, playing both villains and heroes with equal conviction.
Tessa Thompson: Rising Star from the Shadows
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Tessa Thompson's portrayal of Sara Freeman was one of her earlier major roles:
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๐ฌ Movie Star: Thompson has since become a household name with roles in Creed, Thor: Ragnarok, and Sorry to Bother You.
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๐ถ Musician: Before acting, Thompson performed as a singer in various bands, showcasing her broad talent spectrum.
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๐ Advocacy: She's an advocate for diverse representation in Hollywood, often speaking out on the importance of inclusivity in media.
Ron White: The Comedian on Screen
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Ron White, known for his comedic stand-up, played the character Caligula:
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๐ค Comedian First: Before Copper, White was best known as a member of the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour".
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๐ Author: He has written several books including a novel and a cookbook, illustrating his diverse creative talents.
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๐ Self-made: White started performing stand-up at the age of 16, building his career from the ground up.
Kevin Ryan: The Executive Producer Behind the Scenes
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While not an actor, Kevin Ryan played a crucial role in Copper as an executive producer:
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๐บ Showrunning: Ryan has been involved in creating and developing several successful TV series, understanding the behind-the-scenes intricacies.
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๐ Sports Interest: Known for his love for basketball, he often discusses the sport in interviews.
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๐ Visionary: His vision for Copper was to bring a raw, authentic feel to the period drama, which he successfully achieved.
Conclusion
The cast of Copper was a unique blend of talent, bringing stories to life with their varied backgrounds and surprising facts. From international stars to local talents, each actor brought something special to the series, enriching the narrative with their personal histories and professional journeys. The series might have ended, but the stories and experiences of its cast continue to influence and inspire.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who was the star of Copper?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The star of Copper was Tom Weston-Jones, who played Detective Kevin Corcoran.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What other projects has Franka Potente been involved in?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Franka Potente is most known for Run Lola Run, but she has also been in films like The Bourne Identity and TV shows like American Horror Story.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is Kyle Schmid's connection to video games?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Kyle Schmid is an avid gamer, which aligns with his interest in sci-fi and fantasy, often seen in his choice of roles.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>