Jonathan Brandis Movies And TV Shows - Exploring Excellence
Discover the world of Jonathan Brandis in movies and TV shows. Explore the different roles and stories brought to life by this talented artist in the entertainment industry.
Author:Elisa MuellerReviewer:Iram MartinsJan 26, 2024894 Shares223.3K Views
Jonathan Gregory Brandis is an American actor, director, and screenwriter, who started his journey in the entertainment industry as a child model. Transitioning to acting, he initially made a mark in commercials and later secured notable roles in both television and film. Discover the captivating world of Jonathan Brandis movies and TV shows.
Brandis entered the acting scene in 1982, playing Kevin Buchanan on the soap opera One Life to Live. His roles included portraying Bill Denbrough in the 1990 TV miniseries It and taking on the part of Bastian Bux in The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter. At 17 in 1993, he landed the role of teen prodigy Lucas Wolenczak on the NBC series seaQuest DSV, becoming a favourite among teenage viewers and a frequent feature in teen magazines.
Sadly, he took his own life in 2003.Tragically, on November 12th, 2003, at the age of 27, Brandis passed away due to injuries sustained from hanging himself.
Jonathan Brandis - Early Life
Jonathan Brandis, born on April 13, 1976, in Danbury, Connecticut, USA, was the only child of Mary, a teacher and Gregory Brandis, a firefighter. He started modelling for Buster Brown shoes at two and appeared in TV commercials at four. He finished school at San Fernando Valley Professional School in 1993.
Biography
Jonathan Brandis embarked on his acting journey at age 5, featuring in TV commercials. His early career included small roles in films and TV shows, leading to his first major role in "The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter" (1990). Notable projects followed, including "Ladybugs" (1992) and the TV series "SeaQuest 2032" (1993).
Despite facing setbacks, particularly with scenes cut from "Hart's War" (2002), he persevered. At the young age of six, Brandis got the part of Kevin Buchanan in the soap opera One Life to Live. When he was nine, his family moved to Los Angeles, and he popped up on various shows like Blossom, L.A. Law, Who's the Boss?, Murder, She Wrote, The Wonder Years, Full House, Webster, and Kate & Allie.
At 13, Brandis starred as Bastian Bux in The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter. He also played "Stuttering Bill" Denbrough in the TV miniseries Stephen King's It when he was 13. People loved his performance.
Soon after, he took on lead roles in two films, first as Barry Gabrewski in Sidekicks, and then as Matthew/Martha in Ladybugs. Around 17, Brandis scored one of his biggest roles as the science whiz Lucas Wolenczak in Steven Spielberg's sci-fi series, seaQuest DSV, making him a teen idol. At his peak, he received around 4,000 fan letters every week and needed security guards to get onto the seaQuest DSV set because of all the female fans.
He also voiced Mozenrath, a bad sorcerer, in Disney's Aladdin cartoon.
After seaQuest DSV ended in 1996, Brandis appeared in the TV film Her Last Chance. Next, he was in the TV film Born Free: A New Adventure, shot in South Africa.
He kept going with smaller roles in Outside Providence (1999) and Ride with the Devil (1999). In 2000, he was in Bad Girls from Valley High, which only came out in 2005, after he passed away. He had a small part in Hart's War (2002).
In 2003, he was in 111 Gramercy Park, a show that never got aired. His final appearance was in the action-drama Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, also released after he passed away.
Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story As Lance Reventlow (1987)
Jonathan Brandis acted as Lance Reventlow. The movie is about a real-life story of one of the wealthiest women in America, an heiress to the Woolworth fortune, who had inherited $40 million by the age of 6. The movie talked about the effect money can have on one’s life, loves and career, not only did she possess immense wealth but also going through the experience of having seven husbands.
Home Free (1988)
Jonathan Brandis acted as Vladimir D'Lugash. The movie talks about a second-grade psychopath who takes matters into their own hands, eliminating fellow schoolmates one by one to assert dominance over the lunch line.
Stepfather II (1989)
Jonathan Brandis acted as Todd Grayland. This movie talked about a man who escaped from a mental asylum, Jerry Blake (played by Terry O'Quinn) impersonates a marriage counselor. After surviving a harrowing attack in the previous film, Jerry Blake finds himself institutionalized in Puget Sound, Washington.
During sessions with his psychiatrist, he gains trust but ultimately betrays them, killing both the psychiatrist and a guard. Escaping in the guard's uniform, he proceeds to a train depot, where he murders a traveling salesman for his car and money. Adopting a new identity as deceased publisher Gene F. Clifford, he heads to Palm Meadows, Los Angeles.
In Palm Meadows, posing as a psychiatrist, Gene encounters Carol Grayland and leases a house nearby her and her 13-year-old son, Todd. Gene, formerly Jerry, successfully courts Carol, winning her and Todd over. When Carol's estranged husband, Phil, returns seeking reconciliation, Gene eliminates him by staging his disappearance.
However, With Phil out of the way, Gene and Carol plan to marry. Matty Crimmins, Carol's friend, grows suspicious of Gene and investigates. Discovering a letter meant for the real Gene Clifford and a revealing photograph, Matty confronts Gene, who convinces her to let him disclose the truth to Carol.
That night, Gene murders Matty, making it look like suicide. As he leaves, he crosses paths with Sam Watkins, Matty's blind neighbor, who notes Gene's whistling of "Camptown Races." Despite Matty's death, the wedding proceeds.
Carol becomes alarmed when she recognizes the wine Gene had the night of Matty's death and overhears Todd whistling the same tune Gene taught him. Suspicious, she confronts Gene, leading to a violent altercation. Todd intervenes, seemingly killing Gene with a claw hammer.
As Carol and Todd enter the wedding ceremony covered in blood, the shocking revelation unfolds. The film concludes with Gene weakly uttering "Till death..." before collapsing by the ruined wedding cake. In the extended version, after Carol and Todd recover, they find happiness and confidence, enjoying life free from Gene as they play together in the park.
Our Shining Moment (1991)
Jonathan Brandis acted as Michael “Scooter” McGuireThis is a poignant glimpse into life in Middle America in 1963, seen through the lens of the McGuire family's experiences. The story unfolded in 1963, a special connection formed between a father and his teenage son. The bond strengthens when the son gets kicked out of school, and he discovers his father, who had been keeping his unemployment a secret, in the park.
Ladybugs (1992)
Jonathan Brandis Played the Character Mathew. Chester Lee, played by Rodney Dangerfield, is on a quest for a job promotion and some respect from his boss. To impress his boss, he claims to have been a skilled soccer player in his youth and reluctantly agrees to coach a girls' team named the Ladybugs.
With little experience, Chester, along with his assistant Julie (Jackée Harry), faces the challenge of leading a team with only one returning player. The team's poor start jeopardizes Chester's chance for a promotion. In his personal life, Chester is engaged to Bess (Ilene Graff), whose son Matthew (Jonathan Brandis) is a talented athlete but struggles with grades.
Chester, aiming for success, convinces Matthew to join the Ladybugs by dressing as a girl named "Martha." With only Chester, Matthew, and Julie aware of the secret, the team progresses to the championship game. Kimberly (Vinessa Shaw), the boss' daughter, befriends Martha without knowing "she" is actually Matthew.
Before the championship game, Bess discovers Matthew's disguise and demands Chester remove him from the team. Additionally, Kimberly is benched due to poor performance. The Ladybugs are down 3-0 at halftime.
In a halftime revelation, Matthew unveils his true identity to Kimberly and the team. This honesty sparks a comeback, with Kimberly scoring the winning goal. The Ladybugs secure the championship, earning Chester his promotion.
Chester marries Bess, and Matthew and Kimberly begin dating. Chester, now managing the company's girls softball team (comprising boys dressed as girls), finally earns the respect he craved.
Movies
- 1987- Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story as Lance Reventlow
- 1988- Home Free as Vladimir D'Lugash
- 1989 - Stepfather II as Todd Grayland
- 1991- Our Shining Moment as Michael 'Scooter' McGuire
- 1992- Ladybugs as Matthew
- 1992- Sidekicks as Barry Gabrewski
- 1994- Good King Wenceslas as Prince Wenceslas
- 1996- Fall Into Darkness as Chad Lear
- 1996- Her Last Chance as Preston Altherton
- 1997- Two Came Back as Jason
- 1999- Outside Providence as Mousy
- 1999 - Ride with the Devil as Cave Wyatt
- 2002- Hart's War as Pvt. Lewis P. Wakely
- 2002- The Year That Trembled as Casey Pedersen
- 2003 - Between the Sheets as Robert Avocado
- 2003- 111 Gramercy Park as Will Karnegian
TV Shows
- 1984 - Kate & Allie as Chip's Friend
- 1986- Sledge Hammer! as Young Sledge
- 1987- Good Morning, Miss Bliss as Michael Thompson
- 1987- L.A. Law as Kevin Talbot
- 1987- The Real Ghostbusters as Lee Meredith
- 1988- Webster as Bobby
- 1988- Pacific Bell: The Rain Children as 11-year-old Nick
- 1989- Full House as Michael Monford
- 1989- Who's the Boss? as Paul
- 1990- Murder, She Wrote as Kevin Bryce
- 1990- Alien Nation as Andron
- 1990- The Munsters Today as Matt Glover
- 1990- The Flash as Terry Cohan
- 1991- Gabriel's Fire as Matthew Fixx
- 1991- The Wonder Years as Steve
- 1991- Blossom as Stevie
- 1992- Pros and Cons as Danny
- 1992- Crossroads as Michael Stahl
- 1993- Saved by the Bell: The College Years as Jonathan Brandis
- 1994-1995- Aladdin as Mozenrath
Awards And Nominations Of Jonathan Brandis
In 1991, the late Jonathan was nominated for an award in the category of Best Young Actor Guest Starring in a Television Series for his work in The Flash.
In 1993, he was a nominee for an award in the class of Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture along with other members of the cast for their work in Ladybugs.
In 1994, he won an award in the category of Best Youth Actor Leading Role in a Television Series for his great work in Seaquest DSV.
In 1994, he was nominated for an award in the category of Best Male TV Star (TV-Star m).
Personal Life Of Jonathan Brandis
He was romantically involved with Tatyana Ali, a renowned actress and singer. Their relationship commenced in 1995, with the celebrity couple being featured in People magazine in July of that year. They remained together from 1995 to 1998, deciding to part ways.
Reportedly, Brandis began a relationship with Monica Keena in 2000. However, the details of how and when that relationship ended are unclear, but they were certainly not together at the time of her disappearance. He stayed unmarried until his untimely death.
Over the course of his life, he was romantically connected to Monica Keena, Brittany Murphy, Tatyana Ali, and Vinessa Shaw.
Net Worth Of Jonathan Brandis
Jonathan Brandis, the late American actor, director, and screenwriter, had a net worth of $400 thousand at the time of his death in 2003.
Death Of Jonathan Brandis
On November 11, 2003, Jonathan Brandis was discovered hanging in the hallway of his Los Angeles apartment. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but succumbed to the injuries the next day. At the time of his death, he was 27 years old.
There was no suicide note left by Brandis. Friends revealed that he had been struggling with depression, aggravated by a downturn in his career. His disappointment over the significant reduction of his role in the 2002 war drama Hart's War, a film he hoped would revive his career, added to his distress.
Brandis turned to heavy drinking and expressed intentions of taking his own life.
In 2021, his father, Greg Brandis, suggested that Jonathan might have been dealing with bipolar disorder. Greg shared with People, "[His death] wasn't due to the entertainment industry.
I look back now, and in his 20s, he showed signs of manic depression. I hope that anyone suffering can go get help."
FAQS - Jonathan Brandis Movies And TV Shows
What Was Jonathan Brandis Last Movie?
Brandis took on a minor role in Hart's War (2002). The following year, in 2003, he secured a part in 111 Gramercy Park, a pilot that unfortunately did not get picked up by the network. His last appearance on screen was in the action drama Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, a film that was released posthumously.
Was Jonathan Brandis In Full House?
Jonathan Brandis: Michael Monford.
What Was Jonathan Brandis Famous For?
Jonathan Brandis gained widespread recognition for his role in the TV show SeaQuest, which notably featured a talking dolphin. Although the show had a successful run for a few seasons, Brandis faced challenges in finding subsequent roles. It's possible he could have invested time in honing his acting skills by returning to acting school or pursuing further education in college.
Was Jonathan Brandis An Only Child?
Jonathan Gregory Brandis was born on April 13, 1976, in Danbury, Connecticut, to Mary and Gregory Brandis. He was their only child.
What Ever Happened To Jonathan Brandis?
As Jonathan Brandis transitioned from a teenage heartthrob to a young adult, he faced challenges in securing significant roles. Allegedly grappling with drug and alcohol addiction, he tragically took his own life in 2003.
How Many Years Has It Been Since Jonathan Brandis Died?
November 12, 2003, at the age of 27, Brandis passed away by hanging himself. It’s been 21 years since he passed away.
Conclusion
Jonathan Gregory Brandis, a talented American actor known for roles in "seaQuest DSV" and films like "Ladybugs" and "The NeverEnding Story II," tragically took his own life on November 12, 2003, at 27. Despite facing personal and career challenges, Brandis left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, showcasing versatility and earning recognition for his contributions.
Jonathan Brandis left an indelible mark with his remarkable performances in movies and TV shows, showcasing immense talent and versatility throughout his career. Jonathan Brandis movies and TV shows entertained his audience and showcased his professionalism. His legacy is remembered with both admiration for his talent and acknowledgment of the struggles he faced.
Jump to
Jonathan Brandis - Early Life
Biography
Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story As Lance Reventlow (1987)
Home Free (1988)
Stepfather II (1989)
Our Shining Moment (1991)
Ladybugs (1992)
Movies
TV Shows
Awards And Nominations Of Jonathan Brandis
Personal Life Of Jonathan Brandis
Net Worth Of Jonathan Brandis
Death Of Jonathan Brandis
FAQS - Jonathan Brandis Movies And TV Shows
Conclusion
Elisa Mueller
Author
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
Iram Martins
Reviewer
Iram Martins is a seasoned travel writer and explorer with over a decade of experience in uncovering the world's hidden gems. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management from the University of Lisbon, Iram's credentials highlight his authority in the realm of travel.
As an author of numerous travel guides and articles for top travel publications, his writing is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and practical insights.
Iram’s passion for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path adventures shines through in his work, captivating readers and inspiring wanderlust.
Outside of his writing pursuits, Iram enjoys learning new languages, reviewing films and TV shows, writing about celebrity lifestyles, and attending cultural festivals.
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