Jon Donahue

Binghamton native Jon Donahue has amassed a dizzying list of credits over the years, and has solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's nicest, most charming and versatile actors. Growing up in the quiet town of Binghamton, Jon was surrounded by the Hollywood lore of many of the town's famous residents, including "The Twilight Zone" creator, Rod Serling. As a freshman at Seton Catholic Central, he joined the stage production of "Arsenic and Old Lace," playing the character of 'Mr. Gibbs', and cementing his love of acting and entertaining. As further testimony to his love of entertainment, he started working at the concession stand at the local movie theatre and was managing the theatre by the age of 18. Rushing through the rain one night with a reel of film for the single screen theatre, he dropped it in a puddle of water but was still able to salvage the film, "Joe Versus The Volcano". Little did he know at the time, but it would be the beginning of his long standing and fruitful collaboration with the film's star, Tom Hanks. Bursting with talent and eager to make his mark, Jon subsequently moved to Orlando to work at Universal Studios, where he would proudly defend boatloads of unsuspecting tourists from "Jaws" with a handy 40mm grenade launcher. Steven Spielberg himself would later remark to Donahue on the set of the Academy Award winning "Bridge Of Spies", "Now we are working together again on dry land!" His energy and talent was soon recognized by Nickelodeon Studios, where he was brought on in the sought after role of the 'Gakmeister', maker of the studios famous GAK and trademark green slime. After he was done with his slime making days, he returned to Binghamton where his 'Gakmeister' role was immediately recognized by the hiring manager at his hometown local CBS affiliate, WBNG-TV. After Jon was offered a behind-the-scenes production job there, he convinced the news manager to let him do an on-air segment when the Nickelodeon traveling show came to town. The segment was a smashing success and he was soon the on-air Feature Reporter, where he would write, produce and host his own segments. During his time with WBNG, he interviewed actors Gregory Hines and Jon Stewart, among others. Encouraged by this success, Jon moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full time. He began to seriously study and hone his craft at the award-winning Playhouse West in North Hollywood, founded by actors Jeff Goldblum and Robert Carnegie, where he studied the Sandy Meisner technique, following in the footsteps of Playhouse West alumni and screen icons Michelle Pfeiffer and James Franco. He also trained with "E.T." actress Dee Wallace at her studio in Burbank. He was then encouraged by Robin Williams to enroll at the prestigious Upright Citizens Brigade Improvisational and Sketch Comedy Training Center. This led Jon to a television and film career where he has worked for some of the world's most renowned directors including Mike Nichols, Steven Spielberg, Paul Greengrass and Ron Howard. Jon is a regular collaborator with Tom Hanks, including his most recent role as 'Richard Savage' in the SONY film "Inferno", where he is starring alongside Hanks and working under legendary director Ron Howard. Prior to his role in "Inferno", Donahue worked with Spielberg and Hanks on the Academy Award winning "Bridge Of Spies". Jon also worked with Hanks and Mike Nichols on "Charlie Wilson's War". Donahue showcased his tremendous acting range while working with Ray Romano on the Emmy nominated TNT comedy "Men of a Certain Age" and in the Cameron Crowe/SHOWTIME original series "Roadies." Jon is frequently recognized by his youngest fans from his voice work as 'Antonio' the K-9 German Shepherd in the hit Disney film "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2". Jon lives in Los Angeles, and while not busy filming, he enjoys hiking in the local mountains, watching movies with his friends and adding to his vintage movie poster collection.