Topics: Alumni, College of Communication Information and Media
March 1, 2007
Doug Jones, who graduated from Ball State in 1982, used to be best known for starring as the piano-playing moon in a series of Mac Tonight commercials and Abe Sapien in "Hellboy."
Now he can say he's starred in an Academy Award-winning film.
Jones played the roles of Pan and the Pale Man in "Pan's Labyrinth," which was nominated for six 2007 Academy Awards. By the end of the recent ceremony, the film walked away with three statuettes for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Makeup.
While at Ball State, Jones majored in telecommunications, minored in theater and pumped up sports crowds as Charlie Cardinal. Seeing Jones "masked up" for his current role in "Pan's Labyrinth," which was a Cannes Film Festival selection this past season, indicates his career is really flying but that he hasn't flown too far from his nest, said Rodger Smith, director of the Institute for Digital Entertainment and Education.
"The role leads you to a special look at Doug and the costume created for him," he said. "'Pan's Labyrinth' is currently playing in Muncie, and I recommend everyone see the film, which is superior in concept, design and execution - and yet another star in Doug's crown."
Further feathering Jones' theatrical cap is another leading role for an upcoming action film. The versatile actor will play the Silver Surfer in "The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," which is scheduled for release this summer.
Detailed biographical information on Jones can be found at www.thedougjonesexperience.com. Background on "Pan's Labyrinth" can be accessed at
www.panslabyrinth.com.