Jason Bernard, a distinguished American actor of immense talent and charisma, was born on May 17, 1938, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, a place that would later serve as the backdrop for many of his most iconic performances. Throughout his illustrious career, which spanned multiple decades, Bernard consistently impressed audiences with his remarkable range and versatility as an actor, effortlessly transitioning between film and television with ease.
Bernard's television career flourished throughout the 1980s, with notable appearances in a diverse range of popular shows. His impressive resume included guest roles in the critically acclaimed series Cagney & Lacey, the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, and the beloved sitcom Night Court. One of his most memorable performances during this period was as Judge Stone's arrogant rival, Judge Willard, in a recurring role that showcased his exceptional acting skills.
However, it was his breakout role in the 1983 NBC miniseries V that truly cemented his status as a rising star. As Caleb Taylor, Bernard delivered a standout performance that captured the hearts of audiences nationwide. His portrayal of the character was so impressive that he was invited to reprise his role in the 1984 sequel V: The Final Battle, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
During the 1990s, Bernard made a notable appearance in the popular Fox comedy television series Herman's Head, taking on the pivotal role of Mr. Paul Bracken, Herman's boss.
Bernard's impressive filmography boasts an eclectic mix of roles, commencing with a memorable cameo appearance in the iconic Charles Bronson film, Death Wish, a 1974 crime thriller that solidified his status as a rising star. This was swiftly followed by his breakthrough performance in the 1974 movie Thomasine & Bushrod, a groundbreaking western comedy-drama that showcased his remarkable range as an actor. Throughout his illustrious career, Bernard has consistently demonstrated his versatility by taking on a diverse array of roles in films such as Car Wash, a 1976 comedy classic that has become a staple of American cinema; WarGames, a 1983 sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences of artificial intelligence; No Way Out, a 1987 action-packed thriller that pits a CIA agent against a KGB assassin; While You Were Sleeping, a 1995 romantic comedy that follows the story of a woman who falls in love with a man who is in a coma; and Blue Thunder, a 1983 action film that delves into the world of high-tech law enforcement.
Bernard's impressive portfolio extends far beyond his notable film and television credits, as he has made numerous guest appearances on a diverse array of popular television shows. His extensive list of credits includes, but is not limited to, appearances on the iconic crime-comedy series Starsky & Hutch, the primetime drama Flamingo Road, the classic sitcom The Jeffersons, the superhero drama The Flash, the crime procedural Murder, She Wrote, the gritty drama Wiseguy, and the romantic sitcom Partners.
In addition to his numerous television appearances, Bernard also made a memorable guest spot as the chief security guard in the beloved action-comedy series The Dukes of Hazzard, in the episode aptly titled "The Dukes in Hollywood".
Notable among his extensive list of cinematic credits is the captivating portrayal of Tyrone Wattell, a blind musician of immense talent, in the 1984 film All of Me, a performance that showcased his remarkable range and versatility as an actor.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bernard had the privilege of appearing in numerous films, each one offering a unique opportunity to showcase his exceptional acting abilities.
One of his most memorable and critically acclaimed roles was that of Judge Marshall Stevens in the 1997 comedy film Liar Liar, a performance that demonstrated his impressive capacity to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of characters.
His final appearance on the big screen was in this very film, Liar Liar, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft, even as he approached the twilight of his career.
Bernard's remarkable legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day, a true testament to his enduring impact on the world of cinema.
