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Fred Applegate (actor)
Fred Applegate (actor)
Fred Applegate (actor)
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Frederick Applegate (born February 20, 1953)[1] is an American actor, singer and dancer.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Applegate grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, and South Orange, New Jersey. He attended Columbia High School and was on the original Ultimate (Frisbee) team. He graduated from Northwestern University.[2]

Career

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Stage

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Applegate played Cogsworth in the national tour of Beauty and the Beast. He originated the roles of Inspector Kemp and The Blind Hermit in the Broadway musical Young Frankenstein (2007).[3] He originated the role of the Monsignor in the Broadway production of Sister Act (2011)[4] and the role of Father Jack O'Brien in The Last Ship, which premiered on Broadway in October 2014.[3]

Other Broadway credits include M. Dindon/M. Renaud in La Cage aux Folles (2010),[5] Max Bialystock in The Producers (replacement, 2003; in the West End production in 2005[6]) and as Franz Leibkind in the first national tour. He also played Max Detweiler in The Sound of Music. (1998).[3]

Applegate appeared Off-Broadway at Lincoln Center's Mitzi Newhouse Theater in the musical Happiness in 2009, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman.[7] Applegate played the role of "Panisse" in the Encores! staged concert of Fanny in February 2010.[8] He participated in a reading of a new musical, Presto Change-O in December 2014, directed by Marc Bruni, as a presentation of the Barrington Stage Company Musical Theatre Lab.[9] He appeared in the national tour of Anything Goes, as "Moonface Martin", which started in October 2012.[10]

Applegate has played the role of the Wizard in the Broadway production Wicked, [11][3] played the role of Constable Joe in the Broadway musical Tuck Everlasting, [12][3] and also played the role of Uncle Patrick Carney in the Broadway play The Ferryman.[13]

Applegate was a member of the resident acting company of the Guthrie Theatre for three years.[5]

In 2022, he played Arvide Abernathy in Guys and Dolls at the Kennedy Center.[14]

Voice, television and film

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Applegate's voice can be recognized as the narrator of documentaries for PBS, National Geographic, Disney, Bravo, and A&E. In 2000, he narrated the AMC documentary The Unknown Peter Sellers. [15] He has guest starred in over 150 episodes of television including Seinfeld, Cosby, Growing Pains, FM, Malcolm in the Middle, ER, Murphy Brown, Newhart, Will & Grace and many others.[5] He portrayed the Pointy-Haired Boss in the live-action pilot of Dilbert, which was not picked up for series.[16] His film credits include Georgia Rule,[17] Stuart Saves His Family (1995),[18] and The Producers.[19][1]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Fred Applegate (actor)

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Fred Applegate (born February 20, 1953) is an American actor, singer, and dancer best known for his extensive work in Broadway musicals, where he has portrayed a range of character roles, as well as guest appearances in television series. Applegate began his Broadway career in the late 1990s, debuting as Max Detweiler in a revival of (1998–1999), and gained prominence with replacement roles such as Max Bialystock in The Producers (2003). His subsequent Broadway credits include Inspector Kemp and the Hermit in (2007–2009), multiple characters in La Cage aux Folles (2010–2011), Monsignor O'Hara in (2011–2012), Father O'Brien in The Last Ship (2014–2015), Constable Joe in (2016), and Uncle Patrick Carney in The Ferryman (2019 replacement). He also took on the role of the Wizard in Wicked during multiple replacement stints (2015–2016 and 2018). Beyond New York, Applegate performed as Max Bialystock in the West End production of The Producers. In film and television, Applegate has built a steady career as a character actor, with notable movie roles including Russell in the comedy Spaced Invaders (1990), Officer O'Toole in The Producers (2005), and Townie #1 in Georgia Rule (2007). On television, his credits span sitcoms and dramas, such as Rick Levitan in Seinfeld (1991), Dr. Dave in Malcolm in the Middle (2005), Elrad in Stargate SG-1 (2001), and more recent roles like Father O'Brien in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2018–2019) and Hal in Billions (2017). Applegate's versatile performances, often blending humor and pathos, have established him as a reliable supporting player across stage and screen.

Early life and education

Upbringing in New Jersey

Frederick Scranton Applegate Jr. was born on February 20, 1953, in . He grew up in the neighboring communities of Maplewood and , attending Columbia High School in Maplewood, from which he graduated in the class of 1971. During his high school years, Applegate developed an early interest in the , participating in the All School Drama production as a and appearing in the All School Musicals during his , junior, and senior years. He also served as senior , demonstrating skills that would later support his theatrical career. Applegate hailed from a family in South Orange, where he resided at 364 Redmond Road; his full name, Frederick Scranton Applegate Jr., reflects his naming after his father. These formative experiences in laid the groundwork for his pursuit of .

College years at Northwestern

Applegate enrolled at in , where he pursued studies in theatre and communication as part of the School of Communication. His academic pursuits emphasized performance arts, including and speech, fostering his early skills in and dramatic interpretation. During his college years, Applegate actively participated in campus activities, earning Theatre Honors in for his contributions to productions and performances. This recognition highlighted his involvement in student-led endeavors, likely through organizations such as the university's theatre department initiatives, which provided hands-on experience in staging plays and musicals. These opportunities built on his formative interest in performance, rooted in his upbringing, and prepared him for professional transitions. Applegate graduated from Northwestern in 1977 with a in communication.

Career

Theatre roles

Applegate began his theatre career in regional productions during the , establishing himself as a versatile through residencies at prominent institutions. He served as a resident artist at the in for three years, appearing in approximately 13 productions, including roles such as the Porter in and Bottom in . His early work also encompassed performances at venues like the in (in four plays), Long Wharf Theatre, St. Repertory Theatre, and Contemporary Theatre, where he honed his skills in both classical and contemporary pieces. Transitioning to national tours in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Applegate took on prominent roles that showcased his comedic timing and vocal prowess in . He portrayed Max Bialystock in the first national tour of The Producers starting in 2001, a role he reprised on Broadway from October 2003 to December 2003 and later in London's West End production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane beginning April 2005. Other significant tour engagements included Cogsworth in Disney's (Los Angeles company and national tour), Moonface Martin in (national tour, 2012–2013), and the Wizard in Wicked (national tour). These touring productions highlighted his ability to adapt to large-scale musicals while maintaining the intimacy of character-driven performances. Applegate's Broadway career, spanning over two decades, featured more than nine credits, emphasizing his range across musicals and straight plays as a reliable character actor. His debut came in the 1998 revival of The Sound of Music, where he played Max Detweiler from March to June 1999. He originated dual roles as Inspector Kemp and the Blind Hermit in the 2007 musical Young Frankenstein, performing through January 2009. Subsequent highlights included Edouard Dindon and M. Renaud in the 2010 revival of La Cage aux Folles (April 2010–February 2011), Monsignor O'Hara in the original Sister Act (April 2011–August 2012), and Father O'Brien in the original The Last Ship (October 2014–January 2015). He also portrayed the Wizard in Wicked during multiple runs (June 2015–January 2016 and through May 2018), Constable Joe in the original Tuck Everlasting (April–May 2016), and Uncle Patrick Carney (replacement) in The Ferryman (February–July 2019). In 2022, Applegate appeared as Arvide Abernathy in a Broadway Center Stage production of Guys and Dolls at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theatre. Throughout these roles, Applegate demonstrated exceptional versatility, excelling in eccentric authority figures and paternal mentors within both comedic musicals and dramatic plays.

Film and television appearances

Applegate made his film debut in the 1990 science fiction comedy , portraying the character Russell, a bumbling deputy entangled in an plot. His subsequent film roles were primarily supporting parts, including Carl in the 1995 satirical comedy , where he supported Al Franken's lead performance as a television host. In 2005, following his acclaimed stage portrayal of Max Bialystock in the Broadway production of The Producers, Applegate appeared in the film adaptation as Officer O'Toole, a minor authority figure in the chaotic narrative. He rounded out his feature film work with a small role as Townie #1 in the 2007 family drama , contributing to the ensemble depicting interpersonal tensions in a rural setting. Applegate's television career spanned decades and encompassed over 150 guest-starring and recurring appearances, often casting him as authority figures, eccentrics, or paternal types in sitcoms, dramas, and series. He gained early visibility with a recurring role on the 1980s sitcom , appearing in 16 episodes as J.J. Wall, a bus driver and quirky regular at the inn. In the 1990s, he guest-starred on prominent shows such as as Rick Levitan, George's vengeful boss in the episode "The Revenge" (Season 2, Episode 7), and ER as Gus's Father in "The Birthday Party" (Season 1, Episode 17), highlighting familial dynamics in a high-stakes medical environment. Entering the 2000s, Applegate continued with diverse on-camera roles, including the alien leader Elrad in Stargate SG-1's "Red Sky" (Season 5, Episode 5), where he embodied a planetary authority grappling with interstellar consequences. On , he played the eccentric Dr. Dave in "Mrs. Tri-County" (Season 6, Episode 22). Later credits featured him as Father O'Brien, a priest offering guidance, in multiple episodes of ; Hal, a steadfast advisor, on Billions; and the medical examiner in 's "Many Happy Returns" (Season 1, Episode 21). His recurring portrayal of Tom Holmes, Pete's father, spanned two episodes of the 2017-2019 HBO series Crashing. Among his notable one-off appearances, Applegate played David, a supportive friend, in "" (Season 1, Episode 13) of in 2000, and served as the on-camera announcer in the 2004 television special . These roles underscored his versatility in brief but memorable screen contributions across genres.

Voice-over narration

Fred Applegate made significant contributions to voice-over narration, particularly in documentaries and educational programming, where his resonant delivery brought historical and exploratory narratives to life. His work spanned networks such as , , , Bravo, and A&E, showcasing his ability to convey complex topics with clarity and engagement. Among his notable narration projects, Applegate provided the voice for the 2000 AMC documentary The Unknown Peter Sellers, offering insights into the life and career of the iconic comedian through archival footage and interviews. In 2001, he narrated Jimmy Durante: The Great Schnozzola, a biographical special that explored the entertainer's enduring legacy, incorporating segments from Durante's television appearances. Applegate's narration extended to scientific and archaeological themes in the 2002 PBS production Mysteries of Easter Island, where he guided viewers through the enigmatic history and cultural significance of the remote Pacific site. He continued this vein with biographical specials like Bob Hope: The Road to Laughter (2003) and Mwah! The Best of the Dinah Shore Show (2003), both of which highlighted the comedic and musical icons through his steady, informative voice-over. Applegate's narration style, often described as warm and authoritative, proved particularly effective for historical and scientific documentaries, allowing him to build a versatile portfolio that complemented his on-screen television roles. His contributions in this medium emphasized educational , focusing on biographical tributes and exploratory content without venturing into commercials or audiobooks.

Personal life and legacy

Marriage and family

Applegate married Cherie Sprosty in 1979. Sprosty is a Catholic who has served in roles such as liturgy director at the Shrine of St. Frances Cabrini in New York and advisor on church rites at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in . The couple has three children: Ben, Meredith, and Ethan. Following Applegate's graduation from in , the family resided in , for three years, during which time they supported his early professional endeavors in regional theater. As his career progressed, the family relocated to and later to to accommodate opportunities in Broadway, film, and television.

Recognition and influence

Applegate received a nomination for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Non-Resident Production for his role in the touring production of The Producers in 2005. While Applegate did not receive personal Olivier Awards, he joined acclaimed West End productions that earned recognition, including the Olivier Award-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles in 2017 and the London transfer of The Producers, which won three Olivier Awards in 2005 for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, and Best Choreography. Applegate's influence extends through his tenure as a resident artist at the , where he performed in 13 productions during the early 1980s, contributing to the ensemble-driven approach of regional theatre. His versatility as a in musicals, spanning comedic and authoritative supporting roles in shows like Wicked and , has highlighted his range in blending with vocal precision. In television, Applegate has appeared in over 100 episodes across more than 30 series, including recurring roles on Crashing (2017–2019) as Tom Holmes and guest spots on , Billions, and , helping to define archetypes of affable yet eccentric authority figures in ensemble comedies. His voice-over work, including narration for documentaries on , , , Bravo, and A&E, has added to his portfolio in audio storytelling. Applegate's legacy is marked by his participation in nine Broadway productions over four decades, from The Sound of Music (1998) to The Ferryman (2019), demonstrating sustained excellence in balancing stage, screen, and regional work. Following his Broadway run in The Ferryman, he continued performing in 2022 as Arvide Abernathy in a Kennedy Center production of Guys and Dolls and participated in a 2024 developmental reading of the new musical Didn't You Used to Be...?, underscoring his ongoing commitment to theatre amid a career emphasizing adaptability for emerging actors.

References

  1. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/fred-applegate-70626
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/157466-fred-applegate
  3. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/across-ponder-56132/
  4. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/fred_applegate
  5. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/fred-applegate/credits/3000010789/
  6. https://www.playbill.com/person/fred-applegate-vault-0000082144
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0032395/
  8. https://columbiahighschoolalumni.com/maplewood-nj/class-of-1971.html
  9. http://www.digifind-it.com/maplewood/data/yearbooks/pub/1971.pdf
  10. https://bayareaplays.com/2013/01/08/anything-goes-applegate-finds-a-perfect-balance-at-home-on-stage/
  11. https://media.soc.northwestern.edu/publications/SoC-W20-Dialogue.pdf
  12. https://archive.org/download/annualcommenceme1975nort/annualcommenceme1975nort.pdf
  13. https://qctimes.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/theatre/follow-up-file-40-years-ago-broadway-star-fred-applegate-got-first-job-at-circa/article_0133e7b1-ffe1-5ab1-a97a-560dfbb0972a.html
  14. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/fred-applegate/profile/
  15. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Fred-Applegate/
  16. https://playbill.com/article/fred-applegate-named-new-max-for-london-producers-com-125155
  17. https://www.kennedy-center.org/news-room/press-release-landing-page/guys-and-dolls-cast-announcement/
  18. https://playbill.com/person/fred-applegate-vault-0000082144
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100666/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0395251/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0791304/
  22. https://www.alliancetheatre.org/person/fred-applegate/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083455/fullcredits/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0697766/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0568110/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0640377/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0585964/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402775/
  29. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/24-fred-applegate-broadway-west-end-and-tv-star/id1676136818?i=1000612313046
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243637/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403336/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403334/
  33. https://www.mastervoices.org/events/let-em-eat-cake/
  34. https://www.latimes.com/socal/burbank-leader/news/tn-blr-xpm-2003-11-05-export5202-story.html
  35. https://www.alliancetheatre.org/member/fred-applegate
  36. https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/a/aa-an/fred-applegate/
  37. https://www.fredapplegate.com/
  38. https://www.theatermania.com/news/helen-hayes-award-winners-include-danieley-duquesnay-and-reams_6010/
  39. https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/la-cage-aux-folles-fred-applegate-joins-cast
  40. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Jennifer-Allen-Fred-Applegate-Alan-H-Green-Shannon-OBoyle-Will-Lead-Reading-of-New-Musical-DIDNT-YOU-USED-TO-BE-20240130
  41. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Kevin-Chamberlin-Rachel-Dratch-Fred-Applegate-and-More-Join-GUYS-AND-DOLLS-at-the-Kennedy-Center-20220920
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