Reacher’s Alan Ritchson Talks How Being Bipolar Helps His Craft
You may not have heard of Reacher’s Alan Ritchson, yet. But millions of Netflix fans have found their newest superhero.
But this Marvel-like hero, does not have super-powers, or at least we don’t think so. Reacher at 6-3, is just a good guy loner. He’s a BAD MO FO, who is as strong as they come and more dangerous than the scariest of bad guys.
If you mess with his friends or old Army buddies, it’s already too late. Reacher is standing behind you right now, and it’s lights out.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 13: Alan Ritchson attends the Los Angeles special screening of Prime Video series “Reacher” Season 2 at the Culver Theater on December 13, 2023 in Culver City, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Reacher: The Book
Wikipedia writes:
The book series chronicles the adventures of Jack Reacher, former Major in the United States Army Military Police Corps, now drifter, roaming the United States taking odd jobs and investigating suspicious and frequently dangerous situations, some of which are of a personal nature. The Reacher series has maintained a schedule of one book per year, except for 2010, when two installments were published.
The author is Lee Child, who created a character so interesting, it was turned into a 2012 movie starring Tom Cruise. What followed was a 2016 season of TV episodes that became SO popular, Netflix rolled out Season Two this month, and is now working on a season three, all based on the books.
But be WARNED, true Reacher fans will tell you that the Cruise movie doesn’t nearly capture the character the way the TV series does, keeping it close to the books.
Reacher’s Alan Ritchson Talks About His Character
When I think of the character, a first comparison that I can make is to Sly Stallone’s Rambo. A former skilled military expert that now lives his life righting wrongs.
But, no slam to Sly, Ritchson is simply a better actor. Add to that, the character is smarter than Rambo. With Alan you get more from his few lines, than you did with Sly. Reacher seems like a buddy you want to hang with. While we liked Rambo, having a beer with him alone is not your first thought.
What’s fascinating about Reacher’s character, is his many attributes. First, let’s look at his size. At 6-3, he’s a Super-hero presence, with giant Hulk like muscles and strength, but he’s human. Instead of a menacing presence like Rambo, he’s a nice guy, until you piss him off.
Ritchson’s TV version has less lines than most lead characters in a hit series. Unlike Sly Stallone’s Rambo, Ritchson’s heart comes through his tough guy persona, in a more authentic manner than Stallone’s over-the-top tough guy.
As mentioned above, Reacher is highly intelligent. Without spoiling it, the opening scene of Season Two, sizes up Reacher in five minutes, to set you up for the ride of your life.
Alan Ritchson Talk About Being Bipolar
In a recent chat with Michael Rosenbaum, Alan shares what it’s like about being bipolar, and how it actually came in handy with his acting.
Reacher Season One and Two is on Netflix right now. But be warned, Reacher’s Alan Ritchson may become a new favorite Superhero, to your wife.
Jaybeau Jones’s radio career has brought him from New York City’s #1 station Z-100 and America’s Top 40 to WROR! Currently, JayBeau’s distinctive voice can be heard not only on WROR but also on Sirius XM’s 70’s Channel and on Dunkin Donut’s in-store radio.
Jaybeau’s other life is his writing. In 2012 he launched “Heroes Mentors and Friends” a book about well-being and positive thinking. Jaybeau lives in the area and has two grown children, Jordan and Matthew.
Jaybeau loves spending time in nature and spending every second with his wife Heidi and the kids. Jaybeau likes to write about pop culture, music, and personal growth. Jaybeau also loves to write his own backyard in Boston.
