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| Harry Hamlin as fledgling astronaut John Pope in the 1985 mini-series "Space" |
Walking on the moon – almost
Harry Hamlin first came to my attention back in 1985 when he played
astronaut John Pope in the miniseries “James Michener’s Space”. It was an epic,
fictional look at the American space program from a variety of perspectives.
Hamlin, at the time completely unknown to me, played an ambitious pilot who did
whatever he could to get ahead. His girlfriend, played by Blair Brown who was
also an unknown up-and-coming actress, did whatever she could to help him get
ahead too. Their life sharply contrasted the other astronaut of the story,
Randall Claggett, a free-wheeling, high-spirited Texas pilot who was all raw
talent with a devoted wife. In the end (spoiler alert they get on a mission to
the moon. However, en route they are exposed to some deadly rays that lead to
he death of Clagget when he crashes the lunar lander against the moon. Pope
makes it home, but it’s a disaster.)
Still, Harry Hamlin turned in an amazing performance.
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| Michael Kuzak, the conscience of "L.A. Law" |
It was about a year later I read in one of the super market tabloids
my mom bought that Hamlin was going to star in a weekly series centred on a law
firm in Los Angeles. It would be called “L.A. Law” and catapult Hamlin to fame
as lawyer Michael Kuzak.
He left after the fifth season, after constructing a lengthy resumé of
memorable performances that were at times touching and poignant, and at other
times gritty and determined. There was also a comic quality that was all the
more effective because he was so serious and intense. The best example was when
he wooed love interest Grace Van Owen, played by Susan Dey, away from getting
married, and he did it in a gorilla suit. It was priceless because it was so unexpected.
It absolutely boggles my mind Hamlin was never even nominated for an
Emmy for his role as Micheal Kuzak, when virtually everyone who acted around
him was. I thought he was one of the anchors of the show.
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| Perseus in "Clash of the Titans" |
It was 1981 and my sister and I decided to go to a movie with my
cousins Nina and Carl. We were kind of divided on what to see. Carl, in
particular, really wanted to see “Clash of the Titans”. I wanted to see this
other movie and, with a little friendly cousinly persuasion, Nina and Carl acquiesced. It was
called “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, and we all agreed it was the better choice.
Besides, Carl lived in the city and could pretty much go to the movies any day
he wanted – so he saw “Clash of the Titans” another day. He still thought
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” was better after that.
Me, I never saw “Clash of the Titans” to this day. My only exposure to
it was when they were giving away free stickers in something my mother bought
at Safeway every week. Wagon Wheels maybe?
Only later did I learn Harry Hamlin had played Perseus in “Clash of
the Titans”.
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| Harry Hamlin's first Emmy nomination came as Jim Cutler in "Made Men" |
Not too long ago I watched the sixth season of “Mad Men” and was taken
by oily ad exec Jim Cutler. He was at times a letch and greaseball, but also a
layered character that was never quite what he seemed. Although older and grayer,
Jim Cutler was unmistakably played by Harry Hamlin. He did a masterful job and,
for his efforts, was honoured with an Emmy nomination, something that had
eluded him on “L.A. Law”.
Seeing Hamlin on “Mad Men” inspired me to watch the L.A. Law reunion
movie again on tape. The show takes place about eight years after the show
ends. Michael Kuzak has stopped the practice of law and is now owner of a
happening nightclub. He describes himself as a saloon keeper. Grace Van Owen,
his longtime love, is a judge. The
firm is still there, and still run by Douglas Brackman, although now his son
has joined him as an attorney. Arnie Becker is still a philandering divorce
lawyer, and most of the others make a cameo appearance.
However, the main story focuses on a capital case involving one of
Kuzak’s former clients. He has one last chance, having exhausted all avenues of
appeal. His daughter begs Kuzak to represent him. After some soul searching, he
agrees, and spends much of the movie getting his lawyer legs under him.
What struck me was a scene late in the movie that typified Hamlin
himself. Brackman is talking to his son and tells him Michael Kuzak is in
court. Seeing him in action is always a sight to see.
The same can be said of Harry Hamlin. Seeing him in action is always a
sight to see.
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