Article: Catching Up With Jonathan Jackson

CATCHING UP WITH JONATHAN JACKSON

Soap Opera Update 2001
Today, the ex-GH star travels the straight and narrow to glory ... works with Al Pacino ... and never forgets Lucky

The assortment of issues up for contention at the break of this new millennium is vast and plentiful.  The capability of Jonathan Jackson, as a matinee idol or average individual, is not among them.  Deemed by the daytime press as a prodigious thespian for his Emmy- decorated run as the semi-rebellious, yet oft-righteous, son of Luke and Laura on General Hospital, one would be hard-pressed to locate a scathing review of Jackson's work.

Ensconced deep within the computer's Yahoo search engines are critiques which tout the 20- year-old (LOL) as having a "convincing screen presence," and owning "confidence, maturity and self- possession."  Having said goodbye to GH in `99, the actor has managed to make a name for himself on his own terms, allowing for the progression to take place so seamlessly that many have mistaken his growth to be effortless.

Film Buff
Having starred in "Deep End of the Ocean," "On the Edge" ("I've heard rumors of it coming out this year"), and an original short, penned along-side brother Richard and called "Crystal Clear" (Winner at the Brooklyn Film Festival), Jackson is now in the middle of two major projects: "Insomnia" and "Tuck Everlasting."  Working opposite Oscar winners Al Pacino and Sissy Spacek respectively, although invigorating, does take a toll.  The fact that Jackson is able to thrive with his helter-skelter work schedule is a conundrum.

"I've managed somehow (to stay awake on the sets)," Jackson laughs, ironically speaking to Update not long after an afternoon slumber.  "On my days off, I've been flying to opposite sides of the coast, but I can't complain. Things are going well."

Teen Dream
Instead of burning out from the scrutiny, Jackson, as Teen Beat's latest `cover boy' toasts himself a golden brown.  As much as fanatics of "Total Request Live" coo over his baby skin complexion and aqua eyes, Jackson's primary source of sustenance resides in humility.  A young man of devout faith, prestige is not as pertinent as a decent value system.  This is how Jackson tackles working and socializing with Al Pacino, an actor who has made so many of us "an offer we couldn't refuse."

"I was one hundred percent at peace," reflects the actor of his first meeting with Pacino.  "There was excitement, but I wasn't nervous.  I was just thankful to be a part of something like that."  "Insomnia," slated for release in March 2002, will see Jackson as Randy, the boyfriend (and sometime suspect) of a murder victim.  In "Tuck Everlasting," however, a lighter side is entertained.

Contrary to popular belief, the actor is chatty when conversing, not in the least subdued, simply taking the time to answer the questions posed by Update thoughtfully.  He even provokes laughs at certain breaks. :) Take for instance, his proposal to do periodic stints as Lucky.  "I'd have loved to come back (here and there.) I don't think they believed me," his voice void of cynicism.  Jackson asserts his good will when PROTECTING (Ugh!) His successor from jabs by the media. "Jacob is cool," he says, acknowledging that if he had stayed, a maligned Lucky would not exist.  "They've taken Lucky where they've taken him dependent on the circumstance."

Where the Heart Is
Currently, a welcoming lull replaces the maelstrom that once surrounded Jackson following show biz insiders' christening him as the next Anakin Skywalker (the role went to Hayden Christensen) in "Star Wars: Episode II."  Unsure of when -and if- the media frenzy will pick up, Jackson intends to maintain his "grace."

Now fully residing in a galaxy removed from GH's Ice Princess, Jackson is nevertheless particularly salutary to the legends responsible for his own trek down fames yellow brick road.  "I can NEVER forget Tony (Geary) and Genie (Francis)," asserts the actor.  "I take them wherever I go --always. They're in everything that I do."And audiences acknowledge Obi-Wan Kenobi to be the greatest mentor to ever command the Force. Ha!

Sporadic Quotes:
One of Jackson's favorite scenes is from "The Deep End of the Ocean,": "I love when Michelle and I talked in the jail."

"I've just kind of let God guide me into what I feel He wants me to do," says the star.

"Tuck is free and full of life. I'm having a heck of a lot of fun."

"Richard is good," tells Jackson. The brothers just finished their 2nd original work.

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