Q&A

Q: I have a sister who's a loyal fan of actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Didn't I see him as a youngster who played David Collins in 1990 TV series "Dark Shadows?"

« Back to Q & A

 
Author: 
Adam Thomlison / TV Media

You did if you're one of the few who watched that series.

Sadly, few did, though the show's cult popularity has lasted decades. It only aired 12 episodes, premiering in January 1991 (you were close) and wrapping up in late March.

The prime-time soap was actually a revival of a much earlier daytime version that ran from 1966 to 1971. The oft-revived. gothic-horror-themed concept surfaced again in 1994 as a telefilm, but the big news is Tim Burton, master of most things creepy, is working on a big-screen version alongside his frequent collaborator -- and recently appointed most stylish man alive -- Johnny Depp.

Gordon-Levitt, however, will not be involved, though he's experienced a career revival himself lately.

Shortly after his brief turn in the "Dark Shadows" remake, he landed a role in the long-running sitcom "3rd Rock From the Sun," which placed him officially in the bittersweet position of child star. It looked like he wouldn't break out of that prison until a role in the low-budget indie flick "Brick" came along.

Taking the lead in the high school-set film-noir, he earned the kind of surprised reviews that come to the best former child stars when they finally get a role with some weight.

Sure enough, offers have rushed in since, including the lead in another small-scale hit, last year's critically adored "(500) Days of Summer."

And he has three more films on the go now -- the offbeat comedy "Elektra Luxx" about a porn star whose life is shaken up by a pregnancy; the star-studded, high-concept sci-fi pic  "Inception," directed by "The Dark Knight" helmer Christopher Nolan; and "The Frog King," based on the novel by Adam Davies.

Have a question? E-mail us at questions@tvtabloid.com. Please include your name and town. Personal replies will not be provided.