Ever watch a classic 80s horror flick or a 2000s sitcom and think, "I know that guy from somewhere"? Honestly, you probably do. You're likely thinking of Jonathan Stark. He’s one of those rare Hollywood figures who managed to become a cult-icon actor before pivoting into a high-level career as a writer and producer. It’s a wild trajectory. One minute he’s a vampire’s henchman in a denim jacket, the next he’s winning an Emmy for helping Ellen DeGeneres change television history.
When people search for Jonathan Stark movies and tv shows, they usually fall into two camps. There are the horror buffs who worship his early creature-feature roles, and then there are the sitcom junkies who grew up on the shows he helped run. He’s not just a footnote; he’s the guy who co-created According to Jim.
The Fright Night Legacy and 80s Genre Hits
If you grew up in the 1980s, Jonathan Stark was basically a permanent fixture of your VCR. Most people remember him first and foremost from Fright Night (1985). He played Billy Cole, the "live-in" protector and go-fer for the suave vampire Jerry Dandridge. Stark brought this weird, twitchy energy to the role—a mix of human loyalty and supernatural menace. The scene where he "dies" (multiple times) is still a practical effects masterclass.
But he didn't stop there. He popped up in House II: The Second Story (1987) as Charlie, leaning into the more comedic side of genre films. Around the same time, he played Sgt. Krieger in Project X, a movie that was surprisingly dark for a "chimpanzee movie."
What’s cool about Stark’s acting era is the range. He wasn't just a "horror guy." You’ve probably spotted him in:
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- Cheers: He played Wayne, the new bartender who briefly replaced Sam Malone when Sam returned to the bar.
- Tales from the Crypt: In the episode "My Brother's Keeper," he played one half of a pair of conjoined twins—one of whom is a killer.
- Moonlighting: A quick but memorable appearance as an undercover cop.
He had this "everyman" quality that could turn creepy or hilarious depending on the lighting. It’s the kind of career most actors would be satisfied with, but Stark was already looking at the script.
The Pivot: Writing, Producing, and That Emmy
By the early 90s, Jonathan Stark started shifting his focus from the front of the camera to the writer's room. He teamed up with Tracy Newman, and together they became a powerhouse writing duo. This wasn't some slow burn, either. They hit the ground running with The Nanny and The Drew Carey Show.
Then came Ellen.
If you want to talk about "The Jonathan Stark movies and tv shows" list that actually changed the world, you have to talk about "The Puppy Episode." Stark and Newman co-wrote the 1997 episode where Ellen DeGeneres’s character officially came out. It was a massive cultural moment. They didn't just get high ratings; they won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and a Peabody Award. It’s a huge legacy to carry.
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The Era of According to Jim
After the success of Ellen, Stark and Newman went on to create According to Jim. Whether you loved the show or found it a bit formulaic, you can't deny its staying power. It ran for eight seasons and over 180 episodes. Stark wasn't just a "creator" in name; he was the executive producer and showrunner for a huge chunk of its run.
He understood the "suburban dad" sitcom better than almost anyone at the time. He knew how to write for Jim Belushi’s specific brand of chaos. While he was running one of the biggest sitcoms on ABC, he still found time for small cameos, like playing an "Angry Driver" in the pilot of The Comeback.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Credits
Because there are a few "Jonathan Starks" in the industry (including a prominent software developer and a tennis player), the filmography often gets messy online.
Kinda funny, but people often attribute random voice-over work or indie shorts to him that actually belong to other people. The real Jonathan Stark is Gordon Johnston Stark, born in Erie, Pennsylvania. His work is defined by that Groundlings improv background. You can see it in his writing—he writes for the performer.
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Finding the Gems Today
If you’re looking to binge his work, it’s easier than it used to be. Fright Night is a staple on most horror streaming platforms (or Shudder), and it holds up surprisingly well. The practical effects are still gross, and Stark’s performance is still unsettling.
On the TV side, According to Jim is constantly in syndication or on platforms like Hulu/Disney+. But if you want to see his best writing, dig up the mid-90s episodes of The Drew Carey Show or the landmark episodes of Ellen.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch Fright Night (1985): Pay attention to the physical comedy Stark brings to the "Billy Cole" role. It’s more than just a henchman part.
- Check out The Groundlings History: Since Stark is an alum, looking into that 80s era of the troupe explains a lot about the comedic timing in According to Jim.
- Verify Credits: When searching for "Jonathan Stark movies and tv shows," always check for his writing partner Tracy Newman. If her name is there, you’re looking at the right Stark.
- Look for Voice Roles: He did a lot of ADR (automated dialogue replacement) and voice work in films like Rain Man and Bright Lights, Big City that often goes uncredited.