So you’re an actor and you want the kind of blanket exposure that comes with starring in an IBM advertising campaign in the US – endless network television repeat fees and life-size head shots in the New York Times Magazine – what sort of work is likely to lead you up to your big moment? For the benefit of young hopefuls, Spy Magazine has been doing a bit of research on the present incumbent of the desirable role, Ron Vawter and finds that in 1977 he played several parts in Rumstick Road, including a doctor who gives a female patient an elaborate massage with his mouth; in 1978, he played The Man in Nayatt School, in which he was required, aided by glycerine drops to weep for much of Part II, and by Part VI is found crazed and semi-naked pretending to do unmentionable acts onto gramophone records; in 1981, our hero is found playing a hula dancer (what else) in Hula, in which he wears only a translucent green skirt and leis, and lizard green make-up on his most precious possession, which is required to perform its most mundane function on-stage; in 1983 he has moved decisively up-market, and in LSD (…Just the High Points…), plays several roles, including Arthur Koestler on an acid trip; six years later he’s ready for the big time, playing the slyly smiling therapist in the movie sex, lies, and videotape, before graduating to the pinnacle of his career in Solutions, as the overwrought chief executive who paces nervously, gazes meaningfully into the camera, and finally, falls in love with IBM.
