Lance Guest always had a passion for performing, and back in high school, he really threw himself into theater productions. Still, Lance Guest never imagined that a full-blown career in Hollywood was actually possible. That all started to change when he was attending UCLA—Lance Guest decided to audition for a role on the popular TV series “Fame.” He didn’t land the part, but the experience turned out to be a pivotal moment; the feedback he received encouraged him to seek out an agent, which set things in motion.
Soon after, Lance Guest snagged a role on “Lou Grant,” the dramatic spinoff of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” That early success opened more doors, and before long, he found himself acting alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the horror sequel “Halloween II.” But it was his performance in the 1984 sci-fi classic “The Last Starfighter” that truly made Lance Guest a household name for a generation of fans. Playing the wide-eyed teen from a trailer park who becomes an intergalactic hero, Lance Guest brought heart and authenticity to the role. Thanks to constant cable reruns throughout the ‘80s, the film developed a devoted cult following, and Lance Guest’s portrayal remained a standout.
Of course, not every project was met with critical acclaim. One of the more talked-about roles in Lance Guest’s filmography was as the adult Mike Brody in “Jaws: The Revenge,” the fourth—and famously panned—installment of the franchise. While the movie itself earned a reputation for being over-the-top, it still kept Lance Guest in the public eye.
On television, Lance Guest continued to build an impressive resume. He appeared in the long-running primetime soap “Knots Landing” and delivered a moving performance in the family drama series “Life Goes On.” Over the years, Lance Guest has stayed consistently active in both film and TV, but if you ask him, his real passion has always been live theater.
In fact, one of the highlights of Lance Guest’s career came in 2010 when he took on the iconic role of Johnny Cash in the hit Broadway musical “Million Dollar Quartet.” His performance was widely praised, earning some of the best reviews of his entire career. For Lance Guest, it was a powerful reminder of where his heart has always been—right there on stage, under the spotlight.
When it comes to Lance Guest’s career highlights, one film really stands out as his highest-rated work—I Ought to Be in Pictures from 1982. It’s widely regarded as the peak of his performance, showcasing his talent in a way that resonated with both critics and audiences. On the flip side, Lance Guest also appeared in Jaws: The Revenge (1987), which, unfortunately, turned out to be his lowest-rated project to date. While Lance Guest brought his best to every role, the reception of these two films couldn’t be more different. Still, Lance Guest remains a notable figure in cinema history, with his body of work reflecting both highs and lows. Overall, when you look at Lance Guest’s filmography, it’s clear that his role in I Ought to Be in Pictures shines the brightest, while Jaws: The Revenge is often remembered more for its flaws than its strengths. And yet, through it all, Lance Guest continues to be recognized for his contributions to film.