Celebrity Info
Harvey Jeter was a versatile character actor who graced the New York City stage with a gentle Tennessee twang in his voice. He became widely recognized for his Emmy award-winning performance as Herman Stiles, the amiable and slightly nerdy assistant coach to Burt Reynolds on the Southern-fried sitcom Evening Shade, which aired on CBS from 1990 to 1994. Jeter’s portrayal of the lovable underdog resonated with audiences and firmly established him in the world of television.
Before his television success, Harvey Jeter first earned critical acclaim—and a Tony Award—for his standout role as the terminally ill clerical worker in the Broadway hit Grand Hotel, The Musical (1990). The character had originally been played by Lionel Barrymore in the film version, and Jeter’s performance brought a fresh poignancy to the stage adaptation. Alongside his Broadway achievements, he built a strong reputation in off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway productions, with roles in plays such as The Boys Next Door, Greater Tuna, and Cloud 9.
Jeter’s film and television career began in 1979 with a minor role in Milos Forman’s film adaptation of Hair, and from there, he steadily expanded his body of work. He appeared in numerous TV movies and miniseries, including Gypsy (CBS, 1993), starring Bette Midler, and Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City (PBS, 1994). His ability to portray eccentric and deeply emotional characters was on full display in Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King (1991), where he played a homeless cabaret singer living with AIDS—a small role that left a lasting impression.
In 1993, Jeter received another Emmy nomination for his memorable portrayal of an unusual frog breeder in an episode of the CBS drama Picket Fences. The character had been written specifically with Jeter in mind, a testament to his unique acting range. He also brought humor and charm to films like Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), starring Whoopi Goldberg, and showcased his versatility in the action film Drop Zone (1994), playing a nerdy computer expert caught between law enforcement and criminals.
In a deeply personal moment shared on Entertainment Tonight in July 1997, Jeter revealed in an emotional interview with Jann Carl that he had tested positive for HIV. Despite this life-changing news, he continued to work steadily in the entertainment industry. Among his later performances was a powerful turn as a Cajun death row inmate in the Oscar-nominated film The Green Mile (1999). He also brought joy to a new generation of viewers when he joined the beloved PBS children’s show Sesame Street in 2000 as Mr. Noodle in the Elmo’s World segments.
Jeter’s film roles remained diverse and engaging. He appeared in Jurassic Park III (2001), and delivered a memorable performance in Welcome to Collinwood (2002), playing one of a group of endearing misfits planning a heist. He also worked with Kevin Costner in the Western Open Range (2003), further proving his adaptability across genres.
At the time of his unexpected death from undetermined causes, Harvey Jeter had just finished filming The Polar Express (2004), directed by Robert Zemeckis. In the film, he wore a performance capture suit to voice and act out the dual roles of the CGI characters Smokey and Steamer—once again sharing the screen with Tom Hanks. Jeter’s legacy lives on through these performances, which reflect his deep talent, emotional range, and enduring presence in American film and television.
When it comes to Michael Jeter’s filmography, fans and critics often point to Zelig (1983) as his standout performance—this movie consistently ranks as Michael Jeter’s highest rated film. Directed by Woody Allen, the quirky comedy-drama showcased Michael Jeter in a memorable supporting role that resonated with audiences and critics alike. On the other end of the spectrum, South of Heaven, West of Hell (2000) tends to receive much less favorable reviews, making it widely regarded as Michael Jeter’s lowest rated movie. While Michael Jeter brought his usual depth to the character, the film itself struggled to gain critical traction. Overall, Michael Jeter’s career highlights the range he brought to both acclaimed and lesser-known projects.
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