Victor Garber
Specialty: Intense but Non-Threatening Father Figures 
In the early 1970s, there arose a kicky, inoffensive little Bible-based stage musical called Godspell. When the 
movie version was made, the buoyant young cast was headed by a lad named Victor Garber in the role of 
Jesus. Ghostly pale and painfully thin, he sported a haunting, tremulous tenor voice and a big ol' fluffy red 
afro. His Christ was otherworldly, yet endearing; sexless, yet warm; boyish, yet fatherly. With that early 
screen appearance, audiences saw, in embryonic form, what would become Garber's signature role: the 
quietly intense yet sexually non-threatening father figure. 

Don't get me wrong: he is not a performer of limited range. Garber boasts an impressive list of stage, 
cinema, and television credits, and has portrayed a variety of characters. He has played a "regular guy," 
like Tom Hank's buddy Greg in Sleepless in Seattle; he's also played that most irregular of guys, Liberace, 
in a made-for-TV movie. He has portrayed men who are downright unsavory: a philandering husband, a 
dastardly talent agent, even the devil himself (in Damn Yankees). Yet in my mind, these roles -- no matter 
how well executed -- have somehow failed to satisfy. He's just not meant to be a bad guy. Which is why in 
Legally Blonde, when Garber as an arrogant law professor places a lecherous hand on Reese Witherspoon's 
knee, one half expects him to give her a pat and suggest they have a nice cup of cocoa. 
A man of obvious gifts, he has garnered professional accolades, particularly for his stage work. Why, then, 
do I seek to confine him to the role of the kindly patrician? Well, c'mon...just look at the guy. Benevolent 
maturity becomes him. In the years since Godspell, the boyish face and gangly frame have filled out, and the 
red 'fro has been replaced with curly, graying locks. He has become a rather nice-looking middle-aged 
gentleman, but in a totally non-threatening way. He'll speak soothingly and protect you from harm, but 
will behave at all times in a completely appropriate manner. He is wide of brow, elfin of smile, twinkly of 
eye, winsome of demeanor. He's your dad, or maybe your friend's. 

As the mournful shipbuilder Thomas Andrews in Titanic, Garber epitomizes paternal good will. 
He creates in Andrews a tragic hero, a sympathetic character whose best quality -- a gentle, 
kindly nature -- leads to his undoing. Through subtle acting skill and perfect physical suitability for 
the part, Garber infuses this relatively minor role with depth and humanity. "I'm sorry I didn't build 
you a stronger ship, young Rose," he says with fatherly regret; then he hands her his life belt and hugs 
her goodbye. He is, in this writer's opinion, the best character in Titanic, and his stoic demise its most 
affecting death. I hardly whimpered when Jack let go and slipped beneath the icy depths, but I'm still 
grieving the loss of Thomas Andrews. 

Garber currently courts fame with his featured role in a new network series, Alias . 
Against a backdrop of glamour and intrigue, he appears to be playing an espionage-flavored version of his signature role: 
the protective dad. Even if you haven't seen the show yet, you probably saw the promo that looped endlessly on ABC in 
August and September, giving a thumbnail sketch of his character. The secret-service dad brings his car 
to a screeching halt in front of his spy-chick daughter. His face is a picture of trustworthiness and concern. "Daddy?" she cries. 
With quiet urgency, he answers: "Get in." Now, what would you do if that were your daddy? I'd get in. 

Garber is just fifty-two years old. With any luck, his appearance will continue to mellow, and his fatherly 
persona with it. Whether he ultimately finds the screen recognition he deserves, or remains doomed by his 
generic face and measured ways to the relative anonymity of an HITG!, I hope he'll continue to concentrate 
on the role he plays best. 
								--Portia

Note: This is the view of the author, NOT of this site's creator...I would not describe Garber
as sexless or non-threatening, this article leaves me wondering if Portia has ever SEEN Alias.

    Source: geocities.com/stephanieearnest