JEFF PERRY

Photograph by VICTOR SKREBENESKI

BIO BITS

Born on August 16, 1955

Married to Linda Lowy, Casting Director

Children: Two Daughters - Zoe (from first marriage) and Leah

Co-founding member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company with Terry Kinney and Gary Sinise

Film Credits include Into Thin Air, Wild Things, Lansky, and Hard Promises

Played Inspector Harvey Leek on Nash Bridges (CBS) for six seasons

Grew up in Chicago, Illinois and now lives in LA

Profession: Actor and Drama Instructor

Best Feature: Blue Eyes

QUOTE: "Mottos are annoying and dangerous and should be avoided."

NASH BRIDGES

I first became an admirer of Jeff Perry and his work while I was home from University on Christmas break in the Winter of 1997. Up until this point I had only vaguely heard of Nash Bridges. I knew NB starred Don Johnson and that it was some sort of cop show, but that was all. My younger brother Rob told me, "You should watch this. You'll like it." So if anyone ever teases me about my NB and JP obsessions I tell them it's all his fault!

Inspector Harvey Leek

However, it wasn't until the Fall of 1998 that I really became what you would call a Nash Bridges fan. The episode was "Hot Prowler." I had no idea that Michelle was being written out so her death was a complete shock. It was also the first time I'd seen a major character killed off at the beginning of the season. In the end, there was something about the writing and the characters that had me hooked.

It wasn't long before I knew why. The interaction between Harvey Leek (Jeff Perry) and Evan Cortez (Jaime P. Gomez) had me coming back week after week. The chemistry between these two actors was always entertaining.

Harvey's beloved Ranchero

Harvey drove this classic Ranchero on Nash Bridges for several years. He was a child of the 60's. It was a symbolic connection to his past, and the many pilgrimages he made to Grateful Dead concerts. Unfortunately, the car died in a hail of bullets when he and Evan were attacked by a group of female commandos.

I always felt it was a shame that the producers of the show chose to have Harvey drive more 'commercial' cars in the later seasons. My fellow JP fans may boil me in oil for saying this, but I'm not a fan of the PT Cruiser. To me, the Ranchero fits better with who Harvey is, and how he lives his life.

After 6 seasons, Harvey "retired" from TV

Although the character of Harvey Leek has now been relegated to the great Syndication Highway, my respect for Jeff Perry and the dedication he brings to every role he tackles has not dissapated.

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekov

Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago