THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 6, 1997 TAG: 9701040086
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Larry Bonko
LENGTH: 103 lines
MAY YOUR FANTASIES become facts in 1997. May your dreams come true. It's already happened for actor Jason George, Kempsville High class of 1990.
One day, he's a graduate student at Temple University in Philadelphia, wishing for a career before the cameras. The next day, he's in Southern California, auditioning for and winning a part on ``Sunset Beach,'' a daytime soap opera produced by Aaron Spelling.
It premieres today on NBC (WAVY) at 10 a.m. with George cast as Michael Bourne.
Here's his character's background, as supplied by the Spelling writers:
``A lifeguard who found his way out of tough South Central Los Angeles. He struggles daily to keep his violent and troubled past behind him. After finding a surfboard in the alley that separates his rough inner-city neighborhood from the upscale University of Southern California frat houses, he rides the board to an exciting life in the town of Sunset Beach. He's self-assured, funny and street smart.''
George, who grew up in Virginia Beach with miles of waterfront, plays a lifeguard. A water rat.
Perfect casting.
``Jason swam well,'' said older brother Johnny, 28. He also rode boogie boards and body-surfed at the Oceanfront. He's a University of Virginia graduate.
Now, Spelling, who is television's most prolific producer, will pay George handsomely to get wet on the tube. He's signed for three years.
``I've got the job!'' George said when he was home in Virginia Beach over the holidays before returning to Burbank, Calif., where most of ``Sunset Beach'' will be shot. His mother, Shirley, is president of the Education Association of Norfolk and is on leave of absence from her job as special education teacher at Lake Taylor Middle School. He also has two brothers, Johnny, who is in the computer business, and Jarvis, 20, who attends Howard University, where he is a member of the football team.
You can't blame Jason, 24, for talking in exclamation points. The man figures he beat out about 14,000 others for the part.
Spelling's staff conducted a talent search in eight cities. One was Philadelphia, where George was a graduate student, teaching and thinking about how to break into movies or television.
``For those who assume that a nationwide talent search is bogus business, I'm living proof that it's not,'' he said.
Say it again, Jason.
``I got the job!''
Spelling in the past has been criticized for the white-bread look of his prime-time soap operas. I defy you to find a black face on ``Melrose Place,'' ``Beverly Hills 90210'' or ``Savannah.'' Several ``Sunset Beach'' cast members, including George, are African American.
Is Spelling making a statement here? George has no idea. This is not a crusade. This is a job, George said, adding, ``I'll be projecting the positive image of a young, self-made black man who had every reason to screw up his life but has become someone that others can count on.''
Women count on him.
Hunky lifeguard Bourne dates flight attendants and has a thing for a young reporter played by Sherri Saum.
There are 21 permanent roles on ``Sunset Beach,'' an hourlong soap about the lives and loves in a small Southern California beach town where everyone knows everyone else's business. There's Lesley-Anne Down, playing the wife of a high-powered attorney. And there's Leigh Taylor-Young as the owner of Elaine's Waffle Shop, and oodles of other beautiful faces and bods.
See Jason George in ``Baywatch''-style red swim trunks.
But not always.
``I do get to wear my favorite vest,'' he said.
But you'll still see a lot of the man's bare chest.
``I'm in shape.''
He's impressed with Spelling.
``The man has a feel for casting. An instinct.''
Indeed. Didn't he discover Tori Spelling? (Her brother, Randy Spelling, plays a high school kid in ``Sunset Beach.'')
And what does George think of working on a daily daytime drama?
``It's like boot camp.'' A grind. Five 60-minute episodes a week.
And what else?
``It's a big-time short cut. A showcase. As an actor, I'm way ahead of schedule.''
If you have to start somewhere, working for Tori's dad is the place. If Spelling can make no-talent Andrew Shue of ``Melrose Place'' a star, he can do it for anyone. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
NBC
Jason George with co-star Sherri Saum, who plays a reporter, in
Sunset Beach," which premieres at 10 a.m. today on NBC.
NBC
George's fellow cast members on "Sunset Beach" include, clockwise
from top left, Vanessa Dorman, Randy Spelling, Ashley Hamilton, Nick
Stabile and Adrienne Frantz.
NBC
Jason George figures he beat out 14,000 actors for his part.
NBC
``I'll be projecting the positive image of a young, self-made black
man,'' says Jason George.
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