John David Whalen

John David Whalen is an American film actor. Born as John David Woodmency Whalen, he was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He was educated at the Boys' Latin School of Maryland in Baltimore and attended The United States Naval Academy.[1]

After attending the Boys' Latin School of Maryland, he was awarded a Presidential Appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Despite his desire for a career in entertainment, he decided to uphold his commitment to the United States and complete his degree in Oceanography at Annapolis and accept his commission as a Naval Officer in May 2000. His naval career spread across the globe from San Diego to London to the Middle East. He resigned his commission as a Lieutenant in the US Navy in March 2005. He began to perform in several plays and short films during the next few years. Later, he moved to Los Angeles to continue his career as an actor. After only a short time in Los Angeles, he made his feature film debut in Casino Jack[2] in which he plays real life ex-lobbyist Kevin Ring.

Contents

Early Life and Education

John David Woodmency Whalen was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Whalen's father is John Whalen, III a veteran of the Vietnam war who died in 1989 as a result of his service and exposure to Agent Orange. His mother, Linda Whalen, taught elementary school in the Baltimore County Public Schools[3]. Whalen's Great Grandfather was Raymond Bond, an actor during the 1950's in such films as A Foreign Affair, 1948 and A Man From Planet X, 1951. [4] Whalen grew up in Baltimore, and following his father's death, his mother enrolled him at the prestigious Boys' Latin School of Maryland,[5]. At Boys' Latin, John David discovered lacrosse and acting, although only one would dominate his interest during his childhood. Later he would play and eventually Assistant Coach on the Navy lacrosse team prior to his commissioning in the US Navy. Whalen also volunteer coaches lacrosse presently at the Palisades Charter High School[6].

US Navy

2000-2005

Whalen served as a Surface Warfare Officer[7] onboard the USS Ogden. [8] and later laterally transferred to the METOC community and finished his career in Monterey, CA. Whalen was an engineer and Anti-Terrorist Officer onboard[9]. During his tour, he was recognized as an Officer of the Deck and Command Duty Officer[10]. He completed one nine month tour in the Middle East. His Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) was the first response deployment after September 11, 2001. During his career, John David was awarded for his service the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. [11]. He is a Golden Shellback.[12]

Acting Career

2006-PRESENT

Whalen's appeared in several short films prior to finding his feature film debut in Casino Jack, 2010 appearing opposite Kevin Spacey. In his first interview, Michael Sragow says "...Whalen was the ideal choice for Kevin Ring.[13] Casino Jack was a significant launching point for his career. The experience he gained was culminated by his training with veteran acting coach Cameron Thor. He has also begun producing projects focused on the human story, and more specifically the reemergence of the masculine and feminine archetypes. Most recently, he was a Consulting Producer on The Argument, 2011. Whalen also works in the theater community in Los Angeles. Upon first moving to Los Angeles, he accepted an acting apprenticeship following his performance in Our Town, at the Western Stage Theater [14] at the Theater West Theater in Studio City, CA. Whalen continues performing in plays originating the role in Los Angeles in Women are Crazy because Men are A**holes[15], and traveling with that production to Chicago at the Mercury Theater. Whalen is represented by SMS Talent Agency[16], and Joanne Horowitz Management[17] in Los Angeles, CA.

Interviews

Baltimore Sun Article, Baltimore's John David Whalen plays a K Street lobbyist as a good soldier in "Casino Jack', Balitmore, January 06, 2011.
Interview with RealTVFilms

CBS Baltimore Interview

Publicity Photos

Casino Jack Premiere [2]]
The 2011 83rd Oscar Awards Red Carpet Report [3]]

Filmography

Year Film Role Director
2008 The Man Left Behind Higgins Robert Matthews
2008 A Hard Day's Work Chibrowski Jeffery McLaughlin
2010 Darwin Fish Starkey James Cox
2010 Casino Jack Kevin Ring George Hickenlooper
2011 The Argument Consulting Producer Clara Aranovich

References

  1. ^ IMDB John David Whalen
  2. ^ The New York Times, Movies and TV | John David Whalen
  3. ^ Linda Whalen LinkedIn
  4. ^ IMDB Raymond Bond
  5. ^ Boys' Latin School Alumni Updates
  6. ^ Palisades Charter Lacrosse
  7. ^ John David Whalen, DD214
  8. ^ [1]
  9. ^ John David Whalen, DD214
  10. ^ John David Whalen, DD214
  11. ^ John David Whalen, DD214
  12. ^ John David Whalen, DD214
  13. ^ [http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-01-06/entertainment/bs-ae-film-sragow-rail-0107-20110106_1_casino-jack-kevin-ring-lobbyist}
  14. ^ Western Stage, Hartnell College.
  15. ^ Cyur Studios
  16. ^ SMS Talent Agency, INC.
  17. ^ IMDB Joanne Horowitz