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Gale Harold

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Gale Harold
Harold in September 2012
Born
Gale Morgan Harold III

(1969-07-10) July 10, 1969 (age 55)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
EducationAmerican University
OccupationActor
Years active2000–present

Gale Morgan Harold III (born July 10, 1969) is an American actor, known for his leading and recurring roles on Queer as Folk, Deadwood, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, The Secret Circle and Defiance. He also starred in the romantic comedy Falling for Grace.

Early life

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Harold was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was an engineer and his mother a real estate agent. Because Harold's parents were devout Pentecostals, he had strict religious upbringing. At age 15, he left the church.

Following graduation from the Lovett School, Harold attended American University in Washington, D.C., on a soccer scholarship. He began a Liberal Arts degree in romance literature, departing after a few months and moved to San Francisco, California to study photography at the San Francisco Art Institute. He worked a variety of jobs including construction, bartender, waiter, and apprentice motorcycle mechanic.

In 1997, Susan Landau, daughter of actor Martin Landau, suggested Harold try acting. He dropped out of the San Francisco Art Institute and relocated to Los Angeles, where he began a three-year period of intensive drama study.[1] He was accepted into the Actors Conservatory Program with the classical theater company A Noise Within. In his theatrical debut, Harold appeared as "Bunny" in Gillian Plowman's Me and My Friends.

Career

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In 2000, Harold was cast as Brian Kinney, a central character on Showtime's popular gay drama Queer as Folk.

During the summer hiatus from Queer as Folk, Harold made his New York theatrical debut in Uncle Bob along with George Morfogen.[2]

In 2003, Harold starred in Wake, produced by Susan Landau Finch and directed by her husband Henry LeRoy Finch.

Harold had the lead role of Special Agent Graham Kelton in the short-lived FOX series Vanished in 2006.

Harold also guest-starred as Wyatt Earp in two episodes of the HBO series Deadwood and appeared twice on the CBS series The Unit. Alongside David Bowie, Harold was an associate producer of the documentary Scott Walker: 30 Century Man.

Gale Harold returned to the New York stage in Tennessee Williams' play Suddenly Last Summer on November 15, 2006, in the role of Dr. Cukrowicz ("Dr. Sugar"). Harold's co-stars in the Roundabout Theatre repertory production, a limited Off-Broadway engagement running through January 20, 2007, were Blythe Danner and Carla Gugino.

Harold was the male lead in the indie romantic comedy Falling for Grace, which debuted favorably at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival (under the working title East Broadway). Harold played an eligible New York bachelor in an interracial relationship with an Asian-American woman.

Harold appeared in November 2007 in a guest role on ABC's Grey's Anatomy as Shane, a paramedic and white supremacist who is injured in an ambulance crash.

He appeared in Desperate Housewives on the fourth season finale May 18, 2008 as Jackson Braddock, Susan Mayer's love interest. Six months after a serious motorcycle accident, Harold returned to play Jackson on the May 3, 2009 episode of the show.[3]

In January and February 2010, Harold performed alongside Denise Crosby and ex-model Claudia Mason in Tennessee Williams' Orpheus Descending at Theater/Theatre in Los Angeles. The production and cast received mostly positive reviews, with the Los Angeles Times calling his performance "brilliant" and adding "Harold, ideally cast, beautifully ignites with Crosby, whose unconventional interpretation is an affecting revelation."[4]

In July 2010, it was announced at the Television Critics Association Summer Tour that Harold had accepted a recurring role as a law professor in the upcoming series Hellcats.[5] The series concluded its season with Harold's character involved in an affair with the show's lead character Marti (played by Aly Michalka). The series was cancelled after one season.

The CW picked up The Secret Circle for the fall of 2011. The series revolved around a coven of teenage witches in a small town in Washington, each a member of a different witch clan dating back to the 17th Century. Harold played a scheming and powerful male witch who is the father of one of the teenagers. On May 11, 2012, The CW announced the cancellation of the series.[6]

In 2011, Harold was also featured in two movies, Low Fidelity and Rehab, as one of the main characters.[7]

Harold appeared on three episodes of the first season of the show Defiance (1.06, 1.08 and 1.09). On May 10, 2013, Syfy renewed Defiance for a 13 episode second season to air in 2014.[8][9] Harold returned for a guest appearance in the second season of the show in the episode "Put the Damage On".[10]

In 2013, Harold appeared in a short film, The Spirit Game. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and it was released online on September 2, 2014.[11]

At the Rise 'n Shine Convention (June 9, 2013), Harold said that he was currently working on a project about Civil War, Field of Lost Shoes.

In 2014, Harold participated in different projects including the short film, Thirst, which was directed by Rachel McDonald and premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland on August 7, 2014,[12][13][14] and the film Echo Park, which premiered in the LA Film Festival on June 14, 2014.[15] He also appeared in the sci-fi/action movie Andron.[16][17]

In 2020, Harold became a co-founder[18] of Filmmakers First Fund, a Los Angeles-based film fund and studio space dedicated to artists with full-length narrative and documentary film projects in the early stages of development. 2020 grantees included Rachel Lears for To the End (2022), a documentary following Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rhiana Gunn-Wright, Varshini Prakash, and Alexandra Rojas as they fight for the Green New Deal.

Personal life

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On October 14, 2008, Harold was hospitalized at the LAC+USC Medical Center after a motorcycle accident. He remained in critical condition after swelling of the brain was discovered as well as a fractured shoulder. Harold was subsequently released from intensive care and returned to complete his role on Desperate Housewives.[19][20] The online motorcycle publication Clutch & Chrome, which had followed his recovery closely, celebrated his new Hellcats role with an article on August 3, 2010.[21][22]

During the shootings of Vanished in 2006, Harold shot a short video for the Amber Watch Foundation showing his support about missing children. In the video he stated that "nationwide 1.3 million children go missing each year" and urged people to be champions for child safety.[23]

Harold is a supporter of the LGBT community. On July 16, 2012, at the first Annual Hot 100 Party hosted by the website AfterEllen, he recorded an It Gets Better video sending his message and advising gay teens to remember their heroes.[24]

In 2014, Harold filed a restraining order against his ex-girlfriend, actress Danielle Saklofsky.[25]

The actor's sexual orientation was the subject of speculation from the public for many years, until Harold finally identified himself as a straight man.[26]

Filmography and other appearances

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Movie

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Year Title Role Notes
2000 36K Booker O'Brien
2001 Mental Hygiene David Ryan Short film
2003 Particles of Truth Morrison Wiley
Rhinoceros Eyes Det. Phil Barbara
Wake Kyle Riven
2005 The Unseen Harold
Fathers and Sons Elliott
Life on the Ledge Chaz
2006 Falling for Grace Andrew James Barrington Jr.
2007 Scott Walker: 30 Century Man Associate producer
Documentary film
2009 Passenger Side Karl
2010 Fertile Ground Nate Weaver
2011 Low Fidelity Ted
Rehab Dr. Daniel Brody Post-production
2013 The Spirit Game Reggie Short film
Cafe Attitude Waiter Short film
The Being Experience (In the Woods) Post-production
2014 Field of Lost Shoes Charles Semple Premiered on April 13, 2014[27]
Thirst John Short film; premiered on August 7, 2014[13][14][28]
In my mirror Post-production - Documentary
Echo Park Simon Premiered on June 14, 2014[29]
The Two Dogs Max Middlefinger Post-production
Andron: The Black Labyrinth World Premiere, November 8, 2015, at "Trieste Science + Fiction", Italy[16]
2015 Mari Celeste Jeremy Short film; Post-production
The Green Bench Father Short film[30][31]
Kiss Me, Kill Me Stephen World Premiere, September 18, 2015, at "The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Film Festival"[32]
Weepah Way for Now Theatrical Agent Premiered on June 16, 2015, in L.A. Film Festival[33]
2018 The Betrothed Eric Short film

TV shows

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Year Title Role Notes
2000–2005 Queer as Folk Brian Kinney Main cast; 83 episodes (Seasons 1–5; 2000–2005)
2003 Street Time Geoff Beddoes Episode 2.08: Gone
Episode 2.09: Get Up, Stand Up
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Dr. Garrett Lang Episode 4.24: "Perfect"
2005 Fathers and Sons Elliott Television film
Martha: Behind Bars Peter Bacanovic Television film
2006 The Unit Rory Episode 1.07: "Dedication"
Episode 1.10: "Unannounced"
Deadwood Wyatt Earp Episode 3.08: "Leviathan Smiles"
Episode 3.09: "Amateur Night"
Vanished Agent Graham Kelton Main cast (Episodes 1–7)
8 episodes
2007 Grey's Anatomy Shane Episode 4.09: "Crash Into Me, Part 1"
Episode 4.10: "Crash Into Me, Part 2"
2008–2009 Desperate Housewives Jackson Braddock 14 episodes (4.17, 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08,
5.11 (voice), 5.12 (voice), 5.21, 5.22 & 5.23)
2010 CSI: NY Kevin Scott Episode 6.22: "Point of View"
2010–2011 Hellcats Julian Parrish 9 episodes (1.03, 1.05, 1.06, 1.10,
1.13, 1.15, 1.19, 1.20 & 1.21)
2011–2012 The Secret Circle Charles Mead Main cast
2013–2014 Defiance Connor Lang 4 episodes (1.06, 1.08, 1.09 & 2.05)
2018 Criminal Minds Dr. Daryl Wright Episode: 14.09: "Broken Wing"
2020 Equal Howard Smith Docuseries

Theater

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Year Title Role Notes
1997–1998 Me and my friend Bunny
La Indian Queen La turista
1999–2000 Cymbeline
The Misanthrope
Miss Julie Jean
Sweet Birth of Youth Wayne
The Importance of Being Earnest Mr. Algernon Moncrieff
Long Day's Journey into Night Edmund
2001 Uncle Bob Josh Summer 2001

Soho Playhouse, New York City Co-star George Morfogen

2006–2007 Suddenly Last Summer Dr. Cukrowicz November 15, 2006 – January 20, 2007

Laura Pels Theatre, New York City Co-stars Blythe Danner & Carla Gugino

2010 Orpheus Descending Valentine Xavier January–February
Theater/Theatre in Los Angeles

Co-stars Denise Crosby & Claudia Mason

2013 Rocco Rosso Riche Rocco Rosso November
National Theatre, London

Co-star Olivia d'Abo

Conventions

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Year Title Role Notes
2012 Night ItaCon - Fantasy events
Bologna, Italy		 Himself August 31–September 2. Gale attended following his role as Charles Mead on The Secret Circle.
2013 Showtime Con - Zarata events
Bilbao, Spain		 Himself February 15–17. Gale participated following his role as Brian Kinney
on Showtime's Queer as Folk.
2013 Rise 'n Shine Con
Los Angeles, California, USA		 Himself June 9. QAF convention with co-actors Randy Harrison, Scott Lowell,
Peter Paige, Robert Gant, Michelle Clunie & Ryan Scott Greene.
2014 Queens of the Road Con
Bilbao, Spain		 Himself March 28–30. Queer as Folk convention with co-actors
Randy Harrison, Scott Lowell & Peter Paige.
2015 ATX Television Festival
Austin, Texas		 Himself June 4–7. Gale participated following his role as Brian Kinney
on Showtime's Queer as Folk with co-actors
Randy Harrison, Robert Gant & Peter Paige.
2015 Gale Harold Fan Meet - Zarata events
Bilbao, Spain		 Himself September 26–27. Gale participated following his role as Brian Kinney
on Showtime's Queer as Folk.
2016 Gale Harold Fan Meet - Zarata events
Bilbao, Spain		 Himself September 9–11. Gale participated following his role as Brian Kinney on Showtime's Queer as Folk with co-actor Randy Harrison.

References

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  1. ^ "Beautiful People 2001: Gale Harold". PAPER. 2001-04-01. Retrieved 2019-12-29.
  2. ^ Hofler, Robert (2001-04-23). "Uncle Bob". Variety. Retrieved 2019-12-29.
  3. ^ Ausiello, Michael. "Gale Harold Gets Desperate". TV Guide. Archived from the original on 2008-05-01.
  4. ^ Nichols, David C. (January 22, 2010). "Theater review: 'Orpheus Descending' at Theatre/Theater". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ Hernandez, Greg (July 29, 2010). "Gale Harold will have recurring role on CW's new "Hellcats" series as a sexy attorney". Greginhollywood.
  6. ^ "'Secret Circle' says goodbye: Britt Robertson tells us Season 2 just is 'not happening'". Zap2it. June 5, 2012. Archived from the original on June 26, 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
  7. ^ Gummersall, Devon (May 29, 2013). "At long last, we have an official release date for "LOW FIDELITY"! August 6, 2013 it will be available on VOD, digital, etc". Twitter.
  8. ^ "Syfy Renews DEFIANCE For A Second Season". Seat42f. May 10, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  9. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 10, 2013). "Syfy's 'Defiance' Renewed For Season 2". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  10. ^ Griffin, Jennifer (July 23, 2014). "Defiance Boss Outlines Plans for Season 3: Gale Harold, The Pale Wars & More". Screen Spy. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  11. ^ "The Spirit Game short film is now online!". The Spirit Game. Twitter. September 2, 2014. Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  12. ^ Latham, Brandon (July 16, 2014). "Locarno Film Festival Announces Lineup Including Luc Besson's 'Lucy'; Honors Juliette Binoche, Mia Farrow". IndieWire. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  13. ^ a b "Pills from the Future". Pardo Live. July 16, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  14. ^ a b Thirst (July 18, 2014). "The premiere for Thirst is August 7th". Twitter. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  15. ^ Howard, Courtney (June 18, 2014). "LA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW – ECHO PARK (2014)". Very Aware. Archived from the original on August 13, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  16. ^ a b Siegel, Tatiana (12 September 2014). "Alec Baldwin and Danny Glover to Star in the Sci-Fi/Action Film 'Andron' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  17. ^ Blaga, Julia (September 12, 2014). "Andron Starring Skin Wraps Shooting in Malta". Film New Europe. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  18. ^ Kay2021-01-06T14:00:00+00:00, Jeremy. "Filmmakers First Fund unveils first round of awards (exclusive)". Screen. Retrieved 2022-05-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ "Gale Harold Get Better and Return Soon!!!".
  20. ^ "Gale Harold Returns To 'Desperate Housewives'". Access Hollywood. Fanpop.
  21. ^ "Actor's New Role and Motorcycle Accident". Clutch & Chrome. Archived from the original on 2012-08-14. Retrieved 2010-08-04.
  22. ^ "Actors New Role After Severe Motorcycle Accident". Archived from the original on 2013-12-11.
  23. ^ Amber Watch (August 8, 2012). "Amber Watch thanks Gale Harold for his support". Amber Watch Channel, You Tube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15.
  24. ^ Ayers, Dennis (June 28, 2012). "Men of the 2012 Hot 100 Respond. Plus, Our First Ever Hot 100 Live Event!". The Backlot.
  25. ^ "Queer as Folk star Gale Harold seeks protection against ex-girlfriend". Herald Sun.
  26. ^ Hernandez, Greg (January 3, 2014). "Queer as Folk alum Gale Harold reflects on his gay role and making love scenes real". Gay Star News. Archived from the original on July 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2017. 'I'm straight, but the character was too important to me to muddle his world with my private life.
  27. ^ Bacque, Peter (March 13, 2014). "'Field of Lost Shoes' film to premiere in Richmond". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  28. ^ Thirst (July 16, 2014). "Thrilled 2 announce that Thirst will make its World Premiere @ the 67th Locarno Int Film Festival!". Twitter. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  29. ^ Howard, Courtney (June 18, 2014). "LA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW – ECHO PARK (2014)". Very Aware. Archived from the original on August 13, 2014. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  30. ^ "The Green Bench". Official site of "The Green Bench". Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  31. ^ "Gale Harold's interview". You Tube. June 3, 2015. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  32. ^ "Exclusive: Watch the Trailer for West Hollywood Thriller 'Kiss Me, Kill Me'". Out. August 19, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  33. ^ Davis, Edward (June 15, 2015). "L.A. Film Festival Exclusive: Family Tension Explodes In Clip From 'Weepah Way For Now' With Aly And AJ Michalka". IndieWire. Archived from the original on December 29, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.
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