What is next for Alan Autry?
There are only about four months left in Mayor Alan Autry's second term. Then he will need to make a career change. He has said he would be willing to look at returning to his acting career. Before his leap into politics, Autry appeared in numerous television shows and movies. He's best known for his years on the TV drama "In the Heat of the Night."
That "Night" role was so popular the Mayor has often been referred to as Bubba. That is a reference to his character's name on the TV show of V.L. "Bubba" Skinner.
It is not unusual for someone to be both a politician and actor. The most recent example is "Law & Order" star Fred Thompson who made an unsuccessful run for the White House.
So unless Autry is looking at a White House run in 2012, a return to acting will be his best move. So what TV programs would suit Autry?
There is no doubt he could be a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars." His star status is certainly higher than Ted McGinley. And as a politician, Autry had to tap dance in front of the media, do the old soft shoe to deal with issues and waltz around topics to hot to discuss.
Don't rule out a remake of "In the Heat of the Night." Old shows like "Beverly Hills 90210," "Star Trek," "Battlestar Galactica," "The Bionic Woman" and "Knight Rider" have found a second life.
It would be easy for Autry to join the cast of the new FX Network series "Sons of Anarchy." I don't know how well he can operate a motorcycle. But Autry made enough maverick moves during his eight years in office to show he has the right attitude for the show.
The CW comedy "The Game" looks at the life of players on a professional football team. Autry could easily step into the role of the coach of the team. Autry did have a football career before he became and actor. And he was in the movie "North Dallas Forty."
Autry should avoid any type of reality show. There is no need for him to be on "The Surreal Life," a celebrity version of "Survivor" or as a contestant on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" If those are his only acting options, then Autry should go right back into politics.
Comments:
Ah, I remember that photo well.
That's Alan framing up a shot for his movie 'Legend of Jake Kincaid' while the writer/producer looks on thinking "There's no such shot in this movie. None. And I know. I wrote it. What is he talking about? What horse? What stunt??"
And sure enough, 3 hours later in 110-degree heat, we'd be shooting the scene where the stunt guy rides his horse into town, scares the little boy (what little boy? oh, the stuntman's son), and wears a hat/outfit that happened to be somewhere around the costume area. And make-up done by Alan's daughter. While Alan's wife Kim kept muttering how she could have been in a Chuck Norris movie, but NOooOOoooo, she had to make THIS movie.
This scene, of course, came out of the blue at the end of a 20 hour day.
And yet, I'd work with Alan again in a heartbeat...the man is just so charismatic!
Posted by: Stephen at August 28, 2008 3:25 PM
A Charismatic description is an understatement. This man Autry has a heart that shows that he has a unfailing love for all of us. He has opened the gates for all of us to release our pent up motives to bring all people together. I would love to see him continue as an actor. He does not have a tinge of comdemation for any people.
A TV Series should utilize his demonstrations of sencerity, political abilities, physical atributes and knowledge. Utilize his ability to find the good in people and help them succeed.
Summarize: Play the part of a BAIL BONDSMAN who finds that through complete service to his clients comes first, before a motivation of financial gain. Each episode would show that positive reinforcement may cause a change of his clients and the client's families attitudes and future success in life.
Adventure comes when the agent finds it necessary to investigate and cause the arrest of a client. But, he never gives up on distribution of positive direction.
Autry shows inward and outwardly that he can help people, even though one at a time.
Posted by: Tech Advisor at August 29, 2008 12:24 PM
...maybe 'Chef' from Southpark?
(...not sure if they're still filming, but I'd pay a dollar to see that...)
Posted by: wet democrat at August 29, 2008 3:52 PM
Go live under a rock anyone?
Posted by: Unknown at August 29, 2008 6:49 PM
Whatever Alan does, I hope he is a great success at it. He's been an outstanding politician, not cow towing to the guys in Sacramento, and trying to do what's best for Fresno. He and the Chief of Police and new Sheriff are cracking down on crime and anytime they do that they are doing a good thing.
Posted by: Fred at August 30, 2008 2:36 AM
Tech Advisor: You mean a Fresno-Style "Dog: The Bounty Hunter?"
Perfect. "Bubba: The Bulldog Gang Hunter" Where Alan talks a lot about the danger and how great he is at undoing the Bulldog Gang, and then he has his brother Jerry Dyer do all the work.
The 'bounty' comes at the end after his brother Dyer announces he's also raised a TON of money by ticketing the hell out of the poor and itinerant workers for not having auto insurance or licenses.
It's a HIT!
Posted by: Stephen at August 30, 2008 4:01 PM
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