Odd thought

[mbarker]

Mitsuko, my wife, was telling me that they were interviewing the actor who plays Soso in the rakugo drama that NHK has. And that one of their comments was what an unusual character he plays.

He's a big, sort of scary guy. His arms and legs are too long for his favorite suit, and he talks rough. But he's also got a big smile, and always seems to be trying to help.

When I thought about similar characters, the first one I thought of  was Gomer Pyle from Gomer Pyle, USMC. Sahprise, sahprise, sahprise. Same sort of naive winner through willingness. The county boy who makes good by smiling and doing it.

But then I got stuck. Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster?  Maybe Hoss  from Bonanza, although I don't remember well enough to be sure.  Little John from the Robin Hood mythos?

Are there really few examples of the bruiser with a heart of gold? Or am I just tired?

Comments

Forest Gump?

[masgramondou.livejournal.com]

I think there aren't many bruisers with a hear of gold who are also somewhat intelligent and the hero/a major character in the plot.

But I'm only watching the thing vicariously via She Who Must Be Obeyed so I could be missing subtleties....

Re: Forest Gump?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Could be. I suppose it's unAmerican to admit it, but I have never seen the movie. Something about the raves convinced me to avoid it.

Thanks!

[drammar.livejournal.com]

Hoss Cartwright may be just on the money -- played with just enough twinkle in his eye that you knew he wasn't taking the role too seriously.

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Ayup.

Thanks!