John Friedrich (actor)

American film actor (b. March 15, 1958, California).

A talented and enigmatic character actor of the 1970s and early 1980s, John Friedrich is probably best known for his portrayal of Joey Capra in The Wanderers (1979), Philip Kaufman's film adaption of Richard Price's novel.

A familiar face on television throughout the '70s, Friedrich made guest starring appearances on the police drama series, Baretta, and The Streets of San Francisco. He also had a strong supporting role in the John Travolta telefilm, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.

In 1978, he appeared in the oft-maligned disco film, Thank God It's Friday. And the year later he was cast as Joey in The Wanderers. In 1982, he worked alongside James Woods in the prison drama, Fast-Walking; in which he portrayed a gay convict called "Squeeze".

Another of Friedrich's most recognizable roles was as Frank Cleary, the oldest of the Cleary brothers, in the 1983 mini-series, The Thorn Birds; based on the novel by Colleen McCullough. In both The Thorn Birds, and Friedrich's final film release, The Final Terror, he worked with the British actress, Rachel Ward.

After working in The Thorn Birds, Friedrich ended his Hollywood career.

The Final Terror, which was filmed in 1980 under the working title, Three Blind Mice, was subsequently released after Friedrich's retirement from film due to the popularity of its female leads- Ward, and Daryl Hannah.

At the peak of his career with The Thorn Birds; Friedrich retired to New Mexico, married, started a family, and began a successful career as a financial consultant. In the meantime he also became something of a cult icon as his films developed a cult following. Rumors persisted as to what had become of him, including one recurring myth that he was working as a live-in gardener for his Wanderers co-star, Ken Wahl , who had gone on to reasonable success in the television series, Wiseguy.

There has also been confusion between John Friedrich, the film actor, and an Australian criminal and former government official of the same name who committed suicide in 1991. At least one website, listing actors (Answers.com) has claimed that the actor and the criminal, John Friedrich, are one and the same .

In 2007, Friedrich resurfaced when he appeared on stage at the University of Hawai'i to discuss his films with UH professor, Marc Moody. During this stage appearance, Friedrich shared anecdotes of his decade-long career and commented that he would like to return to acting, to "complete that chapter" in his life .