Harry Connick Jr. brings a singer's timing to relaxed, companionable performances. We value the warmth, particularly in supporting roles, but he is more interesting when a part asks him to do something beyond being charming.
Fi1m perspective
As Dean McCoppin, the beatnik artist in The Iron Giant (1999), Harry Connick Jr. gives an animated character a relaxed speaking voice. His natural delivery is a useful reminder that a singer need not make voice acting sound like a recital. He brings a singer's sense of timing to the part, but keeps the delivery conversational. We value that restraint in an actor whose charm can otherwise do too much of the work.
His film acting began with Memphis Belle (1990), before supporting roles in Copycat (1995) and Independence Day (1996). As serial killer Daryll Lee Cullum in Copycat, he could be disturbing rather than reassuring, and the intensity is worth remembering. Hope Floats (1998), his first leading film role, put him opposite Sandra Bullock in a romantic drama. His warmth works there, though that sort of casting can make it too easy to treat him as a pleasant presence and leave the assessment at that.
Brad Bird uses him well in The Iron Giant, a film we recommend with little hesitation. We were deeply moved by the friendship between the boy and the giant, because their affection makes the choice not to hurt people feel personal. The moral divisions can be too tidy, but the central pair stay believable, and Connick's conversational voice fits a film that speaks plainly about kindness.
The recurring role of Leo Markus in Will & Grace (2002–2006) and family films such as Dolphin Tale (2011) continued the more approachable side of his acting. Our reservation is that lighter material can settle for the familiar face and the charm, leaving too little character underneath. Being good company is useful, but it should not be the whole performance. A director willing to make him less reassuring would give us more to consider. Start with Dean, then try Copycat.
Biography
Harry Connick Jr. is an American singer, pianist, composer and actor. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he began performing publicly as a child and studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts before training further in New York.
His film acting debut was as a tail gunner in Memphis Belle (1990). Subsequent roles include appearances in Copycat (1995), Independence Day (1996), Hope Floats (1998) and the voice of Dean McCoppin in the animated film The Iron Giant (1999). He played Dr. Leo Markus in the television series Will & Grace (2002–2006). He has won three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards.
