Nick Searcy

 Nick Searcy played the role of Deputy Ben Healy in American Gothic. As assistant to Sheriff Lucas Buck, Ben seem to be put upon, with no power or will to stand up for himself. This is not entirely true, as a few of the episodes illustrate. A very fair-minded character, Ben always puts the welfare of others first, usually at the expense of his own happiness. Ben seems to be fighting constantly with his own conscience, against Lucas' wishes.

 Born in Cullowhee, North Carolina, Nick Searcy attended the North Carolina School of Arts, then went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has appeared in several off-Broadway plays, and at regional theatres in productions including "Guys and Dolls", "Cabaret" and "Jesus Christ Superstar".

 Nick has appeared in a wide variety of film and TV roles, including "Days of Thunder", "Fried Green Tomatoes", "When Love Kills" (with Gary Cole), "The Fugitive", "The War" (with Lucas Black), and "Nell". In 1997 he produced, directed and acted in his first independent feature - "Paradise Falls". Nick has recently appeared in the large budget HBO TV series "From the Earth to the Moon".

 Nick is married to actress Leslie Riley and they have a daughter, Chloe.

 Sign my Guestbook!

An American Crime (2007)

Independent movie, currently filming. True story of a suburban housewife who kept a teenaged girl captive in her basement.

The Dead Girl (2007)

Independent movie. Currently in post production. Written and directed by Karen Moncrieff. Cast includes Toni Collette, Josh Brolin, Mary Steenburgen, Mary Beth Hurt, and Piper Laurie.

Flicka (2005)

Feature film starring Tim McGraw, Maria Bello, and Allison Lohman. Nick plays the owner of a rodeo - a good supporting role. Remake of the children's classic "My Friend Flicka".

Cold Storage (2005)

In this Indie horror movie, starring Nick, Joelle Carter and Matt Keeslar. Nick plays a lonely bachelor looking for love from a girl he meets on the highway. The problem is, she dead!

Neighborhood Watch (2004)

In this Indie feature, written and directed by Graeme Whifler, Nick is due to play a very grim and dark character.

Rodney! (2004-2006)

Starring Rodney Carrington, "Rodney!" is a sitcom. Nick plays Rodney's best friend and neighbour. Rodney ran for two seasons.

UPDATE (June 06):- "Rodney" has been cancelled by the network.

Mall Cop (2003)

Nick's latest venture is Indie feature "Mall Cop", filmed in Albuquerque, NM, by Cannes Film Festival award winning director David Greenspan.

The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2003)

Nick co-stars with Sean Penn.

Runaway Jury (2003)

Nick has completed filming "Runaway Jury", in New Orleans, for 20^th Century Fox. Released on October 17^th 2003. Nick stars with Gene Hackman, Rachel Weisz, John Cusack and Dustin Hoffman. It is directed by Gary Fleder.

Head of State (2003)

Nick has completed filming "Head of State", starring with Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Robin Givens and Lynn Whitfield. Chris Rock's character runs for President of the United States, against Nick's evil incumbent foul-mouthed Vice-President. "Head of State" was released by DreamWorks in early 2003.

Official Website: http://www.headofstate-themovie.com/

Double Teamed (2002)

Filmed in Utah, "Double Teamed" is a new Disney Channel movie about high school girls' basketball.

One Hour Photo (2000)

Nick Searcy stars opposite Robin Williams in this movie, in a significant cameo role. "One Hour Photo" also re-unites Nick with Gary Cole (previously starred together in "American Gothic" and "When Love Kills").

Go to the official "One Hour Photo" website:- http://www.foxsearchlight.com/onehourphoto/

The Angel Doll (2000)

"The Angel Doll" is an independent children's movie, based on the popular story by Jerry Bledsoe.

Tigerland (2000)

Set in 1971, "Tigerland" is about a group of recruits training at Fort Polk, the last stop before Vietnam. "Tigerland" premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on September 13^th, 2000, and was released in the US on October 6^th, 2000.

Cast Away (2000)

"Cast Away" was released in cinemas on December 22^nd 2000 in the US, and January 12^th 2001 in the UK. Nick Searcy stars as Stan, Tom Hanks' best friend. Also starring Helen Hunt.

Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a Federal Express Inspector, following an aeroplane crash, is marooned alone on a remote desert island, for 4 years. The movie follows how he adapts in order to survive in his new environment, and how he has to adjust to normal society after his subsequent rescue.

Seven Days (1998) (TV Series)

Nick Searcy makes a regular appearance on "Seven Days", playing crazed ex-CIA agent Nate Ramsey.

Ex-CIA Agent Frank Parker, played by Jonathan LaPaglia, is plucked from a CIA mental hospital as the perfect candidate for a special assignment. He must travel back in time in order to prevent catastrophes in the present day. He has only seven days in which to complete each mission.

Nate Ramsey is the one man on the selection team opposed to Frank being appointed - he's convinced he's the wrong person for the job.

Click here for more pics from this TV series

About Sarah (1998)

Following the death of the matriarch of a family, the care of her mildly retarded adult daughter Sarah is awarded to Sarah's own daughter. Other family members try to help by seeking custody themselves, leading to a tug-of-love story regarding the rehabilitation of Sarah into the community.

Nick Searcy plays Johnny, the man that Sarah becomes involved with.

Also starring Mary Steenburgen and Kellie Martin.

Click here for more pics of this movie

From the Earth to the Moon (TV series - 1998)

"From the Earth to the Moon" follows the voyages of the Apollo astronauts and the 12 manned Apollo missions.

This series was the largest project ever undertaken at Disney's MGM studios in Florida. Over 100 locations were used, including the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. Nick Searcy was the only series regular throughout this $65 million production, executively produced by Tom Hanks.

Gary Cole (Sheriff Lucas Buck in "American Gothic") and John Mese (Billy Peele in "American Gothic") also appear in episodes of this series.

"From the Earth to the Moon" was voted Outstanding Miniseries in the 1998 Emmy awards.

Perfect Crime (1997)

Based on a true story, this movie follows the case of a Naval Intelligence Investigator who convicted a white Marine officer for the murder of his black wife, despite the lack of evidence.

Chicago Hope (1997)

Guest spot.

Paradise Falls (1997) (Producer/Director/Actor)

Latest news on Paradise Falls - Paradise Falls is currently being distributed worldwide by M & L Banks in New York (tel 212 563 5944).

Nick Searcy produced, directed and acted in this movie, which follows the adventures of two young men in 1934 who rob a train with dire consequences. Nick plays gangster Jake Kyler.

Nick Searcy's wife, daughter and father all appear in "Paradise Falls", which has won numerous awards, including:

Best Dramatic Feature at Worldfest Charleston, 1997
Best Dramatic Feature at Worldfest Houston, 1998
NC Filmmaker Award at the Charlotte Film Festival, 1998
Director's Award at the Charlotte Film Festival, 1998
Best Feature Film at the Nashville Independent Film Festival, 1998
Southeastern Media Award at the Atlanta Film and Video Festival, 1998
Best Feature Film Under $1m, Hollywood Film Festival, 1998

Nash Bridges (TV series - 1996)

Guest spot in episode "The Great Escape".

Nick Searcy plays an escaped felon, with very strong political convictions. He pits his wits against Nash Bridges himself, with a game of cat and mouse, leaving clues as to what he's doing and why. The finale comes when he finally kidnaps Nash's daughter.

Nick excels in this role - one very different from roles he is usually cast in, such as policemen and responsible citizens.

A Step Toward Tomorrow (1996)

A divorcee moves her family cross-country to take her paralysed son to a pioneer neurosurgeon.

American Gothic (TV series - 1995)

In the role of Deputy Ben Healy, Nick Searcy appears in all but 5 of this 22 episode series.

Although he seemed to be a supporting character to the leads in most of the episodes, Ben really epitomised the feeling of the show. In a couple of episodes, he took over the reins. In Echo of Your Last Goodbye, especially, Ben became the focus of all the action, when the ghost of Merlyn appeared to him and appealed to his better nature to stop ignoring the events in Trinity, and try to do something about them.

Although Ben has a few problems in his private life, in essence he is a good man and is constantly fighting with his conscience. Sheriff Buck uses him as a pawn to do his bidding, but he does need him, as is proved by the fact that, although Ben sees and knows too much, Lucas Buck still lets him live.

Desert Winds (1995)

Two people come into contact with a mystical wind tunnel, believed by the Indians to bring good luck. The wind inspires them to face the problems in their lives.

Double Rush (1995)

Guest spot as the ER Doctor in episode "Slamming into a Car Isn't Good".

Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge (1995)

This is the story of the mother and daughter country singing duo and the difficulties that they face, and subsequently overcome, on their way to stardom.

Stolen Innocence (1995)

Nick plays John Sapp, the father of a teenage girl who runs away after arguments at home. Her ideas don't go exactly to plan, however, when she meets a truck driver who isn't as caring and gentle as he seems. Things take an even more sinister turn when he kidnaps her and keeps her prisoner while he demands a ransom from her father.

A major role for Nick, and based on a true story, the movie is dedicated to the real John Sapp, who sadly died before filming could begin.

Nell (1994)

This movie, set in Graham County, North Carolina, is about a feral girl found living alone in a shack in the woods.

Nick Searcy plays Sheriff Todd Peterson, a very good-natured man, with a wife suffering from depression to look after, who still manages to help in trying to get Nell adjusted to living in the modern world.

Roswell (1994)

In this fictional movie about the real press reports of an alien spaceship crash-landing in the town of Roswell, Nick Searcy has a small role as a mortician, who is enlisted to help unravel the mystery.

Thunder Alley (1994)

A movie revolving around a retired stock car racer.

In the Best of Families: Marriage, Pride & Madness (1994)

Entitled "Bitter Blood" in the UK. The mother of two young children takes them away from their father. After she becomes involved with another man, the father becomes suspicious about the treatment of his children. He enlists the help of the police (Nick Searcy) to help find them.

Nick appears mostly at the end of this movie. One highlight is Nick's major scene, where he is involved in a high speed car chase with the family.

The War (1994)

A Vietnam War veteran tries to mediate during the squabbles of his son and a rival group of children.

Lucas Black (Caleb in "American Gothic") also has a small role in this movie.

Return to Lonesome Dove (mini-series - 1993)

A look at the lives and conflicts of Mexican Cowboys, Indians and a ranch owner.

The Real McCoy (1993)

Kim Basinger stars as an ex-bank robber released from prison, determined to go straight. However, her ex-husband (played by Nick Searcy) denies her access to their young son, who believes his mother is dead. Following her son's kidnap, she becomes involved in one last robbery.

One of the highlights of Nick's role in this movie is the scene in the airport toilets, when he pulls a gun on Kim Basinger, demanding the money that she has in her luggage.

The Fugitive (1993)

A doctor claims he witnessed the murder of his wife, but he is himself convicted of murdering her. He gets the opportunity to escape from prison, and flees, hunting for the real killer. Nick Searcy plays Sheriff Rawlins.

Deadly Relations (1993)

Nick Searcy plays Detective Gorman.

When Love Kills: The Seduction of John Hearn (1993)

In this movie starring Gary Cole as John Hearn, Nick Searcy plays one of the policemen intent on capturing him.

After advertising in a military magazine, John Hearn is seduced by a woman who persuades him to start on a series of contract killings.

House of Cards (1993)

Following the death of a man at an archaeological dig, his daughter behaves very strangely. Her mother tries to help her daughter by attempting to enter her mind.

Losers in Love (1993)

A Mother's Right: The Elizabeth Morgan Story (1992)

Shown as "Shattered Silence" in the UK, a woman suspects her ex-husband of abusing her young daughter. The courts refuse to deny her husband access to their daughter, and she concocts a plan to keep her daughter in hiding, although she in sent to jail.

Nick Searcy plays her brother, who also happens to be a lawyer.

Love Field (1992)

The life of a Dallas housewife is turned upside down following President Kennedy's assassination. She determines to attend the funeral, but encounters trouble on the way.

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

A meeting of two women leads to a conversation that will change their lives. The older woman, an 82 year old in a nursing home, tells her new friend a series of tales revolving around a small town in Alabama, and its inhabitants.

Nick Searcy plays Frank Bennett, a thug who beats his wife, and subsequently disappears - an event which alters the lives of everyone involved, including the arrest for murder of Frank's wife's best friend. Without the character of Frank Bennett, there would be no movie.

In a departure from his good-guy roles, Nick plays this violent wife-beater with conviction. The look on his face as he kicks his wife down the stairs from behind, is pure hatred.

Victim of Beauty (1991)

A young beauty pageant star's sister is kidnapped and murdered, which sparks off a massive police hunt. Other murders follow, while the police use the pageant star as bait to entice the murderer into the open.

Nick Searcy plays one of the policemen in charge of the case.

Nightmare in Columbia County (1991)

Nick Searcy plays Assistant Sheriff McCarty.

Wife, Mother, Murderer (1991)

Also known as "Wife, Mother, Murderer: The Marie Hilley Story".

White Lie (1991)

Nick Searcy plays another policeman.

The Prince of Tides (1991)

Tom has nothing going for him. His marriage is not good, he doesn't get on with his mother, and following his sister's attempted suicide, a psychologist talks to him. They unravel the hidden memories of his childhood.

Days of Thunder (1990)

Tom Cruise plays a hot-headed racing driver, with his attitude getting him into many scrapes.

Unspeakable Acts (1990)

A pair of doctors, who also happen to be married to one another, track down a serial child abuser.

Don't forget to sign my Guestbook!!!

Other American Gothic sites:- Virtual Trinity

Brenda Bakke | Gary Cole | Back to my Home Page

If you have any comments or suggestions about this page, please e-mail me.