A Look Back: Brandon Ruckdashel

November 22, 2008
My first of many posts about actor, singer, writer and photographer Brandon Ruckdashel. Check out more on Brandon on FH HERE:




If you have not heard of Brandon Ruckdashel, it is just a matter of time. Brandon may be known to some of you for his role on 'The Lair' or his beautiful and haunting performance in writer and director Maria Beatty's 'Boy In A Bathtub', but he has an impressive list of theatre credits as well.

Brandon grew up in the middle of Minnesota, but moved to Utah when in middle school. In his freshman year, he discovered drama class and for the first time he felt liked he really fit in with a group of people.



Brandon continued acting and playing sports until his acting teacher suggested he spend the summer at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He went onto East Carolina University, and after many productions working behind the scenes and on the main stage, Brandon left for New York. After a few productions in New York, including 'Ascension' (see below) Brandon headed to LA where he is currently living and working. The opportunities are starting to role in and with Brandon's talent it is impossible to imagine he will not become one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Brandon has an absolutely AMAZING web site full of info, tons and tons of pics and information. Be sure to stop by and spend some time, if your like me, when you leave you will be a huge fan of this talented, not to mention hot young talent. You can find his site HERE:






Yes Brandon has a smokin body, but the above pic is my favorite. Those eyes!











Below: Brandon as Riley in the horror TV series, "The Lair."


Below: Stills from Brandon's performance in the 2006 Off-Broadway production of Ascension. Brandon earned great reviews for his role as Lorenzo, an attractive, charismatic and dangerous dark angel who seduces a Catholic priest. Check out the Ascension Myspace Page HERE:








Some info about Brandon's early life from MostBeautifulMan.Com.

Brandon Ruckdashel Exposed

"That's the spirit Paul. You walk this path and you walk a fine line between sanity, safety and morality, but you're already halfway there with this show. So what's one more step down the path of life?"
-Jerry to Paul in Exposure-

Regular readers of FH know one of my favorite guys is actor Brandon Ruckdashel. Besides being one of the kindest guys, Brandon is one of the most talented. Brandon has achieved success and acclaim for his work as an actor and singer on stage, on television and on film. Brandon has also spent time the last couple of years honing hi skills as a photographer. Several times this past year when I was researching a model I was pleasantly surprised to see Brandon as the photographer.

Over the past year and half Brandon has been working on another project, a more personal one. Writing is not new to Brandon, he is a song writer and has written in the past, but his new play 'Exposure' is his first full play.



Exposure:
Exposure is a play about a young actor (Paul) who breaks up with his girlfriend (Tara) to pursue his dreams in Hollywood. Along the way he lives with a stripper (Tonya) and takes a boyfriend (Tim) all while under the guiding hand of his agent (Jerry). Exposure is both about the entertainment business and what an actor is willing to do as he lives his dreams.

Brandon says Exposure is the honest Hollywood story. "It's about all those things that happen that ENTOURAGE doesn't talk about. I decided to write this show because no one was writing anything like it and I'm fairly certain that my story is not unlike many other young actors who move to Hollywood. They dream big and try to survive any way they can." The events that happen within the play all happened within the first six months of Brandon's move to California. Exposure is a personal narrative, and although there are similarities between Brandon and Paul, it is not exactly biographical.



"I started writing EXPOSURE when I went on hiatus from Co-Ed Confidential season 3. Originally there were more characters, more scenes, more everything, but over the course of the writing process I've really spent the most time on focusing the story. A play can't be about everything and I think it's a trap many writers fall too easily into. They think "More More More" instead of "Less Less Less." My greatest influences on the structure were Neil Simon's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" and of course my favorite cult film "Fight Club." Over the course of three relationships Paul learns about himself and what he wants, needs, and is willing to do for success. Throughout this arc he is tormented, teased, and at times has very honest conversations with an agent character (JERRY) he's created in his head."
-Brandon Ruckdashel-



Having read 'Exposure' I can attest to Brandon's talent as a writer. Exposure is a character driven play which explores systemically not just the highs, but the lows of making it in show business. It's toll on relationships not to mention ones mental well being. Most of us watch from a distance the success stories, the actors working. Although there have been stories of 'making it' in the business (think Fame), rarely does Hollywood allow us to see the dark side, the pain, the broken relationships which occur on the journey to stardom.

Exposure is currently doing readings and I will be sure to update you on the plays journey from page to stage. Thanks Brandon!

Exposure: The Play by Brandon Ruckdashel
Website:
Facebook Page:

Brandon Ruckdashel:
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:

Brandon in Co-Ed Confidential:

Feel: Lin McEwan

Feel:
Directed by Rolando Ramos
Camera work and Edit by Steve Ovendon
Starring Lin McEwan and Brandon Ruckdashel
Make-up by Lauren Crowell
Inspired by Chris Isaak's Wicked Game



Ok, I must admit I initially listened and watched the video for Feel by Lin McEwan because it included one of my favorite actors Brandon Ruckdashel. I watched the video the first time enjoying Brandon at his most beautiful. By the end of the first viewing I had to listen again...and again and again. McEwans deep haunting voice got inside my head and the images of the video and the sound of her voice are now a permanent part of me.

It was a bit ironic to research a bit about Lin today and stumble upon her site. Playing when you enter is beautiful song entitled 'Favorite Things'. The song and it lyrics frighteningly fit the motivation for this blog to a T. Lin McEwans voice is now one of my favorite things.

Find more about Lin at her Site HERE: and on Facebook HERE:

You will not regret clicking on Lin's site and listening to 'Favorite Things'. I stuck around for awhile and also listened to my favorite song by Lin 'Rest of Me'. Incredible!

Brandon Ruckdashel Update: Zach is Back!

Besides being one of my favorite actors, Brandon Ruckdashel continues to be as busy as ever. Between his acting, music and photography Brandon has had one of his busiest springs ever. Besides working with screenwriter and director Rel Dowdell's new film 'Changing The Game'(see more HERE:), Brandon is back as Zach on "Co-ed Confidential: 4play" premiering tomorrow night on Cinemax. (Check out showtimes HERE:)
Congratulations Brandon!!!



The two great shots of Brandon above by Ryan Orange from Digital Citrus.

Brandon Ruckdashel Update:

Above: Brandon by Tom Zuback.

One of my favorite actors, and favorite people Brandon Ruckdashel continues to be as busy as ever. Besides acting and singing, Brandon continues to focus on his passion for photography. You can check out Brandon's photography site HERE:

Brandon also just announced that season 4 of 'Coed Confidential' will be back for it's season premier on June 4th. Brandon is also getting ready for an upcoming project called 'Exposure' which I will update you on more as news comes out.

Brandon also has a starring role in screenwriter and director Rel Dowdell's new film 'Changing The Game'.

“When the game changes, so does everything you thought you had seen!”
“Changing The Game,” based on the screenplay by award-winning director Rel Dowdell, is the gripping story of two childhood friends from a gritty North Philadelphia neighborhood who choose divergent life paths but find themselves facing the same risks and, quite possibly, the same ending.

'Changing The Game' is set for release this fall. You can join the movies page on Facebook HERE: to find out more.

Brandon Ruckdashel with Side FX

One of my favorite guys (and one of the nicest), Brandon Ruckdashel is appearing with Side FX for one night only, tomorrow January 22nd at the Recoup Lounge in NY. If your around, check it out. Lovin the haircut Brandon.

Due to issues with the building, this event has been cancelled.

Brandon Ruckdashel in 'Cougar School'

When college-grad Karen comes home with a boyfriend and a boatload of cash woes, her sexy stepmother suggests unloading the boyfriend and joining her in the hunt for moneyed men.

Join Brandon and Michelle Maylene in Cougar School which Premiers friday on Cinemax.

Brandon Ruckdashel News!

FH favorite Brandon Ruckdashel has had a very busy summer. Besides acting, Brandon has been concentrating on his writing, spending much of the summer writing as well as working on his music. Brandon was recently signed with Music Manager Shaun Cairo of Shakir Entertainment. What can't Brandon do, acting on stage and screen, modeling, writing and now singing. Brandon has been singing on stage for years but now gets to focus on his own music. Congratulations Brandon!!!



As far as acting goes, it was recently announced that Coed Confidential will be back for another season with Brandon once again taking on the role of Zach. If that was not enough, Brandon can also be seen in two episodes of the new HBO-Cinemax series "Life on Top".

Today is also the final day of rehearsals for Alexander Pushkin's 'Little Tragedies'. 'Little Tragedies' are four short humorous yet lyrical plays about human nature's inherent contradictions. Brandon plays the son Albert in The Knight Miser, the servant Leporello in The Stone Guest, and the Master of Revels in The Feast in Time of Plague. 'Little Tragedies' begins it's run this Tuesday, November 3rd through Saturday, November 14th at Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York. For more information or to purchase tickets you can go HERE: As always check out Brandon's official site which is linked at the right.



All photos of Brandon featured in the post by Johnny Han.

Favorites Of Favorites: Brandon Ruckdashel

Here at F H and other Things I have always strived to be more than just a blog that jutt posts pictures of great looking guys. I am interested in more than just appearance, but getting to know more about the talented actors, artists, models and photographers that I profile. There is nothing more appealing than talent and I am excited to begin a new feature with some of the most talented people I have featured on the blog. The series is called 'Favorites of Favorites' and it will feature the Favorite things of some of the Favorite People I have featured.

I am very pleased that the first person to be featured is actor and singer Brandon Ruckdashel. Brandon is not only one of the most talented actors and singers working today, he is also one of the warmest and giving actors I have encountered. If you read my blog on a regular basis you will be familiar with Brandon as I have posted about him and his work many times before.

Name: Brandon Ruckdashel
Occupation: Actor, singer and photographer.
Current Project: Zach in Co-Ed Confidential-Spring Break Lets hope for a season 4!!!
Official Site: Brandon Ruckdashel.com
Can Be Seen Next in: Tomorrow Night's Broadway Meows at Don't Tell Mama, 7pm, a benefit concert for the Humane Society of New York, featuring the songs of Seth Bisen-Hersh.


Brandon's Favorites:

1.Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?

I have three sites that are always open. I'm absolutely addicted to facebook, Cnn keeps me up on the news, and hulu.com is where I watch all of my fave shows.

2.Favorite Meal?
Dinner, I am a completely Midwest meat and potatoes kind of guy... Especially if it involves my salt encrusted dill and herb rubbed steak. If I'm feeling really adventurous as a cook for the evening I whip up my clover honey Merlot reduction sauce.

3. Favorite TV Show?

Californication, David Duchovny is awesome in this series, and its really entertaining..and sexy. I like TV that's hot!


4. Favorite TV show guilty pleasure?

TruBlood, enough said ;-)


5. First celebrity Crush?

I can't even remember at this point. I'm thinking someone from Sesame Street maybe.


6. Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?

I'd love to pick Sean Penn's brain over a scotch or two...or four...maybe more if it's a single malt.

7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?

Play my guitar and work on this never ending music project I've been wanting to finish for the last few years.


8. Favorite Part of your job?

I get to play dress up and be another person... and the best part is playing, or in my case misbehaving, with the other actors on stage.


9. Favorite Project you have been a part of?

My favorite stage project to date was "The Next Big Thing." I made a really great friend in, Jason Director, one of my co-stars. My fave TV project would have to be National Debt. I walked on set knowing Jerry Zucker was producing but I had no idea until he arrived that he'd actually be directing the pilot. That was an amazing experience.


10. Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):

Id have to say that Neck and Shoulders are the sexiest body parts followed closely by eyes.


11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?

My cowboy boots, they were a gift from one of my friends who was in the national tour of Rag Time.


12. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star.


Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Collective Soul... I was a grunge kid.

Brandon Ruckdashel in Coed Confidential Spring Break

Coed Confidential Spring Break began last week on Cinemax with one of my favorite guys Brandon Ruckdashel playing Zac. I cannot find the show in my area, but I am on the hunt to be able to watch the show, until then I just want to encourage everyone to give the show a look and until I find a way to watch let me know your thoughts!


Above: Photo by Jon Whitney in one of his first shoots with Brandon in 2007.