Jeff’s Doctor Début
Jan 21st, 2008
For this first month of the year, we continue on with “firsts” in Jeff’s cinematic career. He has played a multitude of medical professionals over the years, but Jeff’s very first doctor was an unnamed First Year Intern in the film, Whose Life is it Anyway? from 1981.
Dr. Combs, I presume?
Adapted from the teleplay by Brian Clark, the story centers around an artist (Richard Dreyfuss) who, after surviving a horrific car accident, has to choose between living a “lesser” life as a paraplegic or die on his own terms. His struggle for his right to die with dignity is both heartwrenching and incredibly emotional.
Jeff shares a scene with John Cassavetes
Jeff appears early on in the film and shares his scene with the legendary actor, John Cassavetes who plays Dr. Emerson, the head of the hospital. Jeff had much praise for the seasoned actor and felt fortunate to share a scene with him. Alan Stock, who plays one of the med students in this scene also appeared with Jeff in Frightmare.
Although Jeff’s scene is very short, it’s very memorable. Jeff describes to Dr. Emerson and his group of med students how a patient suddenly died, rattling off the complicated medical jargon with ease and showing compassion for the deceased man. Even at this younger age, you can definitely see that Jeff is already an accomplished and talented actor, who really gives his all to a scene, no matter how fleeting.
Many fans have noted Jeff’s wonderfully luxurious, long locks in this movie. He may have been in a Shakespeare play at the time and…well…it was the early 80’s. 
After many years of the film only being available on VHS, Whose Life is it Anyway? was recently released on DVD. The transfer is beautiful and the movie holds up very well as a topical issue, even today. This is a wonderful early glimpse at Jeff and a great “first” in his career.
___
TRIVIA
Jeff’s first television guest appearance was on a short-lived, critically-acclaimed law-drama series called “The Mississippi” in an episode called, “We Remember, We Revere.” This is one of the few things I have yet to see of Jeff’s expansive repertoire. From what I gather, it’s very hard to find as the show doesn’t exist on VHS or DVD. Jeff played a young cadet who is accused of murder, when he may have been the intended victim.
If anyone has this episode, please email me at darias_diner@yahoo.com. Thanks!