Jon Cryer is an American actor, writer, and director best known for his roles in the films Pretty in Pink and Hot Shots!, as well as the hit TV sitcom Two and a Half Men. Born into a show business family, Cryer has had a prolific career spanning over three decades in Hollywood.
Jon Cryer's passion for acting emerged at a young age, influenced by his parents' careers in show business. At 12, he decided to pursue acting, prompting his mother to jokingly suggest plumbing as a backup plan12. Cryer honed his skills at the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center during his teenage summers and graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 19831.
Cryer's professional acting career began on Broadway, where he replaced Matthew Broderick in "Torch Song Trilogy"3. His film debut came at 19 in the 1984 romantic comedy "No Small Affair," playing Charles Cummings, a teenage photographer infatuated with an older woman portrayed by Demi Moore45. This role, originally intended for Broderick, set the stage for Cryer's breakout performance as Phil "Duckie" Dale in the John Hughes classic "Pretty in Pink" (1986), solidifying his place in the 1980s teen movie pantheon35.
Jon Cryer's most significant television success came with his role as Alan Harper on the hit CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men, which premiered in 2003 and ran for twelve seasons. 12 His portrayal of the lovable yet dysfunctional chiropractor earned him critical acclaim, including two Primetime Emmy Awards – one for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2009 and another for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2012. 34 Cryer's comedic timing and ability to bring depth to the character were instrumental in the show's widespread popularity and longevity. 24
Jon Cryer has received significant recognition for his work in the entertainment industry, including:
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Two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2009) and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2012) for his role as Alan Harper in the sitcom Two and a Half Men. 123
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A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television in 2011, honoring his contributions to the industry. 2
He has also been nominated for several other prestigious awards, such as the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series in 2012. 3 Cryer's talent and dedication have earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his status as a respected actor in both film and television. 123
In 2015, Jon Cryer released his memoir titled "So That Happened," offering readers an intimate look into his life and career in showbiz1. The book provides a humorous and introspective account of Cryer's experiences, from his early days in the entertainment industry to his time on the hit sitcom "Two and a Half Men"1. Cryer's memoir delves into behind-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, and reflections on his journey through Hollywood.
"So That Happened" has been well-received by readers, with various editions available in hardcover, paperback, and audiobook formats2345. In the memoir, Cryer offers candid insights into his relationships with co-stars, the challenges of navigating fame, and the ups and downs of his career, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the man behind the characters they've come to love on screen.
