Today's bit player only had one acting role, other than playing himself. It came in the 1981 TV Movie about the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, Miracle on Ice. On the left is star Andrew Stevens, who played team captain Mike Eruzione. But who is on the right, playing Finland's Mikko Leinonen?
It's Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett! The Royals star visited his friend, actor Steve Obradovich, on set, and was able to get himself a bit part in the movie. He has a few seconds of screen time where he loses a faceoff in the corner. Though Brett didn't act as a character in any other TV shows, he has played himself in Fantasy Island, Arli$$, Modern Family and Brockmire.
Here are Brett's first and last Topps cards:
I didn't even know he could skate, let alone pass for a hockey player!
ReplyDeleteDon't think I've watched that tv movie, but I kinda want to now. By the way... it'd be a pretty cool and unique collectible to get that photo signed by both athletes.
ReplyDeleteVisiting someone on the set, and then ending up in whatever their filming, seems to have been a common theme with a lot of these ballplayers.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved that 1994 Topps Brett!
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