Local Guy Makes It In Big Hollywood Film
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- He's a graduate of Boys Latin School and the U.S. Naval Academy. Now he's living his dream, as an actor.
Ron Matz has more on John David Whalen who has a major role in one of the most talked about movies of the New Year.
"Casino Jack" stars Kevin Spacey as super lobbyist Jack Abramoff. It's a movie about money, power and influence.
Baltimore's John David Whalen co-stars as Abramoff's aide, Kevin Ring.
"It's a movie about human beings and how they can lose sight of the things that are moral and ethical. It's a story about people and the mistakes they make and I think that's a very relatable concept," said Whalen.
Before Whalen tried his hand in acting, he graduated from the Naval Academy and finished his career as a Navy Lieutenant.
"I went to Annapolis and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2000. I finished out my career as a lieutenant in the Navy in 2005 and decided to make the logical shift to acting and I moved to L.A. I kind of believed my mom a little too much when she said, 'You could do whatever you want,' so I just did," said Whalen.
He's fallen into one of the most buzzed about movies of the New Year.
"I just thought it would be fun. To be honest, I thought it would be a fun job, so I did it and I was lucky enough to fall into it," said Whalen.
He's enjoying Hollywood, but his heart is home with his mom. He recently visited Boys Latin.
"I was actually back at Boys Latin the last time I was here. I visited their alumni house and it was great. My mother and my favorite aunt live here, so whenever I come back it's nice to be back," said Whalen.
John David Whalen was a surface warfare officer in the Navy. His mother lives in Harford County.
"Casino Jack" opens at the Charles Theater Friday.
