Jon Gries

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/jon-gries

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Jon Gries born?June 17, 1957
2. What is the notable film credits?Real Genius (1985), The Monster Squad (1987), Taken trilogy (2008–2014)
3. What is the career span?Active in film and television since the early 1980s
4. What kind of roles does Jon Gries play?Jon Gries plays many different characters, from funny and silly to serious and even scary ones. He can make each role feel real and memorable.
5. Why is Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite famous?Uncle Rico is a funny, dream‑catching character who keeps thinking he was a hero. His jokes and big personality made the movie a favorite for many people.

Chameleon Actor: An actor known for their ability to convincingly portray a wide variety of characters.
Cult Classic: A film or television series that has a dedicated, passionate following, often outside mainstream success.
Ensemble Cast: A group of actors who share the lead roles in a film or play, rather than having one central protagonist.