Tony Papenfuss Explained

Birth Date:26 March 1950
Birth Place:Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Occupation:Film, television actor
Yearsactive:1981–2019

Tony Papenfuss (born March 26, 1950, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota) is an American television and film actor.

Papenfuss is best known for his role as one of the brothers Darryl on Newhart. He was "my brother Darryl", the one with the straighter, darker hair. He reprised this role as a guest-star on an episode of Coach. Before his appearance on Newhart, he also had minor roles in Escape from New York and Firefox.

After Newhart, Papenfuss guest starred on many television shows, including Seinfeld, , Murphy Brown, Roswell, and Providence. He also appeared in several films, including How to Kill a Mockingbird, Factotum, and Sweet Land.

His most recent projects include The Completely Remarkable, Utterly Fabulous Transformation of a Regular Joe and Holiday Beach.

Of his role in Newhart, John Voldstad, who played the other brother who never talked, said he and Papenfuss came up with imaginary scripts that represented what the brothers were thinking. The casting director "knew we could look like we weren't just standing there. We could look like we had something going on in our minds."

After Newhart, Papenfuss toured with his co-stars William Sanderson and Voldstad.[1] Voldstad also continues to act and appear at conventions; he and Papenfuss attended Altoona Day in May 2014.[2] Voldstad said, "I talk to him pretty regularly. Me and Tony are like brothers."[3]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1981Escape from New York Theater Assistant
1982Firefox GRU Officer #1
2002How to Kill a Mockingbird Hitler
2005Factotum John Handler
2005Sweet Land Gentleman Bidder
2007Arnolds Park Mr. Campbell
2008Older Than America Dr. Herlihy
2008The Completely Remarkable, Utterly Fabulous Transformation of a Regular Joe Donna Juana
2009Into Temptation Zeke
2011Thin Ice Buckhorn Bartender
2011Holiday Beach Chief
2014The Jingle Dress Marvin
2016I Am Not a Serial Killer Ron the Coroner

Notes and References

  1. Mark Washburn, "Where you can find the 'other brother Darryl'," Charlotte Observer, October 26, 2013, p. 1E.
  2. News: Altoona Day to be celebrated Saturday. Carter. Kendra. The Gadsden Times. May 15, 2012. May 9, 2014.
  3. News: ‘Other brother Darryl’ at Kaleidoscope festival Saturday. Knox. Michael. Independent Tribune. April 25, 2014. May 6, 2014.