P.J.: A Journey of the Heart | A Russ Emanuel Film

JOHN HEARD
(Dr. Alan Shearson)

A prolific actor since the 1970s, in 1979 John Heard played Arthur Dimmesdale in a television production of THE SCARLET LETTER, and the male lead in the film Head Over Heels. By 1981, he was starring in the film CUTTER'S WAY. In 1990, he was featured in the hugely successful comedy HOME ALONE (and also starred in its 1992 sequel, HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK). He played next to Samuel L. Jackson in 1997's ONE EIGHT SEVEN. He also had TV roles on THE SOPRANOS as crooked cop Vin Makazian, CSI: MIAMI as Kenwall 'Duke' Duquesne, father of Calleigh Duquesne, and PRISON BREAK as Frank Tancredi, Governor of Illinois and father of Sara Tancredi.

HOWARD NASH
(Charles)

An actor since the late 1970s, Howard Nash has starred in numerous independent films, notably THE MEETING in 2004. However, he is best known as an independent filmmaker, having co-produced the cult film CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT for Columbia Tri-Star in 1991. He also produced SLEEPLESS NIGHTS (MTI, 2002), which is available in most video stores throughout the US and Canada. In 2005, he completed TRACKS (where he appears in a cameo), which also starred John Heard, along with Ice-T. He also produced the television special FELLICIANO, THE LEGEND (for PBS) starring the legendary singer, Jose Feliciano, and has produced promotional videos for the Beijing Circus, Cirque du Soleil, and the original members of the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO II).

VINCENT PASTORE
(Burt)

Pastore was born in New Rochelle, New York, of Italian-American descent. He attended Pace University, went into club biz where he met the Dillons (Matt and Kevin) and then became an actor. He has made appearances in films ranging from GOODFELLAS (1990) to SHARK TALE (2004), but he is arguably best known for the role of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on THE SOPRANOS.

Pastore also hosts THE WISEGUY SHOW on Sirius Satellite Radio (Raw Dog, Channel 104).

PATRICIA RAE
(Shelly)

Actress Patricia Rae is active in film, television and theatre. Her recent films credits include Chris Fisher's horror film NIGHTSTALKER, which appeared at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, and MARIA FULL OF GRACE (2004) (which was nominated for an Oscar, and which Rae was nominated for an IMAGEN Award). Rae has acted in several television dramas and comedies, including MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, LAW & ORDER: CI, and LAW & ORDER: SVU. Rae's most recent stage credits include the one-woman show UNDER CONSTRUCTION, THE MAKING OF PATRICIA RAE which made its world premiere at the Stella Adler Conservatory in New York, directed by Robert Covarrubias. Currently, she is co-starring with Stephen Baldwin in the soon to be released MIDNIGHT CLEAR, and is starring in the LA premiere of Stephen Adly Guirgis' Play IN ARABIA WE'D ALL BE KINGS. Rae studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and Chicago City Limits, both in New York City.

ROBERT PICARDO
(Stan Jamison)

A graduate of Yale University, Robert Picardo made his Broadway debut in the comedy hit GEMINI in 1977 with Danny Aiello and also appeared in Bernard Slade's TRIBUTE, and THE NORMAL HEART for which he won a Drama-Logue Award.

Then, he became involved in televison, where he soon was nominated for an Emmy award for his role as Mr. Cutlip on the series THE WONDER YEARS (1988). In 1995, he got the role as "The Doctor" on STAR TREK: VOYAGER (1995) where he also directed two episodes. He also got movie roles in various films including INNERSPACE (1987), CHINA BEACH (1988) (TV), GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH (1990), as well as a cameo in STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT (1996).

HALLIE KATE EISENBERG
(Pauline)

Eisenberg made her feature film debut playing Marie in DreamWorks PAULIE. She portrayed Barbara in the Academy Award nominated film THE INSIDER starring Russell Crowe, and Little Miss in BICENTENNIAL MAN with Robin Williams. Eisenberg co-starred with Minnie Driver in BEAUTIFUL, directed by Sally Field. In JESUS, MARY AND JOEY she plays Melissa , a cancer patient. She played Erica in the recently released HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS. Eisenberg portrayed Helen Keller in the award-winning ABC movie THE MIRACLE WORKER. She appeared in three movies of the week: NICHOLAS GIFT, BLUE MOON, and SWING VOTE. She guest starred on the FOX series GET REAL and the CBS drama, PRESIDIO MED. Eisenberg co-starred in the 2004 remake of Neil Simon's THE GOODBYE GIRL. On HBO, she played Abby Mills on Little Inside. Eisenberg made her Broadway debut in the star-studded THE WOMEN. Commercial credits include promos for the Independent Film Channel and a four-year campaign as the spokesperson for Pepsi.

GLYNNIS O'CONNOR
(Evelyn)

Glynnis O'Connor is an American actress, perhaps best known for her work in the mid 1970s, including her lead actress role in the TV version of OUR TOWN (1977) and the film ODE TO BILLY JOE (1976), both of which co-starred Robby Benson. She also co-starred with John Travolta in the 1976 TV movie THE BOY IN THE PLASTIC BUBBLE and Michael Keaton in JOHNNY DANGEROUSLY (1984). As of the late 1990s and continuing into 2004, she has had a recurring role as Anne Paulsen in the LAW & ORDER television series. She also more recently starred in various films including NEW BEST FRIEND (2002) and GRADUATION (2006), and has just finished shooting THE TROUBLE WITH CALI in Pennsylvania.

EDDIE MALAVARCA
(Alex the Bookie)

Currently residing in New York City, Eddie Malavarca is best known for his recurring role Peter Schibetta in the hit series OZ (1997-2003). Malavarca has also starred in a variety of films including ANIMAL ROOM (1995), OFFICE KILLER (1997), THE WAITING GAME (1999), BOILER ROOM (2000), CIAO AMERICA (2002), and STIFFS (2006) as Frank Junior opposite veteran actor Danny Aiello.

He also guest starred on LAW & ORDER in the 1995 episode, "Privileged", playing Steven Alan Smith.

DINA KRIGER
(Claire)

A talented child actress, Dina Kriger began acting since she was 2 years old. Originally from Russia, she came to the United States along with her parents and brother and sister (also child actors) to pursue the Hollywood dream. She has acted in the following films: OVERQUALIFIED playing Annemarie, GARBAGE TIES playing Samantha, Lucy Oppenheimer in GIRL WITH GUN, among several others. She has also acted in two music videos: OBTUSE and LIVE, LOVE, DREAM. More recently, she appeared on the cover of the October 2004 issue of ACTOR & ACTRESS MAGAZINE.

SPENCER STRUMWASSER
(Young Charles)

A talented child actor, Spencer Strumwasser has acted in various projects including theatre, film and commercials. His theatre credits include: ARKANSAW BEAR, LIVING MUSEUM, and THE FAT CAT. His film/commercial credits include: BRUISED and a Cox Cable Commercial. He is also a gifted flutist and dancer.

LAVINIA DOWDELL
(Mariah)

Lavinia Dowdell is a native of the Washington, DC area and a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. She has been in several independent films and commercials and just made her off-broadway debut at the Studio Theatre on Theater Row in the original play THE HAT LEFT BEHIND.

TIM CINNANTE
(Tony)

A resident of New York, Tim Cinnante has been acting for many years. His credits include: SLEEPLESS NIGHTS (2002) as a NCA Agent, TRACKS (2005) as Bob Madagin, and EAST BROADWAY (2006) as Bartender.

JOSEPH STRAMANDI
(Lombardi)

Residing of New York, P.J. marks Joseph Stramandi's first acting role.

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JOHN HEARD (Dr. Alan Shearson)	A prolific actor since the 1970s, in 1979 John Heard played Arthur Dimmesdale in a television production of THE SCARLET LETTER, and the male lead in the film Head Over Heels. By 1981, he was starring in the film CUTTER'S WAY. In 1990, he was featured in the hugely successful comedy HOME ALONE (and also starred in its 1992 sequel, HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK). He played next to Samuel L. Jackson in 1997's ONE EIGHT SEVEN. He also had TV roles on THE SOPRANOS as crooked cop Vin Makazian, CSI: MIAMI as Kenwall 'Duke' Duquesne, father of Calleigh Duquesne, and PRISON BREAK as Frank Tancredi, Governor of Illinois and father of Sara Tancredi.

HOWARD NASH (Charles)	An actor since the late 1970s, Howard Nash has starred in numerous independent films, notably THE MEETING in 2004. However, he is best known as an independent filmmaker, having co-produced the cult film CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT for Columbia Tri-Star in 1991. He also produced SLEEPLESS NIGHTS (MTI, 2002), which is available in most video stores throughout the US and Canada. In 2005, he completed TRACKS (where he appears in a cameo), which also starred John Heard, along with Ice-T. He also produced the television special FELLICIANO, THE LEGEND (for PBS) starring the legendary singer, Jose Feliciano, and has produced promotional videos for the Beijing Circus, Cirque du Soleil, and the original members of the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO II).

VINCENT PASTORE (Burt)	Pastore was born in New Rochelle, New York, of Italian-American descent. He attended Pace University, went into club biz where he met the Dillons (Matt and Kevin) and then became an actor. He has made appearances in films ranging from GOODFELLAS (1990) to SHARK TALE (2004), but he is arguably best known for the role of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on THE SOPRANOS. Pastore also hosts THE WISEGUY SHOW on Sirius Satellite Radio (Raw Dog, Channel 104).

PATRICIA RAE (Shelly)	Actress Patricia Rae is active in film, television and theatre. Her recent films credits include Chris Fisher's horror film NIGHTSTALKER, which appeared at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, and MARIA FULL OF GRACE (2004) (which was nominated for an Oscar, and which Rae was nominated for an IMAGEN Award). Rae has acted in several television dramas and comedies, including MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, LAW & ORDER: CI, and LAW & ORDER: SVU. Rae's most recent stage credits include the one-woman show UNDER CONSTRUCTION, THE MAKING OF PATRICIA RAE which made its world premiere at the Stella Adler Conservatory in New York, directed by Robert Covarrubias. Currently, she is co-starring with Stephen Baldwin in the soon to be released MIDNIGHT CLEAR, and is starring in the LA premiere of Stephen Adly Guirgis' Play IN ARABIA WE'D ALL BE KINGS. Rae studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and Chicago City Limits, both in New York City.

ROBERT PICARDO (Stan Jamison)	A graduate of Yale University, Robert Picardo made his Broadway debut in the comedy hit GEMINI in 1977 with Danny Aiello and also appeared in Bernard Slade's TRIBUTE, and THE NORMAL HEART for which he won a Drama-Logue Award. Then, he became involved in televison, where he soon was nominated for an Emmy award for his role as Mr. Cutlip on the series THE WONDER YEARS (1988). In 1995, he got the role as "The Doctor" on STAR TREK: VOYAGER (1995) where he also directed two episodes. He also got movie roles in various films including INNERSPACE (1987), CHINA BEACH (1988) (TV), GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH (1990), as well as a cameo in STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT (1996).

HALLIE KATE EISENBERG (Pauline)	Eisenberg made her feature film debut playing Marie in DreamWorks PAULIE. She portrayed Barbara in the Academy Award nominated film THE INSIDER starring Russell Crowe, and Little Miss in BICENTENNIAL MAN with Robin Williams. Eisenberg co-starred with Minnie Driver in BEAUTIFUL, directed by Sally Field. In JESUS, MARY AND JOEY she plays Melissa , a cancer patient. She played Erica in the recently released HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS. Eisenberg portrayed Helen Keller in the award-winning ABC movie THE MIRACLE WORKER. She appeared in three movies of the week: NICHOLAS GIFT, BLUE MOON, and SWING VOTE. She guest starred on the FOX series GET REAL and the CBS drama, PRESIDIO MED. Eisenberg co-starred in the 2004 remake of Neil Simon's THE GOODBYE GIRL. On HBO, she played Abby Mills on Little Inside. Eisenberg made her Broadway debut in the star-studded THE WOMEN. Commercial credits include promos for the Independent Film Channel and a four-year campaign as the spokesperson for Pepsi.

GLYNNIS O'CONNOR (Evelyn)	Glynnis O'Connor is an American actress, perhaps best known for her work in the mid 1970s, including her lead actress role in the TV version of OUR TOWN (1977) and the film ODE TO BILLY JOE (1976), both of which co-starred Robby Benson. She also co-starred with John Travolta in the 1976 TV movie THE BOY IN THE PLASTIC BUBBLE and Michael Keaton in JOHNNY DANGEROUSLY (1984). As of the late 1990s and continuing into 2004, she has had a recurring role as Anne Paulsen in the LAW & ORDER television series. She also more recently starred in various films including NEW BEST FRIEND (2002) and GRADUATION (2006), and has just finished shooting THE TROUBLE WITH CALI in Pennsylvania.

EDDIE MALAVARCA (Alex the Bookie)	Currently residing in New York City, Eddie Malavarca is best known for his recurring role Peter Schibetta in the hit series OZ (1997-2003). Malavarca has also starred in a variety of films including ANIMAL ROOM (1995), OFFICE KILLER (1997), THE WAITING GAME (1999), BOILER ROOM (2000), CIAO AMERICA (2002), and STIFFS (2006) as Frank Junior opposite veteran actor Danny Aiello. He also guest starred on LAW & ORDER in the 1995 episode, "Privileged", playing Steven Alan Smith.

DINA KRIGER (Claire)	A talented child actress, Dina Kriger began acting since she was 2 years old. Originally from Russia, she came to the United States along with her parents and brother and sister (also child actors) to pursue the Hollywood dream. She has acted in the following films: OVERQUALIFIED playing Annemarie, GARBAGE TIES playing Samantha, Lucy Oppenheimer in GIRL WITH GUN, among several others. She has also acted in two music videos: OBTUSE and LIVE, LOVE, DREAM. More recently, she appeared on the cover of the October 2004 issue of ACTOR & ACTRESS MAGAZINE.

SPENCER STRUMWASSER (Young Charles)	A talented child actor, Spencer Strumwasser has acted in various projects including theatre, film and commercials. His theatre credits include: ARKANSAW BEAR, LIVING MUSEUM, and THE FAT CAT. His film/commercial credits include: BRUISED and a Cox Cable Commercial. He is also a gifted flutist and dancer.

LAVINIA DOWDELL (Mariah)	Lavinia Dowdell is a native of the Washington, DC area and a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. She has been in several independent films and commercials and just made her off-broadway debut at the Studio Theatre on Theater Row in the original play THE HAT LEFT BEHIND.

TIM CINNANTE (Tony)	A resident of New York, Tim Cinnante has been acting for many years. His credits include: SLEEPLESS NIGHTS (2002) as a NCA Agent, TRACKS (2005) as Bob Madagin, and EAST BROADWAY (2006) as Bartender.

JOSEPH STRAMANDI (Lombardi)	Residing of New York, P.J. marks Joseph Stramandi's first acting role.