Joel Gretsch

This actor is no stranger to sci fi! He previously grabbed our attention as the lead on USA Networks’ The 4400 for four seasons. Now that show’s creator, Scott Peters, has snagged him to play Father Jack Landry on ABC’s update of V.

Joel Gretsch is best known for his work playing Tom Baldwin on the TV series The 4400. Audiences were first introduced to his talent when he received rave reviews for his major motion picture debut, his portrayal of Bobby Jones for director Robert Redford in “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” starring Matt Damon, Will Smith and Charlize Theron.

In 2002 Gretsch was featured alongside Tom Cruise in the Steven Spielberg film “Minority Report.” He also starred opposite Kevin Kline in “The Emperor’s Club” and in the Steven Spielberg-produced, Emmy-award winning miniseries, Taken.

Most recently appearing in “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” Saving Grace and Push, Gretsch can also be seen in the series United States of Tara, opposite Toni Collette, as well as the feature Shrink, alongside Kevin Spacey. In addition he has appeared in such television shows as CSI: Miami, Law & Order, Burn Notice and Journeyman.

A Minnesota native, Gretsch studied acting at the renowned Guthrie Theatre for six months prior to moving to Los Angeles in 1989. He made his professional debut in a small production of “Tartuffe,” and subsequently starred as the title character in John Patrick Shanley’s West Coast production of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.

Gretsch studies in Los Angeles with Larry Moss, who also works with Hilary Swank and Leonardo DiCaprio.

BIRTHPLACE: St. Paul, MN
BIRTHDATE: December 20

Father Jack

Father Jack Landry is a passionate priest whose faith in God and religion is shaken by what appears to be the Visitors’ salvation of humankind. He is surprised to find himself battling not just for the souls of people, but for their very lives.

[Bio and photo courtesy of ABC]