It’s Doug Jones’ Birthday! Here are Seven of His Characters We Love
We’re bending over backward to do a birthday post for one of our favorite actors and contortionists. Happy birthday, Doug Jones!
If you love Star Trek, Buffy, or Guillermo del Toro, chances are you’re a fan of Doug Jones. He’s ever so bendy, and he’s the feature in every creature character he brings to life. Tomorrow is his birthday, and to celebrate, we’re counting off our favorite Doug Jones appearances.
7. Pencilhead in Mystery Men
I was literally this today years old when I realized that this was Doug Jones. He’s so young and human-looking! Never mind the name “Pencilhead” complete with sidekick and incorrect initials on the costume. Look at those drawers!
Mystery Men will always be one of my favorite super(ish) hero movies. It’s not surprising that Doug is counted among the cast members. From Eddie Izzard to William H. Macy, the cast has no shortage of quirky talent. I remember how thrilled I was when I realized that Tom Waits was the inventor. Now that I’ve seen Doug in the movie, it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.
‘Mystery Men’ is available for rent on AppleTV & Amazon Prime Video.
6. Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus
Few things say “it’s Halloween” in my home like Bett Middler’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You”. The Sanderson sisters are great, but this film has such a wealth of great supporting characters. And who’s our favorite undead jilted lover? He may look mean, but he’s got a (rotting) heart of gold. Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson made us all love the dead.
At the end of Hocus Pocus, Billy goes back to the ground for a very long nap. But we know that Jones will be reprising the role for the upcoming film’s sequel. We’re a little iffy on a reboot of something so beloved, but it will be fun just to see Jones step into this role again.
‘Hocus Pocus’ is available for streaming on Disney+.
5. Baron Afanas in What We Do in the Shadows
He’s ancient, he’s judgy, and apparently, he gets around. This is another example of a role Doug Jones played that went over my head the first time! Afanas was a wrathful vampire, but apparently a very giving lover, according to both Nadia and Laslo. He may not have naughty parts, but he’s still the king of our hearts – even if he’s a giant pile of dust now. Whoops!
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ is available for streaming on Hulu.
4. Amphibian Man in The Shape of Water
Jones’s work is often associated with sci-fi and horror stories, but we’re quite moved by his role as a romantic lead. The Shape of Water is a love story by Guillermo del Toro that explores the relationship between a mute cleaning woman and a humanoid amphibian being held against his will. Much of the film’s connectivity between lead characters rely on body language and subtle moments of intimacy. It’s a really beautiful movie, inspired by del Toro’s love for Creature from the Black Lagoon.
‘The Shape of Water’ is available for streaming on Hulu.
3. Abe Sapien in Hellboy
This 2004 comic book adaptation is possibly one of Jones’ best-known roles. His witty retorts and aquatic-animal movements are perfectly on point in the series. My only complaint with the role is that, particularly in the first film, Sapien just wasn’t in this damn movie enough. Still, this highly intelligent and empathetic creature is so likable, and it’s Jones’ delivery and body language that makes him that way.
‘Hellboy’ is available for streaming on HBO Max.
2. The Gentlemen from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Along with Camden Toy, Doug Jones will forever live rent-free in my nightmares with his terrifying smile from “Hush”, the episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. These creepy dudes always have a smile for you, but don’t count on a good conversation – because they’ll steal your voice. These grinning floating ghouls easily stand out as one of the most terrifying monsters in a usually campy crew of series baddies. Fuck my whole life, I’m gonna go stand in my living room and scream now just to make sure I can.
“Hush” is season 4, ep. 10 of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, available for streaming on Hulu.
1. Fawn and The Pale Man in Pan’s Labyrinth
This dark fantasy tale of a little girl’s internal world is one of the most visually rich films of all time, and that’s in no small part thanks to Doug Jones. He plays Faun, the fae-like beast who guides little Ofelia through the dark world in the film. He also plays the film’s iconic monster, the Pale Man, who feeds on children. The character is a dark and terrifying one but easily became the most recognizable image from the film. And that’s saying something.
‘Pans Labyrinth’ is from streaming from Starz.
