Best known to sci-fi fans for his role as Ranger Marcus Cole on “Babylon
5”, Jason Carter, born in London on September 23, 1960, is a British
stage, film and television actor.
Leads in school plays and
summers at the National Youth Theater of Great Britain led to three
years at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). In the
Physical Theatre classes taught by Jane Gibson, who trained
under Jacque le Coq in Paris, Jason found the acting and thinking tools
that would inform his approach to his professional work.
Graduating in 1981 after a three-month tour of Holland and Belgium
playing Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet", Jason pursued his craft in a
variety of roles. High points include playing Macbeth at Chichester
Festival Theatre, three long runs in the London West End: "The Sleeping
prince" with Omar Sharrif, Simon Gray's "Melon" with Alan Bates, Simon
Gray's "The Common Pursuit" directed by the author, and Steven Berkoff's
Royal National Theatre production of Oscar Wilde's "Salome". In British
television, Jason starred in two series, a mini series, a number of TV
movies and numerous guest star roles.
Jason has enjoyed
collaborating with many directors developing characters and evolving
scenes. He worked closely with Jason Lehel whilst starring in “Boiling
Point”, Gil Cates JR. on “The Mesmerist”, and Nick Ward on Working
Title’s “Dakota Road” for which, at the Festival du Cinema Britannique
de Dinard, Jason received a commendation for his performance as “Raif”
from chairman of the judges, Ben Kingsley. The director's chair is an as
yet unrealized creative interest for Jason that he looks to pursue for
the future in addition to his acting work.
On American
television Jason has had many roles, beginning with Connor, the hero's
nemesis on the pilot episode of “Viper”, and guest starring in many
popular series including “Beverley Hills 90210”, “Angel”, “Sentinel”,
“Lois and Clark”, and “3rd Rock From The Sun”. When Jason auditioned for
Marcus Cole on "Babylon 5", he had been told it was to guest star, and
so was delighted when his surprised agent informed him it was a
three-year contract and he had secured the role - a role that would
change his life.
Whilst making “Babylon 5”, fine actor and dear
friend, Richard Biggs suggested they partner up and develop fun classes
to jointly share the craft they both loved. Richard and Jason would
hold “The Biggs and Carter Experience” at conventions until Richard’s
death in 2004.
Recently, Jason starred alongside Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth in the upcoming western drama, "By Way Of Helena", which was filmed in October/November of 2014.
