In 2004, executives “shrieked in horror” at James Spader. It gave his career a second wind
James Spader’s unusual screen presence limited his prospects as a conventional film leading man, but helped revive his career on television. David E Kelley cast him as morally complex lawyer Alan Shore in the final season of The Practice, despite network executives’ initial objections.
Shore’s popularity led to the spin-off Boston Legal, where Spader continued the role for five seasons. He won an Emmy for The Practice and two more for Boston Legal; Kelley said ABC had thought Spader was not a suitable face for a network show, but came to see him as the only choice.
In short
- Alan Shore brought Spader renewed success on television.
- ABC executives initially objected to his casting.
- He won three Emmys across The Practice and Boston Legal.
Explained simply
James Spader is an American actor whose film roles often made use of his distinctive screen presence. In the early 2000s, writer and producer David E Kelley cast him as Alan Shore, a lawyer with complicated motives, in the final season of the legal drama The Practice.
Shore became popular enough to lead into Boston Legal, a spin-off that followed him for five seasons. The role brought Spader three Emmy awards across the two series and marked a new phase in his television career.