Schaech (his name rhymes with deck) began his career mostly in television. He had a bit part in the 1993 television series The Webbers, which starred Jeffrey Tambor of Arrested Development; Jennifer Tilly, established actress and voice talent of Family Guy, Monsters, Inc.; and David Arquette, most notable as Courtney Cox’s husband. Schaech also worked on The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. and Models Inc, a spin-off of the more successful Melrose Place. This series was particularly fitting for Schaech. He worked numerous jobs as a model before breaking into film and television.
His first hit of any true acclaim was Gregg Araki’s 1995 drama The Doom Generation. Schaech played Xavier Red, a drifter picked up by two other troubled adolescents. The social misfit threesome then began a journey through an America filled with sex, violence, and other alienated souls. For playing the character of Amy Blue, Rose McGowan was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Independent Spirit Awards—the indie equivalent of the Oscars.
Unfortunately, Schaech’s next role was a straight-to-video flop. He starred in Poison Ivy II, alongside Alyssa Milano. The first Poison Ivy in 1992 was not even met with much acclaim, but at least Drew Barrymore brought a little excitement to that film. There was no similar spark in this remake, and it is probably a role Schaech would like to put behind him.
Lucky for Schaech, Tom Hanks made a movie called That Thing You Do! in 1996. Schaech was cast as Jimmy Mattingly, and he went from virtual unknown to at least recognizable. Even today, he remains an unknown to many moviegoers. But he finds steady work, and it’s just a matter of time before one of his roles truly launches him into stardom.
Riding high off That Thing You Do! Schaech landed the lead in the 1997 comedy Welcome to Woop Woop and then really scored one year later with his lead in 1998’s Hush. This drama/thriller starred film legend Jessica Lange and Hollywood it girl Gwyneth Paltrow. It was also not met with blockbuster success, but it was a solid film, and Schaech received more exposure than in any previous role.
He went on to play the world-renowned escape artist Houdini in a made-for-television movie of that title, and landed more bit parts in mild successes like 2000’s How to Kill Your Neighbor’s Dog.
Schaech also appeared without credit in the 2002 hit The Sweetest Thing, starring Cameron Diaz, Selma Blair, and Christina Applegate. Applegate just happened to be Schaech’s wife at the time of shooting. The two were wed from October 2001 to December 2005 before he filed for divorce.
Schaech continues to take roles that capitalize on his dark features and intense stare. He is currently filming The Living Hell, a horror film due out sometime 2007.
YUDDY
