जीवनी

Kenny Johnson

Was a world-class arm wrestler until he stopped competing in 1995, although he still wrestles for fun.
Early in his career, he modeled and starred in commercials, including one of the first commercials for L.A. Gear. He also appeared in a Pringles spot with a then-unknown actor named Brad Pitt.
Johnson is dyslexic (according to the documentary "Under The Skin" on The Shield (2002)'s season four DVD), and has worked very hard to overcome his learning difficulties. Although reading is still one of the hardest things for him to do, Johnson regards it as a challenge, and often has someone read scripts aloud to him. This helps him learn lines very quickly.
He originally auditioned for the role of ill-fated Terry Crowley on The Shield (2002), which ultimately went to Reed Diamond. Fortunately for Johnson, series creator Shawn Ryan was so impressed with his audition that the role of Curtis Lemansky was created especially for him.
Originally read for the part of Earl in Saving Grace (2007), but ended up playing the emotionally conflicted cop, boyfriend and partner Ham Dewey to Holly Hunter's title character, Grace Hanadarko.

In my work, I just want to tell a story and help people go on a journey. I'm glad any fans that I do have and I'm usually not aware of it until I get out there or read a message board. I want to thank everyone who follows my work.
I love people! I am a people person. I am a very curious human being. I am very interested in what people have to say. I love cultures too, so I am always traveling. I am very thankful for anybody who follows anything I do. I never take it for granted that people are out there watching. I want to thank them for giving me the time.
On portraying Ham Dewey, one of the female writers on the show wouldn't even look at him: I would have to tell her, It's not me! It's this character! How do you think I feel? I've gotta play the guy! But it really, really makes you feel a certain way towards him. I'm not trying to make him a sympathetic character in any way whatsoever. I'm trying not to judge it personally. It's a very tough line to draw, because I'm married, and this is the exact kind of guy that I'd never want to be.

"People automatically say, what a sleaze. There is a sense of denial that this guy is in. But I know real cops. When they're paired up together, they get so close, you know? There's no excuse for it, but these guys do have a connection. They fight like cats and dogs, but when they get in a really messed-up situation, they're there for each other."