Ted D'Arms as sitcom actor Dick Nickerson in the independent comedy G-SALE. The B&W photographs in the background are from Ted's collection of his headshots and film/theatre stills.

It’s with great sadness that we heard the news of the passing of our friend Ted D’Arms on December 18th. Ted was the one of the luminious stars of our film G-SALE, in which he portrayed 1960s sitcom actor Dick Nickerson (best known for his role as the leprechaun Uncle Angus in the series Pot o’ Gold). He was also an extremely talented painter, photographer, voiceover actor, and a kind soul.

While at the EvansGroup ad agency, Randy had worked with Ted on many TV and radio commercials, but it wasn’t until 2002 when Ted graciously agreed to join the ensemble cast of our first feature film did we get to spend more time with him and really get to know him.

Not only did Ted knock it out of the park with a standout performance in the film, but he helped our production in numerous ways–everything from providing his beautiful paintings as set dressing elements, to taking stills, to recommending the film to influential critics. After the production, we got a chance to spend more time with Ted — visiting his art studio and catching his performances at the Seattle Rep.

We will miss Ted dearly. He was a brilliant, generous actor, a scholar, an artist in the truest sense of the word. He had a big personality and a big heart. And he always had great hair.

Below is an excerpt from the G-SALE press materials with a brief interview with Ted.

What did you think of the style of the film (mockumentary)? Did it offer any challenges as an actor?

Ted: It was loose and easy.

What attracted you to this project?

I thought it was very well written—riotously funny.

What intrigued you about your role? What did you like about the character you played?

I’ve been in dozens and dozens of productions of Shakespeare, Chekhov, Ibsen, Sophocles, Arthur Miller—I’ve never had the privilege of playing a leprauchaun.

How did you like working with Randy and Jessi?

I loved working with Jessi. Randy has a real touch with actors. He understands them—let’s them do their work. He leaves actors alone and trusts their decisions, and gives direction if he feels they are going in the wrong direction.

Any challenges or interesting stories?

Learning the Irish dancing was the most challenging.

TED D’ARMS (Dick Nickerson) has enjoyed a distinguished career in the theatre, appearing in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and playing opposite Christopher Walken (“Hamlet”) and Richard Chamberlain (“Richard II”). His film roles include Mark Rydell’s “Cinderella Liberty,” Gus Van Sant’s “Drugstore Cowboy, and “Doubles.” D’Arms is also an accomplished photographer and painter. His paintings appear in G-SALE.

See more on our YouTube channel.

These two new radio commercials are for Planet Preowned used cars in upstate New York.

If you missed the screening, you can now view THE HIKE online.

Update

At the awards ceremony last night, JANE BACKER won “Best Sound Design” and “Best Editing.” Kudos to Chris Hatcher, who did location sound and contributed two music tracks to the film.