Imagine that you idolized someone—then got semi-adopted by them, an honorary sibling. Then imagine getting cast into a major movie, portraying your idol-sib. Realistically. Sympathetically. (Don’t forget the sexy part, either.) Now throw in Robin Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Brad Pitt as your co-stars.
Wanna pop a Xanax yet?
Welcome to the world of Stephen Bishop. Let’s be clear: we mean Stephen Bishop, the hottie-scene-stealer, we’re-so-glad-you-became-an-actor Stephen Bishop — not the guy who sings the slow-dance songs at your mom’s high school reunion; not the Mammoth Caves explorer (you were wondering, weren’t you?). And definitely not the guy popping a Xanax, either. This Stephen Bishop can be classified as one of the Fall film season’s most notable break-out talents, turning in a subtle yet incisive performance as his idol, baseball star David Justice, in the critically-adored Moneyball.
Let’s be clear again. We’re talking about that David Justice. All-Star major leaguer. World Series champ. Halle Berry’s ex. Charming color commentator. In short, somebody you’re not likely to pass on the street without doing a triple-take. Bishop is not only Justice’s doppelganger, but his biggest fan: growing up in Moraga, California, he dreamed of being like the slugger—and was actually drafted into the Atlanta Braves organization, where Kismet stepped in: Justice was playing for the club at the same time. They weren’t the only ones who noticed that standing side-by-side gave off a crazy mirror effect; before long, Bishop was dubbed “Baby Justice” by his teammates, and the star slugger introduced him around as “my little brother”.
Bishop himself went into the four-stage audition process for the role with a bit of The Recognition Factor as well, thanks to memorable guest turns on shows such as “Lost” and “Girlfriends” – the latter still earns him street-cred back at home. But it was Bishop’s ability to internalize the essence of Justice, while infusing the part with touches of his own humor and timing, that won over the tough crowd he encountered at the “Moneyball” casting calls: writers Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian; Director Bennett Miller—and now, have him emerging as one of the most stand-out pieces in the ensemble cast.
So, where do you go after holding your own against Mr. Pitt? Bishop himself admits that acting is just one flavor in the colorful pie of his life—but don’t worry; you’ll be seeing him soon in the Ryan Reynolds pic “Safe House” and in next Summer’s action tent pole “Battleship”, helmed by Peter Berg—and also starring Rihanna, who’ll present a formidable adversary to Bishop in the screen gorgeousness department. Maybe it’ll be us popping the Xanax then.