Friday, February 6, 2015

Jacksonville native catches a big break; Hollywood bound


Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s on-screen adaptation of Jesse Andrews’ novel “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” hit it big when it opened at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.  The film focuses on Greg (Thomas Mann), a teenager who has a knack for film and befriends classmate Rachel (Olivia Cook), who is diagnosed with leukemia.

 

One standout actor, however, had a breakout performance in this film Jacksonville native RJ Cyler, born Ronald Cyler, II.  Young Cyler plays Earl, the main character’s best friend, or as Greg refers to him, his “co-worker”.  In January 2012, Cyler’s dream of acting became a reality, when an open audition was held in Jacksonville. His family then made the decision to further his career by moving to Los Angeles, California in 2013. 

 

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” made a record breaking $12 million deal with Fox Searchlight and Indian Paintbrush. This means more success for Cyler and his counterparts.  Cyler aspires to become one of the few Jacksonville natives to make it on the big screen worldwide.  Fellow Jacksonvillians are definitely wishing him luck!

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