Doug Pona has spent his entire life as an actor. But that's not what he set out to be.
"This was a fluke," says Pona, who lives in Highland Park with his wife, Carol. "Actually, I'm a halfway smart person. In high school, I thought I could be a doctor."
While in high school, Pona sang, played the violin and went off to college intending to study music. But it wasn't until he later enrolled as a musical theater major at what was then Point Park College that he found his calling in life.
Two of his favorite roles are as Hodman in "Mrs. Evers' Boys," which he did at City Theatre in 1991, and Bynum in "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre in 2005.
Three years ago, Pona returned to Point Park University as an associate professor in the College of Performing Arts.
"It has been one of the rewards I didn't anticipate -- the connection with the students and the number of them that say I helped them with their lives," he says.
Through June 30, Pona is playing the King of Fez in Unseam'd Shakespeare Company's production of "The Constant Prince" at the Open Stage Theatre in the Strip District. Details: 412-394-3353
The star who would play me in the movie version of my life:
My wife thinks Will Smith, but I think he's too tall. So, I'll say Brad Pitt (doesn't everyone?). Because I've made a career out of nontraditional casting, I thought Brad could use the experience. And I thought he could use the work.
The Rat Packer I most identify with is:
- A. Frank Sinatra
- B. Sammy Davis Jr.
- C. Dean Martin
- D. Peter Lawford
C. As A kid I grew up wanting to be Sammy, even to the point of practicing my quick-draw and pistol spinning. But as I get older, I realize Dean's the man!
If the TV is on at 2 a.m., I'm watching:
Bad Japanese sci-fi, the History Channel or Food Network.
Choose a playwright:
- A. William Shakespeare
- B. Sam Shepard
- C. Tom Stoppard
- D. Neil Simon
B. His images are wonderful and stories are very hard edged. Early in my career, I got to play Crow in "A Tooth of Crime" and I loved it.
After a long day, I like to relax with a:
- A.Martini
- B.Cold beer
- C.Cabernet
- D.Herbal tea
A. This is a recent taste change. My personal poison is tequila.
My required snack in a movie theater is:
Habit brings me to popcorn. History says Sugar Babies.
The first play I saw:
"Porgy and Bess." Cab Calloway played Sportin' Life with Civic Light Opera at the Civic Arena.
The person I'm most often mistaken for:
Al Sharpton
Choose one:
- A. The Beatles
- B. The Rolling Stones
A. "Let it Be." 'Nuf said.
Pick a Simpson:
- A. Jessica
- B. Ashlee
- C. O.J.
- D. Homer
D. D'oh ... what's the question?
In high school, I was:
Shorter than most of my friends.
The most famous person I ever became friends with:
Joe Morton. He starred on "A Brother from Another Planet." He had dialogue; it was brilliant. I met him when I was working as his stand-in for "Alone in the Neon Jungle."
Pick a cheese product:
- A.Cheez Whiz
- B.Velveeta
- C.Cheez-its
- D.Mac 'n" Cheese
C. Crunch
Pick a Jessica:
- A. Alba
- B. Biel
- C. Tandy
- D. Rabbit
C. I guess I'm old.
Pick one:
- A.Starbucks coffee
- B.McDonald's coffee
B. No foam. No flavors. Just big, black, and hot -- like me
My most memorable fashion mistake:
A pink flocked tux coat at my prom -- with a blue ruffled shirt, big black velvet bow tie and three-inch clogs.
Pick one:
- A.Sgt. York
- B.Sgt. Schultz
- C.Sgt. Bilko
- D.Sgt. Pepper
C. I love Phil Silvers.
My childhood nickname was:
Gentle Ben
My first job:
Camp counselor and lifeguard at the Hilltop YMCA
My worst job:
Encyclopedia salesman. After one day of training, I got dropped off in some small town and was left there and then forgotten about. It was my birthday.
Pick one:
- A.Miracle Whip
- B.Helmann's
B. Rich, creamy goodness. I grew up with it.
My favorite cable channel:
I watch the Food Network more than anything else
Pick one:
- A.David Letterman
- B.Jay Leno
- C.Conan O'Brien
- D.Craig Ferguson
A. He got ripped. Dave should've been Johnny's replacement, and I'm still upset about it.
If I could tour with any two bands, they would be:
Yes and Santana
