Dismas Hardy?
This week, a little insight on the appearance of Dismas Hardy.
A lot of you have wondered what Dismas Hardy looks like, and I must say it’s an interesting question. I’ve gone to some lengths to leave his physical description out of the books and, indeed, many of you have written to say that you like it like that. Dismas looks like you imagine him looking. I must admit that my own clarity around Hardy’s description is muddled at best. I know he’s a pretty attractive guy because beautiful women seem to be attracted to him – Frannie, his ex-wife Jane, Catherine Hanover (from The Motive), Jennifer Witt (from The 13th Juror), and others. But we all know attractiveness in a person is not always a matter of physical appearance – Hardy also has a sense of humor, integrity, charisma, and that great aphrodisiac, power.
About the closest I ever came to giving Diz a specific “look” was when Wyatt Hunt meets him for the first time in The Hunt Club. From Hunt’s perspective, all we get is this: “He certainly looked good for the role of managing partner of one of the city’s top law firms. . . High-end all the way, but he came across as one of the good guys.” I must admit, that’s not much help. So I guess we’re stuck with the one other hint that might give some clue: when people ask me who would be my personal choice to play the role of Dismas Hardy in a film or TV show, for the past several years I have said that I’d most prefer Dennis Quaid. (By the way, Laurence Fishbourne has expressed interest in playing Abe Glitsky.) Earlier in my life, when Hardy first appeared, my choice to play him was Charles Haid, who played the role of Renko in the old Hill Street Blues. (Haid and Quaid, hmmm . . .)
But really, it all comes down to your own imagination, and there is no description in the world that’s more powerful than that.
Have a great week everyone. Let your imaginations run wild!
All the best,
John
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I believe I’ve read all of your books, and in my vision, Dismas may have begun as Dennis Quaid, but he has morphed through the years toward Harrison Ford, albeit with a little more chunkiness to him. This last comes to mind because of his fondness for those Asian/Greek specials at Lou the Greek’s, and because of his special affection for foods prepared in the skillet that he tends so lovingly after every use. I admire that Dismas and Abe have both matured through the years and advanced in their careers. Those of us who have watched them throughout probably imagine some gray hair and a bit of a paunch.
We’re eagerly awaiting another installation. Best of luck and best regards.
Interesting. I left my previous post, in which I suggested Sean Bean, before reading this one.
I always imagined Dismus as Gabirel Byrne from the HBO TV show “In Treatment”. Sort of a sad, introspective person yet with a face that’s intriguing. Before Byrne, I imagined him like Ephram Zimbalist Jr. (Now I’m showing my age!)
I think Dismas looks like you, which is very good.
My sister and I are sitting here debating – we agree with Dennis Quaid but love the idea of Powers Booth (in his younger days and with all his hair!). But, I could also see Mark Walberg although he’s still a little young but he has that confidence and integrity about him and is definitely yummy for the ladies! And, Matt Damon is so awesome he could play it very well. To us, Dismas is not conventionally handsome (a.k.a. pretty boy) but rugged, comfortable behind a bar of course, and just your average, awesome guy you would be happy having your family meet.
simon baker
What about Timothy Hutton as Dismas?
Also, wasn’t Dismas’ house burned down in another book, before he met or married Frannie? Someone please unconfuse me!
Thanks….
What do you think?