A new television show that debuted this week on FX to strong ratings and is receiving positive reviews from entertainment critics has a Gustavus alumnus on its cast. Peter Breitmayer, a veteran actor and a member of the class of 1987, will have a recurring role on the new show Fargo as Lieutenant Schmidt.
The show, which debuted Tuesday, April 15 to a reported audience of 4.5 million viewers, is an original adaptation of the Academy Award-winning feature film Fargo, which was written and directed by Minnesota natives Joel and Ethan Coen. The television show features an all-new “true crime” story and follows a new case and new characters, all entrenched in the trademark humor, murder, and “Minnesota nice” that made the film an enduring classic.
The show stars Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo, a rootless, manipulative man who meets and forever changes the life of small town insurance salesman Lester Nygaard, played by Martin Freeman. Colin Hanks plays Duluth Police Deputy Gus Grimly, a single dad who must choose between his own personal safety and his duty as a policeman when he comes face-to-face with a killer. Allison Tolman also stars as Molly Solverson, an ambitious Bemidji deputy.
Breitmayer started his professional acting career at Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop in 1988. He worked locally in Minnesota until he moved to Los Angeles in 1996 and has since worked regularly in television, film, and commercials. He has appeared in a number of well-known television shows including Grey’s Anatomy, The Middle, NCIS, Desperate Housewives, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, Boston Legal, and The King of Queens. Most people will recognize Breitmayer as one of the two Another Insurance Company actors in the Progressive Insurance campaign. Breitmayer recently spoke to Star Tribune reporter Neil Justin about the new show.
Episodes of Fargo air on FX at 9 p.m. Central Time. More information about the show is available online at fxnetworks.com/fargo/about.
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