Favorite Pan Am Pilot flying through the Air: Mike Vogel

I first saw actor Mike Vogel in 2003's remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Mike, a former model, got his first role as a recurring member of the cast of the 2001 television show Grounded For Life. From their he made an easy transition into movies with his first film role as Eric in 2003's Grind.

I have always been impressed both both Vogel's acting and choices of projects (the unnecessary remake of The Poseidon Adventure not withstanding...). Vogel's role in Poseidon was unfortunate for another reason as well. He was originally offered a role of in X-Men: The Last Stand, but backed out to be a part of Poseidon.

Although Vogel has been involved in several successful movies he has always been underrated, not generally getting the same degree of attention of many of his co-stars. This might be due his strength as an actor and choosing to be viewed as an actor rather than a celebrity. It was a bit surprising to me then that Vogel joined ABC's highly touted Pan Am. Vogel joined Pam Am at the last minute replacing actor Jonah Lotan who was reported to have left for creative reasons... I loved the shows premier but worry the project should have remained a movie or min-series The concept is becoming less interesting as each new episode airs. (and Ricci is moving quickly from respected actress to oddity...Rose McGowan anyone?). Vogel is a stand out in the cast, one of only a few male cast members, I find his story lines (especially last weeks) to be a nice change of pace from the rest of the cast.

Mike has wisely (damn it!) chosen to show very little skin on screen, but here are a few highlights:

Caffeine (2006)