Valley actor lands role in the debut of drama 'Smith'

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He also will have a role in the upcoming movie 'Mysteries of Pittsburgh.'

By GUY D'ASTOLFO

VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER

Jeff Hochendoner, of Poland, has a role in the debut episode of the CBS series "Smith," which airs tonight at 10.

He plays the chief security guard who is overpowered by robbers in a scene that begins the episode.

A professional actor for 18 years, Hochendoner has a long list of film and television roles. He had a lead role in the 2002 television movie "The Pennsylvania Miners Story," and also had a recurring role in the '80s HBO series "1st & Ten." He also made appearances on "Doogie Howser, M.D.," and "In the Heat of the Night."

His film work includes roles in "Sudden Death" (1995), "Iron Will" (1994), "School Ties" (1992) and "The Last Boy Scout" (1991).

Biographical info

Hochendoner, 42, a Jackson-Milton High School and Kent State University graduate, is married to the former Michele Abbas of Canfield.

The couple returned to the Mahoning Valley five years ago to be closer to family and to find a good quality school system for their three children, who now attend Poland schools.

He has had to scale back his acting career but still stays active in the industry.

"Smith" stars Ray Liotta and Virginia Madsen, and is produced by John Wells ("ER," "China Beach").

The show has garnered favorable reviews as a smart and complex drama, and Hochendoner said he is pleased to be part of it.

"To get even a small role is really nice," he said. "It's a chance to work with some A-1 professionals."

Tonight's episode was filmed at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.

Hochendoner, who is the Youngstown regional manager for R.W. Sidley Inc. of Painesville, a concrete company, has connections with the Pittsburgh film industry.

Later this month he will begin work on the feature film "Mysteries of Pittsburgh." The film, which is being shot in the Steel City, stars Keira Knightley and Nick Nolte.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006