MVP of the Week: Ray McKinnon

As I have often said, I love character actors, and I am delighted to see one of my favorites in three movies that are now in theaters.  You know Ray McKinnon’s face — probably from “The Blind Side,” where he plays the high school football coach.  I first noticed him in “O Brother Where Art Thou” as the man who plans to marry George Clooney’s ex-wife, played by Holly Hunter.  He also appeared in “Apollo 13” and in the television series “Sons of Anarchy,” “Justified,” and “Deadwood.”  And he’s an Oscar winner for his short film, “The Accountant.”

McKinnon plays a teacher in Dolphin Tale.  In “Take Shelter” he has one brief scene as the main character’s brother who awkwardly tries to provide some support.  And in “Footloose” he plays the uncle of the kid who just wants to dance.  McKinnon always brings a lot to his roles.  He never plays a caricature.  In “Footloose” it is nice to see him get a chance to show courage, loyalty, and humor.  He has another movie coming out this year, “The Last Ride,” about Hank Williams Sr, the legendary country star who died at age 29.  I look forward to it.