Rodney Van Johnson
1st Lt. Wendell McCray aka
"Cipher"
The Character: Wendell McCray is the team's recon expert. He's intelligent, responsible, quiet and observant, witty, wise and seems far more mature than the rest of the team. Perhaps he has learned to handle responsibility early as Wendell is the father of 6yr old Christopher. Wendell's brief college relationship with Christopher's mother is long since over but Wendell still likes to see his son at every opportunity. Unfortunately, his military career makes these opportunities few and far between.
Rodney Van Johnson grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio
-- he's a "Buckeye."
Growing up in Cincinnati was very good, it was big, family
oriented, good working class people.
His birthday is 2/20 -- no year given -- which puts him on the
cusp of Pisces and Aquarius.
He includes in his list of hobbies hiking and horseback riding.
To unwind, he will watch TV or movies, be outside with people, go
to museums, and listen to music.
He's into all types of music -- really likes
jazz and romantic ballads. The mellow sounds of the 70s and the
smooth, rhythmic sounds of the 90s are what he really enjoys.
He's very much into acoustic guitars (and he lists a few artists,
but I have no idea how to spell their names!) and jazz. Hip hop
is *not* his cup of tea.
He likes to cook and experiment with fish and chicken; not a big
beef eater.
He attended the University of Cincinnati -- is
a Bearcat and proud of it!
His first job was working for his grandfather, peddling fruits
and vegetables. When he got older, he worked for the family
construction company, building and fixing up houses.
His most embarassing moment came in the 5th grade, when he got
ready to go to recess and play some basketball -- he had his
shirt, socks, and shoes on and really thought he was ready but he
had forgotten his shorts! (I guess just underwear, in the fifth
grade, was considered insufficient clothing.)
His favorite book is "Acts of Faith" which is a very
spiritual book. It helps him to deal with things that happen to
him, helps him become a better person and man.
His grandfather, who passed away about 10 years
ago, was/is the most important person in his life. He feels that
the grandfather, Edmond Johnson, Sr. (not sure of the first name
from the tape) gave him lots of things which helped him get to
where he is today and continues to help him. He also feels as
though the man is always with him, in his heart, mind, and soul.
If he were to be left on a desert island with only three things,
he's take a woman -- recognizing that a woman is not a thing,
she's an object, a desirable object -- a refrigerator full of
food, and a boat. "If I can't make things happen with that,
then I need help!"
And if he weren't an actor, he'd most likely be doing the same
thing that he was doing before he got into acting -- selling
airtime for a television station in Florida. He enjoys all
aspects of the medium and being an actor is definitely a
different perspective on the process.
FILMOGRAPHY:
Mad About You: Central Park Ranger
The Young and the Restless: Trey
Pensacola Wings of Gold: 1st Lt. Wendell McCray
Making the Rules
Blood Brothers
Babylon 5
Sweet Justice
The Jamie Foxx Show
