Native Roanoker Jason William McNeil is somewhat of an enigma…who is gaining recognition in Hollywood circles, both for his ability in front of and behind the cameras. He has been honing his skills in his first love, martial arts, since he was 13, later parlaying those skills into a career in acting and performing stunts as well as in what would seem at first glance an unrelated field—that of writing.
In February McNeil was chosen as the winner of the Jane Hallander Memorial “Writer of the Year” award. “Inside Kung-fu” magazine (Feb. 2010) describes McNeil as “an editor’s dream [whose] copy is clean, he’s quick, he’s thorough, and he’s professional.”
McNeil’s knack for writing sets him apart in his field; he wryly observes that “most martial arts guys who get punched in the head for a living can’t write – there are maybe five or six in the country who can.”
One of McNeil’s noteworthy articles is an interview he did with Lou Ferrigno not long after the death of Michael Jackson. McNeil was aware of the friendship between Ferrigno and Jackson, and decided to ask Ferrigno if he would agree to an interview. The result was a piece that “delivered an exclusive inside look at Ferrigno’s relationship with and reaction to Michael Jackson just days after the King of Pop’s death” according to “Inside Kung-fu.” McNeil deftly handled the delicate circumstance of weighing the grief Ferrigno (who he calls a “true gentleman”) was experiencing with the need to get the story out accurately. McNeil himself is referred to as one of the “nice guys” by “Inside Kung-Fu.”
Although he has been an actor, writer, stuntman and world traveler, McNeil comes across as genteel, almost shy. His soft spoken well-mannered demeanor belies the intensity that has driven him for most of his life. His appearance causes heads to turn. He sports the muscular build of a career martial arts man; if his bright blue eyes and chiseled good looks aren’t enough, the long blond hair reminiscent of “Fabio” seals the deal.
When asked where he got his talent for writing, McNeil credits his parents and a childhood in which he was always reading. He jokes that he “comes from an Irish story-telling family where everyone constantly talks, and gives monologues; I’m just the first one to learn to type.”
When his father, Ron McNeil, took him on frequent fishing trips, they would stop to pick up some reading – lots of comic books — to keep “his son occupied.” It turns out his son didn’t exactly share dad’s love of fishing but loved the company. The two have a close relationship to this day, constantly joking and playing off each other to see who can get to the punch line first.
His mother, Sandra Goudie, who he describes as “very well-spoken, a southern lady through and through” took the young McNeil to the library every week. “I still remember reading ‘Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Case’ long before everyone else was learning the letter ‘M’ in kindergarten. That was because of Mom.”
McNeil started writing for martial arts magazines while still in college, but one of his first breakthrough articles resulted from his pursuit of a story on Rikki Rockett, himself a martial artist, as well as the drummer for the rock band “Poison” who played in Roanoke in those days. The publication of that piece helped propel McNeil into the entertainment writing business. He has since written screenplays, numerous articles, coined a slogan for a commercial and even had his 90 seconds of fame in a leading segment on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” where he was interviewed by “Ross the Intern.”
One of McNeil’s most promising current projects is a pilot called “Star Stunts Action” that he developed and will co-host with Anthony DeLongis. “After going through a couple permutations” according to McNeil, it is being planned as a series which will show the “behind-the-scenes perspective on action movies—showing what’s going on.” Because of his training, he will be able to demonstrate some of the stunts as well.
He also has two screen plays that are “optioned, which is like putting it on layaway” he explains. One of those was co-written with Jeff Stanley, a fellow Roanoker who incidentally used to be in the drama club at William Fleming High School with McNeil.
Along with film and writing aspirations, McNeil said he has long regretted that he “is four badges away” from completing his Eagle Scout requirements, and “he might like to finish one day.” Perhaps he’d be getting some honorary badges if the Scouts knew that McNeil also speaks to kids at area schools about writing and pursuing their dreams. He always tries “to tell kids most people who can write don’t think it’s special but it is.” He believes that if you can write, and you pursue it, “doors will open.”
McNeil is serenely philosophical when he looks at his career so far; “Right now I’m having fun. I’ve gotten to crash cars, jump off buildings, fight with swords and party with rock stars – pretty good for a ‘fat’ kid who used to stutter.” Pretty good indeed.
By Cheryl Hodges [email protected]
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Lucy
I grew up across the street from Jason’s family.. His dad cut my hair for years. And as a way of earning extra money, I used to clean the McNeil’s house each week. I can remember the amazing artwork I would come across in Jason’s room. How exciting to see him following his dreams and doing some amazing things.