The 5: Great Guest Characters

This Week on the 5:  Brilliant Secondary Characters in Christopher Guest Films

You only really need a couple of minutes to kill in a Christopher Guest film.  We all know the great main characters– ALL OF THEM.  But here are five characters that killed with just a little bit of space in Christopher Guest films.

• Christy Cummings, Best in Show.  Portrayed by Jane Lynch.   She is Mr. Punishment.  The dog trainer for Sheri Ann’s poodle (Rhapsody), and her budding “romance” with Jennifer Coolidge’s character is brilliant, sharp and funny.  Fans of Lynch’s Glee character Sue Sylvester should watch Best in Show once a week.
•  Mike LaFontaine, A Mighty Wind.  Portrayed by Fred Willard.  Owner and founder of high class management, and former child star, Mike LaFontaine is not only one of the best Christopher Guest side characters, he’s also one of the most memorable Fred Willard characters of all time.  He’s Mr. Catch Phrase.  He’s a pure entertainer.  And he steals the show.  Hey! wha Happen?
• Tommy Pischedda, This is Spinal Tap.  Portrayed by Bruno Kirby.   When you have loved and lost the way Tommy Pischedda has,well then you know what life’s about about.
• Lloyd Miller, Waiting for Guffman.  Portrayed by Bob Balaban.  He’s the high school music teacher and musical director of the big show, and when director Corky quits and runs off because he can’t get the 100,000 funding he requests, it’s finally his chance to shine.
• Scott Donlan, Best in Show.  Portrayed by John Michael Higgins.  He cuts hair, grooms hair, shows dogs and “he’s a genius” according to his partner Stefan Vanderhoof.  He’s a complete scene stealer, and he’s the most fun you can have in a kimono.