Jenkins Returns Home

By Ginger Simons

The Egyptian Theatre is honoring DeKalb native Richard Jenkins with a film series that showcases highlights of his acting career. The series kicks off 7 p.m. every Tuesday from Sept. 4 through Oct. 11 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Jenkins grew up in DeKalb and attended DeKalb High School. In a promotional video made by Jenkins and featured on the Egyptian Theatre website, Jenkins said he spent many nights at the Theatre growing up.

The series of films was arranged by Jenkins himself, who chose films he deemed as his favorites.

“They all mean something special to me. I’m humbled they’re showing them,” Jenkins said in the video.

Jenkins has appeared in over 100 films over the course of his career, dabbling in different genres and types of roles. The film series reflects this versatility, showcasing every side of his on-screen persona.

“Since [Jenkins] is such a talented actor, there are so many genres he has been in,” Jeanine Holcomb, Marketing Manager of the Egyptian Theatre, said. “So whether you like westerns, comedy, romantic comedies or dramas, there is something for everyone in this series.”

Film connoisseurs may be drawn to the series for its critically acclaimed dramas like “The Shape of Water,” but there are several other picks that can appeal to a vast audience.

“The younger generation crowd favorite is definitely ‘Step Brothers,’” Holcomb said. “The other films are a bit of a selection from all different genres of film.”

“Step Brothers” goes up Sept. 16 between screenings of “The Visitor” and “Norman” on Sept. 9 and 23.

At the core of this series is a sense of community pride. Even those who didn’t grow up in DeKalb can appreciate the film screenings of a local actor’s acclaimed work.

“NIU students should attend this screening not only for the great films that [because they] get to see a guy who grew up in the town they are attending school in, worked at places they have probably eaten in and watched movies just like they can in the Egyptian Theatre,” Holcomb said. “We are so proud to honor one of DeKalb’s own and would love the NIU community to be a part of that as well.”