Rick Rossovich Movies
Muscular character actor Rick Rossovich was in his early twenties when he showed up as a teenaged military-academy cadet named Pig in The Lords of Discipline (1983). Rossovich's most famous film role was Chris McDowell, the handsome but tongue-tied suitor to delectable Daryl Hannah in the 1987 Cyrano de Bergerac update Roxanne. Rossovich's TV series manifest includes such recurring roles as Geller in McGruder and Loud (1985) and football coach Spud Lincoln in Sons and Daughters (1991). And during the first (1994-95) season of the NBC megahit E/R, Rick Rossovich was seen as Dr. John Taglieri. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Based on a true story, this made-for-cable drama concerns Justin Yoder (Frankie Muniz), a 12-year-old boy who is confined to a wheelchair. Despite his handicap, Justin is an outgoing kid with a sense of humor and a taste for adventure, and his older brother's accomplishments as an award-winning athlete spark his ambition to find a sport in which he can excel. Justin thinks he has found just such an activity in the local soap-box derby competition, but he finds he has to combat red tape and prejudice before he can compete in the race. Produced for The Disney Channel, Miracle in Lane 2 also stars Patrick Lewis, Roger Aaron Brown, and Molly Hagan. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frankie Muniz, Patrick Levis, (more)
- 1999
The plot of the futuristic made-for-TV thriller Killer Deal is predicated on the notion that a world-wide economic collapse in 2009 AD will utterly wipe out the Middle Class in America. In this not-so-brave new world, the rich and privileged Upper Class lives in Parkland, a luxurious walled community, while the Lower Class starves in the ruins of "Oldtown." With absolutely no jobs available, the poor are left with but one opportunity to escape their lot: to voluntarily donate their vital organs to the wealthy, who have bought into an organization known as "Eternity Life." The donors are provided with $10 million, which they can spend any way they wish in the 30-day period before their bodies are dissected, while their families are permitted to live in Parkland permanently. One of the few non-rich non-donors residing in the community is police sergeant James Quinn (Rick Rossovich), who is allowed to do so because of his past heroics. Unfortunately, the lives of Quinn and his family are placed in jeopardy when the elderly creator of "Eternity Life" desperately needs an organ donor to survive. Fleeing from Parkland, Quinn learns the hard way that the so-called "voluntary" donors are anything but! Originally telecast on March 25, 1999 as part of UPN's "Nightworld" movie series, Killer Deal has been released abroad as Nightworld: Parkland. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rick Rossovich, Claudette Mink, (more)
Set in Egypt, this exciting adventure follows two determined archaeologists, one good, the other evil, on a frenetic quest to find the ancient papyrus that has written upon it the location of a pharaoh's final resting place. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rick Rossovich, Stacy Keach, (more)
- 1996
Appointed honorary commodore of the World's Cup Regatta, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) bears witness to the intense rivalry between yachtsmen Kyle Kimball (John Getz) and Ned Larkin (Steve Forrest). Sustaining a pre-race injury, Larkin turns the command of his vessel "Free Spirit" over to his daughter Anne (Andrea Parker). Then, two days before the race, Kyle is murdered--and Anne finds herself the number one suspect. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Michael Ironside makes his first appearance as new ER chief Dr. William Swift, who immediately sets the staff on its ear with his bizarre management style and intense perfectionism. Meanwhile, the rivalry between med student Carter (Noah Wyle) and Deb (Ming-Na) reaches a new height of absurdity. Greene (Anthony Edwards) has a lot of trouble shaking his guilty feelings after the death of his pregnant patient Jodi O'Brien. And Benton (Eriq La Salle) must face the realization that his mother's days are numbered. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Amidst a heavy caseload including alleged parental abuse, suicide, and a teenage prostitute with aids, Ross (George Clooney) makes the acquaintance of Diane Leeds (Lisa Zane) from Risk Management. Meanwhile, Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) defends herself against the charges leveled by Kayson (Sam Anderson), with an unexpected payoff. And Benton (Eriq La Salle) argues with Jackie (Khandi Alexander) over how best to care for their ailing mother. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Hicks (CCH Pounder) warns Benton (Eriq La Salle) that he's spending too much time worrying over his ailing mother and not enough time concentrating on his job. Ross (George Clooney) has a violent showdown with an abusive father. The rivalry between Carter (Noah Wyle) and Deb (Ming-Na) intensifies. And Carol (Julianna Margulies) and Taglieri (Rick Rossovich) consider adopting six-year-old AIDS victim Tatiana (Milana Vayntrub). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
A visitor to the ER (Catherine Lloyd Burns) must make a crucial decision after her boyfriend commits suicide, while novice nun Sister Elizabeth (Amy Ryan) likewise finds herself at an emotional crossroads. Elsewhere, the ER staff (and the viewers) discovers that Carter (Noah Wyle) is from an incredibly wealthy family. Swift (Michael Ironside) becomes increasingly displeased with Greene (Anthony Edwards), who has allowed his domestic troubles to take precedence over his work. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) is at the end of her rope with Chloe (Kathleen Wilhoite). And the mystery of missing-in-action Dr. Div Cvetic is solved. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
The wedding of Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) and John Taglieri (Rick Rossovich) is complicated by the fact that bridesmaid Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) is called away to care for the baby of her missing sister, Chloe (Kathleen Wilhoite). This minor crisis, however, is supplanted by a major one when Taglieri seemingly disappears from the face of the earth. And back at the ER, Carter (Noah Wyle) celebrates his last day at County General with some harsh words aimed at Benton (Eriq La Salle) -- words that Carter is forced to eat after a sudden change in the scheme of things. This was the final episode of ER's first season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Rick Rossovich guest stars as Canadian pro hockey player Mark Smithbauer, an old friend of Benton Fraser (Paul Gross). Alas, Mark is not the Mark that Fraser remembers from his youth: Where once he played for love of the game, Smithbauer has become an arrogant, money-grubbing jerk. Even worse is the fact that Mark has apparently been bribed to lose a game by vicious bookmaker Broda (Miguel Fernandes). It should surprise no one that this episode ends with a wild car-and-skate chase through the icy streets of Chicago. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1994
Rosemary Clooney (aunt of series regular George Clooney) returns as a mysterious mental patient wandering the halls of the ER singing Christmas songs. Likewise invested with the Yuletide spirit is Benton (Eriq La Salle), who upon finding an organ-donor card among the effects of a brain-dead patient, begins informing potential recipients. Unfortunately, Benton has spread the "good news" too soon; the donor's wife (Amanda Rogers) refuses to okay anything until she gets a second opinion about her estranged husband's chances for survival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
A malfunctioning air conditioner and an overload of patients bedevils the ER during a stifling heat wave. In other developments, Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) is thrown off balance by a visit from her young, irresponsible sister, Chloe (Kathleen Wilhoite). Carol (Julianna Margulies) is upset by Doug's (George Clooney) girl friend du jour. And when Greene (Anthony Edwards) brings his daughter, Rachel (Yvonne Zima), to work, she realizes with startling suddenness that her dad is far from omnipotent. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Carol (Julianna Margulies) begins to question her relationship with Dr. Taglieri (Rick Rossovich) after an unexpected kiss from Ross (George Clooney). Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) "celebrates" her birthday by tangling with her out-of-control sister, Chloe (Kathleen Wilhoite). And both Benton (Eriq La Salle) and Longworthy (Tyra Ferrell) are up for a prestigious fellowship, with Benton seemingly having the inside track. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Cvetic (John Terry) is growing more and more contemptuous of his patients, leading to some bizarre behavior on his part. Carol (Julianna Margulies) is caught on the horns of a dilemma when she is bound by ethics not to reveal details of an accident imparted in confidence by a patient. Ross (George Clooney) grows restless in his relationship with Linda (Andrea Parker). And Carter (Noah Wyle) learns a few more valuable life lessons as he treats transvestite patient Henry (Vondie Curtis-Hall). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Eight weeks after attempting suicide, head nurse Carol (Julianna Margulies) returns to work at the ER. Meanwhile, Greene (Anthony Edwards) forces a family to come to grips with a domestic abuser in their midst. And Carter (Noah Wyle) learns a lesson in compassion from a mysterious female patient (played by Rosemary Clooney, the aunt of series regular George Clooney), who bursts into song at the slightest provocation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Carter (Noah Wyle) pulls off his first major blunder when he tells the wrong family that their teenaged son died in a car accident. Resident Romeo Ross (George Clooney) steps up his campaign to win Carol (Julianna Margulies) away from her current beau, Dr. Taglieri (Rick Rossovich). And the volatile Benton (Eriq La Salle) attacks his brother-in-law, Walt (Ving Rhames), for neglecting his family, then turns his wrath upon Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) for a misdiagnosis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Angel though she may be, Monica (Roma Downey) has more than her share of human failings--and that includes a mortal fear of water. Even so, Monica is determined to fulfill her assignment as spirtual guide to Angela Evans (Nia Peeples), a diehard boating enthusiast. Married to US Senate nominee Carter Evans (Obba Babatunde), Angela has never revealed the terrible secret that she was once a call girl. When her former pimp (Rick Rossovitch) threatens to expose her past and destroy her husband's career unless she forks over a huge sum of money, Angela sees no way out but to commit suicide--and Angel of Death Adam (Charles Rocket) sternly warns Monica that she is forbidden to physically intervene! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Rick Rossovich guest stars as a house painter named -- honest to goodness -- Sherman Williams. A former boyfriend of Jamie Buchman (Helen Hunt), Williams is hired to paint the Buchman apartment. Surprisingly, Paul (Paul Reiser) is okay with having his wife's ex-beau in his domicile -- but Jamie is not okay with Paul being okay. And as long as we're talking "okay," things aren't all that okay with the Buchmans' friends Fran (Leila Kenzle) and Mark (Richard Kind). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- Add The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw to QueueAdd The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw to top of Queue
The fourth of Kenny Rogers' Gambler TV movies, 1991's The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw is regarded by many Western diehards as the best. This time, gambler Brady Hawkes is en route to a high-stakes poker game in San Francisco. His travelling companions are a trouble-prone frontier Romeo (Rick Rossovich) and a feisty ex-saloon gal (Reba McEntire). Never mind that: The real attraction of Luck of the Draw is its enormous guest-star lineup of famous TV cowboy heroes of yore: Gene "Bat Masterson" Barry, Hugh "Wyatt Earp" O'Brien, Brian "The Westerner" Keith, Chuck "The Rifleman" Connors, Jack "Maverick" Kelly, Clint "Cheyenne" Walker, David "Kung Fu" Carradine, and "Virginian" co-stars James Drury and Doug McClure. The first portion of this two-part movie concentrates on setting up the plot; Part two is the card game itself, preceded by a boxing match refereed by Bat Masterson (Gene Barry). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, (more)
- 1988
14 Going on 30 starts out like Candida and ends up like Back to the Future. 14-year-old Danny O'Neill (Gabey Olds), carrying a torch for his teacher, Peggy Noble (Daphne Ashbrook), can only suffer in silence as Peggy plans to marry brutish gym instructor "Jackjaw" Kelton (Rick Rossovich). With the help of his nerdy pal Lloyd's (Adam Carl) experimental growth accelerator, Danny becomes an overnight adult (now played by Steve Eckholdt). While in his 30-year-old state, Danny intends to expose Jackjaw as the jerk he is-only to end up in hot water himself. Loretta Swit, Patrick Duffy, Alan Thicke and Dick Van Patten guest-star in this made-for-TV movie, originally presented in two parts (March 6 and 13, 1988) on the Disney Sunday Movie anthology. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
The daughter of a wealthy American entrepreneur is sent to a monastery on a remote Yugoslavian mountainside, where it is rumored the monks have developed an exquisite cognac recipe. The money-making American wants his daughter to get the recipe so they can market the spirits. Things complicate when she falls for a very good-looking monk. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1984
In this made-for-TV movie, a group of lonely, unattached people meet up in a local bar in search of love and friendship. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Shelley Hack, Paul Michael Glaser, (more)
- 1983
Considering how seldom she appeared on TV in the 1980s, Donna Reed could have picked a better vehicle than Deadly Lessons. Ms. Reed is cast as the headmistress of an exclusive all-girl's prep school. Like the title suggests, the school is being terrorized by a mysterious murderer. Only by discerning the killer's modus operandi can the Good Guys (or Good Girls) unmask the miscreant. Halfway down the cast list is Nancy Cartwright, better known as the voice of Bart Simpson. Deadly Lessons premiered March 7, 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
