From Van Driver To Versace Model: The Unsung Men In Black Role That Launched Jon Gries' Unlikely Career Resurgence

Few actors embody the spirit of the Hollywood journeyman quite like Jon Gries, a performer whose career trajectory is a masterclass in longevity, culminating in a spectacular, late-career resurgence that is making headlines right now in late 2025. While millions know him as the delusional, time-traveling football coach Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite, a dedicated segment of sci-fi fans recognize him from a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role in one of the biggest blockbusters of the 1990s: Men in Black (1997). This minor appearance is a perfect snapshot of a long, distinguished filmography, a forgotten entity that now serves as a fascinating footnote to his current status as a fashion icon and television star.

The man who helped Will Smith’s Agent J and Tommy Lee Jones’ Agent K get around New York City in their signature black suits is the very same actor who, as of December 17, 2025, is being celebrated for his compelling dramatic work in prestige television and his surprising, viral turn in the fashion world. His ability to move seamlessly from cult comedy to major blockbuster to high-end modeling speaks volumes about his unique talent and enduring appeal. The journey from transporting aliens to modeling bananas for Jacquemus is a story only Jon Gries could tell.

The Complete Profile: Jon Gries Biography and Filmography

Jonathan Francis Gries is an American actor, writer, and director with a career spanning over five decades. His ability to inhabit deeply quirky, memorable characters has made him a beloved figure across multiple generations of film and television fans. Here is a look at his essential biographical details and career highlights:

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• Full Name: Jonathan Francis Gries
• Born: June 17, 1957, in Glendale, California, U.S.
• Debut Role: At age 11, Gries made his film debut in the Western movie Will Penny (1967), starring Charlton Heston.
• Education: He studied acting with the legendary acting coach Stella Adler.
• Breakout Role: Uncle Rico in the independent comedy hit Napoleon Dynamite (2004).
• Key Filmography Entities:
  • Real Genius (1985)
  • The Monster Squad (1987)
  • Get Shorty (1995)
  • Men in Black (1997)
  • Taken (2008) and sequels (as Casey)
  • The Grifters (1990)
• Key Television Entities:
  • Martin (1992–1994)
  • Lost (as Roger Linus)
  • Dream Corp LLC (2016–2020)
  • The White Lotus (2021–2022) (as Greg Hunt)
• Current Projects (2024/2025): He is currently writing his own script and was the face of a high-profile Jacquemus fashion campaign.

The Van Driver: Jon Gries' Pivotal, Understated Role in Men in Black (1997)

In the vast, alien-filled universe of Men in Black, Jon Gries’ contribution is often overlooked, yet it is a perfect example of his strength as a character actor. Gries is credited as the "Van Driver," a minor character who plays a crucial, albeit brief, role in the film’s early action. He is also sometimes listed as "Nick" in the cast.

The scene involves the high-speed pursuit of an alien—the Bug—in its disguise as Edgar. Gries’ character is the driver of a panel van that is commandeered by Agent K and Agent J. The van is essential to the chase, as it provides the means for the agents to keep up with the alien’s vehicle. While the focus is on the special effects and the dynamic between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, Gries’ presence grounds the moment in a fleeting bit of realism, showcasing a regular New Yorker caught up in the extraordinary world of MIB operations. His character’s reaction—or lack thereof—to the chaos around him adds a subtle layer of humor and bewilderment that only a seasoned supporting actor can deliver.

This role came two years after his memorable appearance in Get Shorty (1995) and seven years before his career-defining work in Napoleon Dynamite. It highlights a period in his career where Gries was a reliable, working actor, consistently landing roles in major Hollywood productions, whether as a lead or a key supporting entity. The film itself was a box office phenomenon, grossing over $51 million domestically in its opening week, ensuring that Gries was part of a cultural touchstone that defined the summer of 1997.

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The White Lotus, Uncle Rico, and the 2024/2025 Resurgence

For many years, Gries was synonymous with Uncle Rico, the mustachioed, delusional, and perpetually nostalgic character from Napoleon Dynamite. This cult classic role cemented his place in comedy history and demonstrated his impeccable timing and commitment to character. The enduring popularity of Uncle Rico, who is often cited as one of the best comedy characters of the 21st century, continues to follow Gries, with the actor often discussing the character in interviews.

However, Gries is currently experiencing a massive career resurgence that has introduced him to a new generation of fans. This new wave of fame is largely thanks to his role as Greg Hunt in the critically acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus. Greg Hunt, the seemingly kind but ultimately mysterious husband of Tanya McQuoid (played by Jennifer Coolidge), provided Gries with a complex, dramatic role that showcased his depth as an actor. His performance in both Season 1 and Season 2 was a major talking point, fueling numerous fan theories and earning him widespread critical praise.

From HBO Star to Fashion Icon: The Jacquemus Campaign

Perhaps the freshest and most surprising development in Jon Gries’ career came in 2024 when he was announced as the face of a new fashion campaign for the French luxury brand Jacquemus. The campaign, which went viral, featured Gries in a series of highly stylized, playful, and even provocative shots. One notable image featured the 67-year-old actor flashing his chest hair while posing with a bunch of bananas, a move that instantly became a sensation across social media platforms.

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This unexpected pivot into high fashion solidified his status as a cultural entity beyond his acting credits. The campaign’s success is a testament to Gries' unique charisma and the industry’s desire for authentic, compelling personalities, regardless of age. It’s a remarkable second act for an actor who has spent his life in supporting roles, demonstrating that his star power is finally being recognized on a global scale.

Beyond his dramatic work and modeling, Gries continues to be active behind the scenes. He is currently working on writing his own script, continuing his long-standing passion for filmmaking that began with his early work as a writer and director. Furthermore, he recently reunited with his Napoleon Dynamite co-stars for a new project in the Hudson Valley, New York, proving that the bonds of his most famous role are still strong. From a minor van driver in a 1990s blockbuster to a 2025 fashion icon, Jon Gries’ journey is a compelling reminder that in Hollywood, the biggest surprises often come from the most enduring talents.