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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tributes poured in Monday as word spread that "Boston Legal" actor and 2001 Waukegan High School graduate Justin Mentell had been killed in a one-car accident in rural Wisconsin."Justin was one the most talented young actors I ever worked with," said Lake County filmmaker Patrick Read Johnson, who directed Mentell in " '77," an autobiographical film. "He was also one of the most humble, good-natured and evolved people I've ever known. The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long, indeed."
Mr. Mentell was born in Austin, Texas, and moved to Waukegan with his mother, Alicia, who is superintendent of recreation for the Waukegan Park District. He played youth football in the Waukegan Chiefs program and became an accomplished speedskater, being named to the Junior National Team by U.S. Speedskating in 2000 after placing fourth overall at the national championships.His professional career began with roles in independent films that included "Gotham, Ill." (2004), which was filmed in Waukegan.
Also in 2004, Mr. Mentell appeared as a skater in the 1970s roller-disco comedy "Roll Bounce," filmed in and around Chicago. His big break came in the summer of 2005, when he landed the role of junior associate Garrett Wells on ABC's "Boston Legal."After finishing his stint with "Legal," Wells scored film credits that included "Palo Alto, CA" in 2007 and last summer's "G-Force" with Nicolas Cage.Lake County artist James Zahn, who met Mr. Mentell on the set of "Roll Bounce," said the young actor had come back to his roots recently after spending time in Los Angeles.
Mr. Mentell was born in Austin, Texas, and moved to Waukegan with his mother, Alicia, who is superintendent of recreation for the Waukegan Park District. He played youth football in the Waukegan Chiefs program and became an accomplished speedskater, being named to the Junior National Team by U.S. Speedskating in 2000 after placing fourth overall at the national championships.His professional career began with roles in independent films that included "Gotham, Ill." (2004), which was filmed in Waukegan.
Also in 2004, Mr. Mentell appeared as a skater in the 1970s roller-disco comedy "Roll Bounce," filmed in and around Chicago. His big break came in the summer of 2005, when he landed the role of junior associate Garrett Wells on ABC's "Boston Legal."After finishing his stint with "Legal," Wells scored film credits that included "Palo Alto, CA" in 2007 and last summer's "G-Force" with Nicolas Cage.Lake County artist James Zahn, who met Mr. Mentell on the set of "Roll Bounce," said the young actor had come back to his roots recently after spending time in Los Angeles.
