Today on Too Opinionated we talk with  John Hickman who graces the big screen in Warner Brothers’ latest action film, GUNNER (which premiered on August 16th) where he makes his mark alongside Luke Hemsworth and Morgan Freeman, starring in the role of ‘Sheriff Bob Lily.' 

John's inspiring story of becoming an actor later in life (after 40) is truly remarkable, even leading him to get clean & sober after an on-set meeting with Al Pacino. In addition to Pacino, he has worked alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names including Ed Harris, Pierce Brosnan, James Franco, Bruce Willis, Peter Facinelli, Jon Keeyes, Nikki Glaser, and more to become one of Hollywood’s go-to character actors.

Hickman had always had an interest in acting, but it wasn’t until he won the opportunity to play a part in “True Blood” that he realized it was the path for him. His first scene on the show turned into several more, and soon he was a part of Joe Manganiello’s “wolf pack” (which led to the thrilling opportunity to work with live wolves in Season Five ). Roles on CW’s “The Originals" and “The Vampire Diaries, ” and more than 40 television series and films followed. See his roles on IMDB HERE.

Even though his acting career was taking off, he was secretly battling an alcohol addiction. After filming four movies back-to-back, John wound up in the hospital due to his drinking. While detoxing on his next set, Al Pacino pulled him aside one day and told him he needed to get better. John took that life-changing advice to heart and went to rehab, returning later to finish the film.  

Besides acting, John is dedicated to philanthropy. In 2011, he established the John Herman Hickman Foundation to provide aid to victims of natural disasters and provide scholarships to the children of Peco Foods employees. His charitable efforts also extend to The West Alabama Humane Society and other organizations.