This actor portrayed the nerdy next-door neighbor in a fictional Pennsylvania town on a groundbreaking 1990s teenage drama – and was hopelessly infatuated with the show’s main star.
Think you know who it is?
The son of a visual artist and the younger brother of a producer, this future star was raised in a creatively driven Colorado household before eventually relocating to the Northern California area.
After settling in Los Angeles, he made his professional debut at just 10 years old, landing roles in several television commercials before making his way onto the small screen.
His first major performance came as a guest star on the hit 1990s sitcom Dream On, marking the beginning of his rise in the industry.
From that point on, he appeared in minor guest roles on various shows and movies – including My Girl 2 – before landing the role that would cement his place in television history.
In 1994, the blonde, curly-haired teenager quickly became a memorable face on a short-lived ABC series that, despite only lasting one season, earned national praise for its realistic portrayal of teenage complexity and social issues.
Starring as an introspective and somewhat socially awkward teenager, his character often found himself on the outskirts of the typical teenage crowd – providing a counterbalance to the more emotional and rebellious characters.
This actor portrayed the nerdy next-door neighbor in a fictional Pennsylvania town on a groundbreaking 1990s teenage drama – and was hopelessly infatuated with the show’s main star
He appeared in minor guest roles on various shows and movies – including My Girl 2 – before landing the role that would cement his place in television history
In 1994, the blonde, curly-haired teenager quickly became a memorable face on a short-lived ABC series that, despite only lasting one season, earned national praise for its realistic portrayal of teenage complexity and social issues
And of course, who could forget his fictional neighbor, with whom he seizes every opportunity to spark a conversation – all because he’s hopelessly in love, even if it was sometimes tough to watch his unrequited crush.
With a career now spanning over 30 years, this actor has amassed more than 60 appearances across a wide range of films and television series.
Have you been able to guess who it is yet?
It’s Devon Gummersall!
The now-46-year-old actor brought to life the brooding yet sympathetic Brian Krakow on hit 1990s drama, My So-Called Life.
Since the show’s cancelation, he has gone on to appear in several television projects – including AMC’s Mad Men and CMT’s Nashville.
He got married to actress Majandra Delfino in 2007 before they ended up splitting the next year.
Today, Gummersall is a self-proclaimed filmmaker, content creator, writer, actor, surfer, and traveler – according to social media – where he has shared updates from his travels over the years.
If you guessed Devon Gummersall, the now-46-year-old actor who brought life to the brooding yet sympathetic Brian Krakow on hit 1990s drama, My So-Called Life, you’re absolutely right! (pictured: Gummersall circled)
He was known for his unrequited crush on 15-year-old Angela Chase, played by Claire Danes, as the show followed her struggles with her parents and friends throughout her teenage years (pictured: teenage Danes and Gummersall)
Although short-lived, My So-Called Life is what Gummersall is most remembered for – a series that continues to resonate today for its raw, timeless portrayal of adolescence.
‘Even though we were all devastated when it ended, I do think we are grateful for it being such a short-lived and kind of perfect thing that happened under glass, in a way,’ Gummersall shared with Elle Magazine last year.
‘It was over before it became huge, so it had a purity to it that was kind of unique and rare.’
Starring Claire Danes as 15-year-old Angela Chase, an angsty high-schooler in suburban Pittsburgh, the drama followed her struggles with her parents and friends – and her obsession with the toxic Jordan Catalano, played by Jared Leto.
The 19-episode, hour-long 90s drama captured the angst of teenage years while fearlessly addressing issues like homophobia, drug use, sex, homelessness and more.
But one of the most crucial elements of the show was Brian’s unrelenting crush on Angela, as it was never just about the romance.
Instead, it centered around themes of teenage identity, vulnerability and the turbulence of growing up.
His character’s unreciprocated feelings for the popular high schooler showcased one of the most relatable teenage experiences – loving someone who doesn’t feel the same way.
Although short-lived, My So-Called Life is what Gummersall is most remembered for – a series that continues to resonate today for its raw, timeless portrayal of adolescence (pictured on right)
Despite earning critical acclaim for its honest depiction of teenage life as difficult and emotionally confusing rather than fun and carefree, My So-Called Life was cancelled after just one season
In the drama, his longing never felt dramatic or manipulative, but rather quiet, awkward and achingly painful – mirroring the inner lives of many viewers, despite what year it may be.
Angela was instead drawn to the mysterious and emotionally unavailable Jordan, which underscored the show’s theme of teenagers often chasing risks and excitement rather than safety and familiarity.
Despite earning critical acclaim for its honest depiction of teenage life as difficult and emotionally confusing rather than fun and carefree, My So-Called Life was cancelled after just one season.
Still, its richly drawn characters – especially Gummersall’s portrayal of a quietly yearning neighbor hopelessly in love with the shows lead – cemented its legacy as a true cult classic.