By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
February 26, 1995
Periphery characters are to starring roles what nurses are to doctors.
They get less credit, less respect, less pay and less glory. But in either case, one couldn’t function without the other.
On the hit NBC drama “ER,” which takes place at the fictional County Memorial General Hospital in Chicago, there is a slew of secondary roles that flesh out the lives of the primary six (George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Eriq LaSalle, Julianna Margulies, Sherry Stringfield and Noah Wylie).
“We have a large theatrical stock company of actors to use for each episode,” said “ER” co-executive producer Robert Nathan. “So far we haven’t made a conscious decision to elevate certain characters. We do what the story dictates, and that means a particular nurse may not appear one week because in reality, there’s no way a nurse would be on call every day of the year.”
For those of you new to the series or who just have a difficult time keeping track of who’s who, take a peek at Showcase’s “ER” cheat sheet:
KHANDI ALEXANDER
Jackie: She’s the long-suffering sister of Dr. Peter Benton (Eriq LaSalle). While her husband takes care of the Benton family auto shop, Jackie cares for her ailing mother, Mae. Some of the burden has been lifted from her shoulders, thanks to a physical therapist who is treating Mae.
SAM ANDERSON
Dr. Jack Kayson: A cardiac surgeon who recently had a heart attack, Kayson is best known as nemesis to Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield). He surprised both Lewis and viewers when he gave her a bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day and invited her to dinner.
ABRAHAM BENRUBI
Jerry Markovich, orderly: At 6-foot-7 and almost 300 pounds, this former “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose” star is one of the show’s most visible periphery players. The hulking orderly is seen running in and out of shots, generally keeping the ER running efficiently.
CONNI MARIE BRAZELTON
Nurse Connie Oligario: Visible from roles in “Hollywood Shuffle” and “Roc,” Brazelton plays one of the more experienced nurses who always is helping the doctors.
ZACHARY BROWNE
Jake: Dr. Ross (George Clooney) has taken an interest in both Jake (about 11 years old) and his mom, Diane. Dr. Ross and Jake often play pickup basketball outside the hospital.
ELLEN CRAWFORD
Nurse Lydia Wright: Crawford is married in real life to Michael Genovese, who has a recurring role as a police officer. The two did scenes together when the officer brought an injured dog in for surgery.
DEEZER D.
Nurse Malik: After co-starring in the rap parody “CB4,” Deezer D. portrays a younger, less experienced male nurse.
YVETTE FREEMAN
Nurse Haleh Adams: Her most memorable scene occurred when she told off a doctor, saying that it’s the nurses who keep hospitals running smoothly. Her character often clashes with doctors over division of labor. Her strong stance always is backed up by head nurse Hathaway (Julianna Marguilies).
MALGOSCHA GEBEL
Bob, admissions clerk: A former vascular surgeon in Eastern Europe, Bob started at County Memorial General Hospital as a janitor. She has since been promoted to admissions clerk. Watch for more of her character.
CHRISTINE HARNOS
Jennifer Greene
Currently an attorney in Milwaukee, Jennifer Greene is in a troubled commuter marriage with Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards), who works in Chicago.
WILLIAM H. MACY
Dr. David Morganstern: He is the attending physician who offered Dr. Greene an on-staff position. Very sympathetic to the residents, Dr. Morganstern likes to have music played when he’s in surgery.
LILY MARIYE
Nurse Lily Jarvik: Last seen in “The Shadow,” Mariye plays a new nurse. She and Ming-Na Wen are the series’ two Asian actors. Her character hasn’t been given much to do yet.
VANESSA MARQUEZ
Nurse Wendy Goldman: Known as frail Ana from “Stand and Deliver,” Marquez plays a stronger role in “ER.” Nurse Goldman recently checked into the hospital herself when her hand was fractured by a patient having a seizure.
CCH POUNDER
Dr. Angela Hicks: Pounder also plays Judge Addison on NBC’s “Sweet Justice.” Dr. Hicks is strong and capable and doesn’t take lip from anyone.
GLORIA REUBEN
Jeanie Boulet: A physical therapist moonlighting as Mae Benton’s home care provider, Boulet also appears to be a potential love interest for Mae’s son, Dr. Benton.
RICK ROSSOVICH
Dr. Taglieri: Orthopedics specialist Tag (as fiance Nurse Hathaway calls him) will be in more episodes that focus on Nurse Hathaway.
MING-NA WEN
Deb Chen, third-year med student: Shortly after her series debut, Deb Chen became known as the doc who conducted an unlubricated rectal exam. She also was featured in an episode where she inadvertently experienced an acid trip via some LSD-laced chocolates.
LISA ZANE
Diane Leeds: An executive at County General Memorial Hospital, Leeds may have a burgeoning romance with Dr. Ross, who already has taken to her son, Jake.
