You know him as manipulative Senator Andrew Lockhart in Homeland, as the Sheriff in U.S. Marshals or as "Counterguy" in a 1997 episode of Seinfeld (anyone?) but Tracy Letts is perhaps better known for his work on Broadway. The recent Meryl Streep/Julia Roberts family feud flick August: Osage County was written by Letts, based on his own stage play of the same title. Letts has made the promoting rounds with the film, and so his involvement as writer isn't a secret, and yet, unfortunate though it may be, guys like Letts are much more likely to be remembered for their onscreen roles than their behind-the-scenes work. I'd venture to say as many people watch Homeland as will see the film version of August: Osage County, and yet you're far more likely to hear "Tracy Letts, the jerk Senator from Homeland" than "Tracy Letts, the writer". Based on the few interviews Letts has given regarding his work on August: Osage County and other films and stage productions, he seems to consider himself more of a writer than an actor. In time, maybe his reputation will shift toward where his productivity leans, and he may someday make the 5 Writers You Didn't Know Acted list.
