Doug Masters of 'Iron Eagle' Movie Franchise

Jason Gedrick | Biography

George Novikov on Series 'Dexter' in 2012

• By Reena Chikanbanjar
• Original : January 17, 2022

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Jason Gedrick is an American actor best known for playing Doug Masters in the 1986 action thriller film Iron Eagle.

Who is Jason Gedrick?

Jason Gedrick is an actor who made his feature film debut in the 1983 film Bad Boys, appearing in an uncredited part. He then appeared in a few other films before landing his breakout role as a young pilot Doug in Iron Eagle. He went on to play diverse roles, including cops and gangsters. Some of his notable film credits included Promised Land (1987), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Backdraft (1991), and Acts of Desperation (2018).

In addition to film roles, he appeared in more than 40 television series. He initially gained prominence for his appearances on Sweet Justice, Murder One, EZ Streets, and Boomtown. He later became known for appearing as a Miami-area strip club manager Jerry on Luck from 2011 to 2012, a Russian organized crime syndicate leader George Novikov on Dexter in 2012, and a serial killer Raynard Waits on Bosch in 2015. His other television series credits included Beauty and the Beast, Shooter, Major Crimes, and Trouble Creek.

His last acting credit was on the television series Lethal Weapon's episode titled 'The Roger and Me' that aired in 2019. He used to update his film and television projects on his Twitter account during his acting career, but he also has been less active on the platform in recent years. Hence, what he is doing now is not known to the public. 

Early Bio

Jason Gedrick was born Jason Michael Gedroic in Chicago, Illinois, on 7 February 1965. He was born as the youngest of three children of his real estate management mother and fire captain father. He has one older brother named Joel and one older sister named Dawne. 

Gedrick's parents divorced when he was eight years old. After the divorce, his two siblings lived with their father while Jason stayed with his mother. In 1982, he graduated from Gordon Technical High School and then went to Drake University as a business major. He dropped out of college after his freshman year to pursue acting full-time.

'Iron Eagle'

Gedrick rose to prominence in the 1980s after starring in the action thriller film Iron Eagle. He portrayed the role of Doug Masters, a young pilot who breaks all the rules to save his father, Airforce Pilot Ted Masters (played by Tim Thomerson), with the help of Air Force Colonel Charles Chappy (played by Louis Gossett Jr.). Sidney J. Furie directed, and Furie and Kevin Alyn Elders co-wrote the movie while it was released on 17 January 1986. 

Read Also 'Iron Eagle' Actor - Forrie J. Smith - Age, Family, 'Yellowstone' Bio

Gedrick reappeared as Doug Masters in the sequel Iron Eagle II, but his role was uncredited. Iron Eagle II was released on 11 November 1988.

Wife and Children

Gedrick was married to his ex-wife Dana Lavas from 1989 to 1997. They together had three children, sons Jian, Garrett, and Ty, born respectively in 1991, 1994, and 1995. Though Gedrick and his ex-wife's relationship turned sour and their nearly a decade-long marriage ended with divorce, they separated on mutual terms as they agreed to share 50-50 custody of their three sons. 

Gedrick set up his lived-in home close to his ex-wife's home in suburban Los Angeles to ensure the better co-parenting of his sons after divorce. In an interview with Washington Times in June 2001, he shared that he enjoys his free time with his children. He said, "When I'm not working, we have a week-on, week-off arrangement. We have plenty of time together, there is no race to get things done. We just enjoy each other's company. I look forward to making their pancakes and right now I'm doing a load of laundry."

As of now, Gedrick's all three sons have grown up and are pursuing their own life and career. He has described himself as an actor and dad on his Twitter bio, but he has not disclosed anything about his current relationship status.