Keith Loneker(1971-2017)
- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Despite growing up in a small town in New Jersey, Keith Loneker knew
early in life that he had bigger things in store for him. You'd never
know by his hulking body that this giant is an underdog. Loneker has
overcome many personal obstacles to defy the odds his entire life. In
high school he endured a painful hip injury. Doctors said he would
never play sports again. Keith decided not to accept the doctor's
opinion. He became a gym rat working out 3 hours a day to rehabilitate
his ailing hip. After a year of training, Loneker proved doctors wrong
when he stepped onto a football field for the first time in 2 years.
Loneker, who was just happy to be back among his pals playing ball, was
not aware that his raw talent on the football field would land him a
Division 1 scholarship with the University of Kansas. The scholarship
also did not come easy to Loneker. Many local Division 1 football
programs passed on Loneker. They said he was too short, injury prone,
or he just didn't have the talent. Glen Mason, the former head coach of
the University of Kansas, balked at Loneker's critics and offered him a
full scholarship. It was apparent early in Loneker's college career
that he was a special player. He played as a true freshman. Loneker was
an all Big Eight tackle three years at the University of Kansas. After graduation Loneker prepared for the
NFL draft. His agent and many publications projected he would be a
third round draft choice. Loneker had a party at his house in New
Jersey on draft day with family and close friends. Loneker was shocked
when after eight rounds his name was not called by an NFL club. His
family and friends could see the disappointment in his eyes after the
NFL draft had finished. Then as everyone thought he may get upset,
Keith turned his misfortune into fuel.. Not getting drafted made
Loneker hungry to prove his critics wrong once again. He walked on with
the LA Rams and immediately began turning heads with vicious play on
the field. The coaches knew they had plucked a gem and Loneker not only
made the team but went on to start by the end of his rookie season.
Keith enjoyed his five years in the NFL and is thankful he had the
chance to fulfill his childhood dream. Keith didn't realize that his
football career was about to transition into a movie career. A former
teammate who was working in Hollywood as an agent called Loneker and
told him he had a part that he thought he'd fit perfect. Loneker had
never acted before, but decided to make a tape for an audition. The
producers of the film hired him off his tape alone. To Keith's surprise
he landed the role of "White Boy Bob" in a Steven Soderbergh film "Out
Of Sight". The part was small, but Loneker got to showcase his talent
with stars like George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, and Ving Rhames.
Loneker continued his career in film and landed a small part in, "Rock
Star" with Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Anniston. Nothing has come easy
for Loneker during his life, but that doesn't stop this man from trying
to fulfill all of his dreams. This small town Jersey boy has shown all
his critics who judged him that nothing can stand in the way of a
motivated man. Some people might call Loneker's success luck, but those
who know him say it is character, hard work, and a big heart that made
this underdog what he is today.