Episode 127 - A Trip Down Memory Lane with “Dream On” Star Christopher Demetral – Part 1
In this first installment of a special two-part conversation, host Tony Miros catches up with former child star Christopher Demetral, best known for playing Jeremy Tupper on the HBO comedy “Dream On.” Christopher opens up about his early days in the business—starting at age 10 with no industry connections, just a big personality and a dream. Inspired by John Cusack and Jason Bateman, he landed his SAG card with a straight-to-video special (“Kids Have Rights Too”) and kept showing up, auditioning, and learning the ropes with help from a strong support system and his dedicated dad.
We dive into his guest role on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as Jean-Luc Riker—an experience that left the superfan over the moon. He shares fun memories of working with Jonathan Frakes, meeting Gene Roddenberry, and the thrill of sitting in Captain Picard’s chair (even if the “swish” doors were manually operated off-camera!). Christopher also reflects on his role in Disney’s “Blank Check,” how uncertain he felt about the film’s release, and the surreal experience of seeing it become a box office hit.
Of course, we talk all things “Dream On”—a groundbreaking HBO series that was bold for its time, blending comedy with adult themes. Christopher remembers how he wasn’t even aware of the show’s edgy content until he saw the full pilot script. He shares how he landed the role after another young actor dropped out, and how his co-star Brian Benben became a cherished mentor and friend. It’s a nostalgic, heartfelt, and often hilarious look at a young actor growing up on screen—don’t miss it!
CHRISTOPHER DEMETRAL
Christopher Demetral is best known for his breakout role as Jeremy Tupper on the HBO comedy series “Dream On,” which ran from 1990 to 1996. In 1993, he received the Young Artist Award for Best Young Actor in a Cable Series for his performance—one of four nominations he earned that year alone, including nods for his roles in “Sometimes They Come Back,” “Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted,” and a guest spot on “Blossom.”
At age 10, he answered an open casting call for “The Return of the Living Dead.” Although too young for the part, he confidently declared he could be a "good baby zombie or something." Instead, his charm caught the attention of a talent agent—and he was signed that very day. From there, his career took off, leading to early guest roles on “Mr. Belvedere,” “The Wonder Years,” “Empty Nest,” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” among others.
Throughout the 1990s, Demetral built an impressive body of work in both television and film. He appeared in TV movies like “Dallas: J.R. Returns” (as Christopher Ewing), “Journey of the Heart” (with Cybill Shepherd), and “Bloodlines: Murder in the Family.” His guest-starring roles include appearances on beloved shows such as “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Dawson’s Creek,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” In 2000, he starred in the steampunk-inspired series “The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne,” acting opposite legends like David Warner and John Rhys-Davies. He also made a memorable impression in the cult horror film “Dolly Dearest” (earning a Saturn Award nomination) and starred as Brian Bonsall’s older brother in Disney’s “Blank Check.” After stepping away from Hollywood following the events of 9/11, Demetral pursued a quieter life focused on education and coaching—but remains forever proud of the characters he brought to life and the fans who still celebrate his work today.
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Christopher Demetral
Actor
Christopher Demetral is best known for his breakout role as Jeremy Tupper on the HBO comedy series “Dream On,” which ran from 1990 to 1996. Over the course of 55 episodes, he starred alongside Brian Benben, Wendie Malick, Michael McKean, Denny Dillon, and Paul Dooley in what became one of HBO’s first original hit shows. In 1993, he received the Young Artist Award for Best Young Actor in a Cable Series for his performance—one of four nominations he earned that year alone, including nods for his roles in “Sometimes They Come Back,” “Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted,” and a guest spot on “Blossom.”
Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, Demetral's parents divorced when he was just 3 years old, and he was raised by his father. The two relocated to California in 1984, where Christopher began pursuing acting. At age 10, he answered an open casting call for “The Return of the Living Dead.” Although too young for the part, he confidently declared he could be a "good baby zombie or something." Instead, his charm caught the attention of a talent agent—and he was signed that very day. From there, his career took off, leading to early guest roles on “Mr. Belvedere,” “The Wonder Years,” “Empty Nest,” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” among others.
Throughout the 1990s, Demetral built an impressive body of work in both television and film. He appeared in TV movies like “Dallas: J.R. Returns” (as Christopher Ewing), “Journey of the Heart” (with Cybill Shepherd), and “Bloodlines: Murder in the Family.” His guest-starring roles include appearances on beloved show… Read More
