Marvel’s Punisher Has Big Capital Region Ties

Chances are that even if you don't know his name you recognize actor Jon Bernthal. He's been all over the place ever since breaking out as Shane on 'The Walking Dead' all those years ago. He's come a long way from that role and is now a major player in the Marvel world as The Punisher, aka Frank Castle.

He hasn't just been on television, he's also been a major movie star as well. You may have seen him in 'Fury' or 'The Wolf of Wallstreet.' Did you know that none of that would even be possible if he hadn't come to the Capital Region years agio to attend college?

It turns out that Bernthal didn't even want to be an actor until he accidentally took an intro to acting class at Skidmore College. Yes, the Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. He went there to play baseball as an undergrad and told and insane story to his acting class that left them all in tears. Turns out the entire thing was totally made up.

Jon Bernthal's Big Lie

As popculturebrain explains in the video above, while at Skidmore he was supposed to take an intro to theater class for an "easy A" as an athlete. However Bernthal accidentally took the intro to acting class. He was supposed to tell a story about an object he was emotionally attached to, but he forgot. So he just used his catcher's mit and made up a story about his mother giving it to him on her death bed.

Spoiler: She is still alive an well

The point is, Bernthal's story was so believable that the entire class was moved to tears until he let them know he was just acting. His teacher was furious, but also totally impressed. They had him audition for the school's play and the rest is history.

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This wouldn't be the last time Bernthal would be in the Capital Region. Scenes for season 2 of 'The Punisher' was filmed right here downtown Albany. In fact, the Central Warehouse can be seen pretty prominently.