THE FACE IS FAMILIAR: Clark Gregg

Clark Gregg has won millions of fans since becoming Agent Phil Coulson (left) — a character who’s proved so popular, he’s been brought back from the dead for Marvel’s Agents Of SHIELD (8pm, Ch4) — but sharp-eyed viewers might remember him from some of his many supporting roles in earlier hits…

Bit parts Clark appeared in an episode of the very first series of Law & Order back in 1991, and had blink-and-you-miss-it roles in hit movies Clear And Present Danger (1994), The Usual Suspects (1995) and Magnolia (1999). The parts gradually got bigger, from a detective investigating Robin Williams in One Hour Photo (2002) to FBI Agent Casper in eight episodes of The West Wing (2001-04).

Sitcom success Clark played a doctor who met Sex And The City’s Miranda at a speed-dating event in 2000, and a boyfriend of Jack’s in a 2003 episode of Will & Grace. He landed a key role in The New Adventures Of Old Christine (2006-10) as Richard, Christine’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus, right) ex-husband. In one episode, Christine set him up with Tracey, played by Clark’s real-life wife, actress Jennifer Grey (left).

Multitalented Not only an accomplished actor, Clark is just as happy behind the camera. He wrote the screenplay for Michelle Pfeiffer/ Harrison Ford thriller What Lies Beneath (2000), and wrote, directed and starred in 2008 Chuck Palahniuk adaptation Choke. His latest effort as writer, director and star, Trust Me, has been well received on the festival circuit.