Eighty-six-year-old actor Harvey Jason, recognized for his roles in major film franchises and numerous television shows, has found a new career running a rare bookshop in West Hollywood. Jason, who appeared in "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" (1997), "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Seinfeld," and "Knight Rider," retired from acting in the late 1990s to pursue his passion for literature.
Jason, alongside his son Louis, operates Mystery Pier Books, a store celebrated for its collection of collectible, first-edition literature. The establishment has attracted a clientele of notable figures, including author James Ellroy and actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, as well as director Guillermo del Toro.
The bookstore has featured high-value items, such as a first print of Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind," valued at $35,000. Its largest recorded sale was the original sheet music for "God Bless America," signed by Kate Smith, which sold for $150,000.
Jason, who began his acting career in the 1960s, stated that he chose to leave Hollywood due to what he described as the "egos" and "superficial people" in the industry. He expressed contentment with his current profession, noting, "I've never been happier professionally." He added that he has come to understand "what's important and what's superficial" in life and wishes to spend his remaining time meaningfully.
Jason is married to English actress Pamela Franklin, 76, whom he met in 1970 on the set of the horror film "Necromancy." Franklin was known for her roles in 1970s horror films and received the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1970 for her performance in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." She retired from acting in the early 1980s to raise their two sons, while Jason continued his acting career until the 1990s.
