John Griesemer, born in 1947 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is an American actor and writer whose work spans various genres. He is known for his role in The Brother from Another Planet (1984), where he contributes to the film's exploration of identity and alienation within a science fiction framework. Griesemer's background as a journalist and novelist informs his nuanced performances, adding depth to the cult narrative of the film. His multifaceted career reflects the rich tapestry of storytelling found in cult cinema.
The Brother from Another Planet
A mute, three-toed extraterrestrial who crash-lands near Ellis Island while escaping slavery on his home planet. Because he looks like a Black human male, he is able to blend in when he finds refuge on the streets of Harlem. He uses his psychic and technological healing abilities—fixing complex machinery simply by touching it—to earn a living and bond with the local community. However, his peaceful assimilation is threatened when two white alien bounty hunters land on Earth to capture him and bring him back.