Fans of the original 21 Jump Street were abuzz after a recent photo of Richard Grieco surfaced online, nearly 30 years after his TV debut. The former teen heartthrob, now 59, who played Detective Dennis Booker alongside Johnny Depp, shared a shot of himself rocking out with a band on Instagram.
With long locks and a scruffy beard, his look was a far cry from the impeccably styled hair that defined his roles in the 1990s, including his spin-off Booker and the film If Looks Could Kill. Yet fans couldn't help but swoon, with one commenting, 'You look super cool, still as handsome as ever.'
Now, it seems Grieco has left Hollywood behind, focusing instead on music and surrealist art. According to his website, he has kept a low profile for years, dedicating himself fully to his art. His style, which he calls 'Abstract Emotionalism,' blends elements of abstract art with hints of expressionism, surrealism, and cubism, drawing fans from around the world.
Grieco initially attended college on a football scholarship but left after two years when he was signed by Elite Agency. His modelling career quickly took off as he landed high-profile advertisements for brands like Calvin Klein and Armani. He then pursued acting, securing his first television role as Rick Gardner on the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live from 1986 to 1987.
After moving to Los Angeles, he made guest appearances, including a notable role on Who's the Boss? as Tony Danza's long-lost cousin. His guest stint on 21 Jump Street ultimately led to his promotion to a regular cast member in 1988, coinciding with Johnny Depp's decision to reduce his involvement in the series. Grieco later reprised his role as Officer Booker in the 2014 film 22 Jump Street, starring alongside Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill.
