Jason Presson

Jason Presson (born August 31, 1971) is a former American child actor, best known for his role of Darren in the 1985 movie Explorers, alongside Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix.

Career His debut came in 1984 with the film The Stone Boy performing with Robert Duvall and Glenn Close. The following year, he was selected to play Darren Woods in Joe Dante's big budget movie, Explorers, with Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix. This movie was not a blockbuster, but earned nominations to the three protagonists at the Young Artist Award in the category for 'Best Young Actor'. The winner was his co-star and friend River Phoenix. Dante liked Presson's performance and subsequently cast him in a similar role in "The Shadow Man", a Twilight Zone segment which Dante directed.

In 1990, he had a minor role in the movie Gremlins 2: The New Batch, returning to work with the director Joe Dante after five years.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1983 Bruce Kaleb TV movie 1984 The Stone Boy Arnold Hillerman 1984 Invitation to Hell Billy main character 1984 Trapper John, M.D. Jamie Bruce Episode: "A Change of Heart" 1984 Finder of Lost Loves Jonathan Hodges Episode: "White Lies" 1985 Explorers Darren Woods 1985 Webster Frank Episode: "Who's to Blame?" 1985 The Twilight Zone Eric Segment: "The Shadow Man" 1986 The Wonderful World of Disney: The Leftovers Charlie 1 episode 1986 The Wonderful World of Disney: The B.R.A.T. Patrol Raymond McGeorge 1 episode 1988 Lady in White Geno Scarlatti 1988 Saturday the 14th Strikes Back Eddie Baxter 1989 I Know My First Name Is Steven Deke 1990 Gremlins 2: The New Batch Alex the Yogurt Jerk 1990 Room for Romance 1 episode 1991 Never Forget Bernie Mermelstein TV movie 1991 Rugrats Ramone "Rocko" 1 episode 1991 In the Heat of the Night Jimmy Miller 1 episode 1997 Busted Baker #1 1997 Trials of Life Ren TV movie