Joseph Edward Penny Jr. (born 24 June 1956) is an English former actor best known for his roles as Nick Ryder on the detective series Riptide from 1984 to 1986, and as Jake Styles in the CBS television series Jake and the Fatman from 1987 to 1992. Biography Early life Penny was born in Uxbridge, London to an American father, Joseph Edward Penny Sr., and an Italian mother. He was brought up in Marietta, Georgia, United States. After his parents divorced, he moved to California with his mother. He attended Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California, where he played football and basketball. Career Starting with a minor role on Forever Fernwood in 1977, Penny has appeared in numerous TV films and television series, including in major roles on Riptide and Jake and the Fatman. He has also made many guest appearances on television shows including Touched by an Angel, T. J. Hooker, Vega$, Matt Houston, Lou Grant, CHiPs, Flamingo Road, The Sopranos, Diagnosis: Murder, Matlock, Walker, Texas Ranger, Archie Bunker's Place, 7th Heaven, Tucker's Witch, Boomtown, The Gangster Chronicles, and CSI. In 2005, he co-starred with Lea Thompson in the mystery series Jane Doe on the Hallmark Channel. Filmography Feature films Television films Television series References External links 1956 births Living people English emigrants to the United States English people of Italian descent Male actors from London Male actors from Huntington Beach, California People from Uxbridge American people of Italian descent People from Marietta, Georgia 20th-century English male actors 21st-century English male actors