Dayton pastor proud of his ‘blood sucking’ son

Grimes’ youngest child is one of the newest cast members of HBO’s hit vampire/werewolf/ shape shifter/ fairy/ human saga “True Blood.”

Luke Grimes, a Dayton native and 2002 graduate of Dayton Christian High School, is one of the most interesting vamps in the show’s history.

As James, the new love interest of baby vamp Jessica Hamby (Deborah Ann Woll), Grimes has fangs and a heart of gold.

The show’s sixth season wrapped up Sunday with an episode that showed very, very easy on the eyes Luke Grimes rock it out in fictional Bon Temps behind the mic. He and Woll steamed up the small screen on prior episodes, to say the least.

The Rev. Grimes says True Blood isn’t his “cup of tea,” but he has loved seeing his kid perform.

“He (Luke Grimes) said there would be some parts we might need to fast forward through,” Grimes said. “It’s a little stretch for me.”

Randy Grimes is clearly a proud papa. He noted that he son’s motto is that “acting is not who I am, it is what I do.”

Grimes rattled off a list of his 29-year-old son’s accomplishments, including a recurring role on the ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters” with Oakwood-raised actor Rob Lowe and parts in the acclaimed slasher flick “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane,”and the 2012 film “Outlaw Country” with Mary Steenburgen.

If you liked “Taken,” Randy Grimes says you need to see “Taken 2.”

“Taken 2 is better,” Grimes said.

Luke had a role in that film staring Liam Neeson.

“I might be a little biased,” Randy Grimes, the pastor of Open Bible Christian Church in Dayton since 1977, said with a laugh. “We are very proud of him.”

Grimes said he and his wife Angie have always supported their children’s dreams.

Three of their children work in the ministry. The Grimes’ daughter, son-in-law and middle son work at the church. Their oldest son is pastor of Plainview Open Bible Church.

Luke Grimes first express an interest in acting in grade school.

“We always knew Luke was different, special and gifted,” Randy Grimes, also a professor at United Theological Seminary in Trotwood, said.

Luke Grimes is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

The elder Grimes said his son’s career hasn’t always been an easy one, but he has remained committed. His dad says he has never given up

“This has been his passion for life,” Randy Grimes said.

Contact this columnist at arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com or Twitter.com/DDNSmartMouth