Charlie who? Jon Cryer is a team player and a half, man

You know how there's always that one guy at the office who makes things a little more complicated -- but the client loves him, so nobody can really say anything? And then there's the other guy at the office, who keeps his head down and helps the trains run on time? 

Welcome to the "office" of Jon Cryer, who just might have the worst job on the planet right now. At least that's how it looks from the outside.

"The important thing is Charlie gets healthy," Cryer reportedly told some "Two and a Half Men" staffers Monday. 

Charlie Sheen's costar (aka the high-road-taking-est guy in show biz) has more than fulfilled expectations at his sitcom job. But current office gossip -- which in truth could have a very large effect on Jon's life -- has shoved Cryer far out of the spotlight. That's hardly fair, so I'd like to shine it square on him for a few minutes.

Think of it as an impromptu performance evaluation ...

He is, after all, fully half of the "Two" of the two and a half men who fuel one of TV's most popular shows. And he's the only one of the "Two" who's taken home an Emmy for it. 

Cryer shows up early. He hangs in there for the team, even if it's not in his best interest. He's that guy who steps up when someone else calls in sick, even if it's not exactly his department -- the one who takes on freelance consulting work, maybe to help out the kids. And he gets the idea that every workplace needs a little diversity. 

Sometimes people might think he loves his co-workers more than, say, his wife. (And would you blame him, really, since he's finally found a place where he's accepted?) But nah -- turns out he's a good family man to boot.

Now, he reportedly hauls in only a little more than half of what the other half of the "Two" takes home per episode, but it's poor form to pay attention to a co-worker's salary, so I'll drop it. In this economy, who's getting raises, right? 

So here's to you, Jon Cryer. There are a lot of things I wish you would say. 

But in fact, that's not your job.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Jon Cryer with his Emmy for best supporting actor in a comedy, which he won on Sept. 20. Credit: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times 

Related dispatches from the Ministry of Gossip:

Sheen-o-thon: Charlie and Emilio watch dad Martin take a bow in 'The Subject Was Roses'

Charlie Sheen charged with felony menacing of Brooke Mueller

Report: Brooke Mueller in ICU; Charlie Sheen at hospital

Hearing on Charlie Sheen's restraining order changed

PREACH IT! Oh, just knock it off -- Charlie Sheen is *not* getting a free pass

Brooke Mueller wants restraining order against Charlie Sheen changed

Brooke Mueller's 911 call about Charlie Sheen released [AUDIO]

Charlie Sheen, Brooke Mueller plan to go to counseling

Charlie Sheen arrested on felony charges in Aspen, Colo.

Charlie Sheen is fourth-highest paid in prime-time TV

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Comments

[Aida]

I love Jon Cryer!! He really makes the SHOW!! HANG IN THERE JON, YOU WILL DO AWESOME ON YOUR OWN!! GBU :)

[JAKE]

Well put.
Remember how Bewitched replaced Darren?
Could work here.
Billy Baldwin is just waiting for the call.
So is Emilio.

[Susan]

Beautifully written remarks.....and it's odd, just this morning for some reason Jon Cryer popped into my mind and I thought, "this guy is amazing". So, indeed, here's to you Jon....the nicest and one of the most talented guys in show biz. Take a bow.

[Willy Nilly Review]

I agree with this article. Jon Cryer seems to be taken for granted. Two and a Half Men would not be anything without him. His character of Alan is like Felix Unger, very quirky and funny.

Alan Harper might be a funnier character than Charlie Harper. It seems that Charlie Sheen is pretty much playing himself in the show. We need to give Jon Cryer his props, he's a good guy.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the article and previous comments by others that Jon Cryer seems to have been taken for granted and that he honestly deserves more credit for his contribution to "Two and a Half Men". And for being a decent person and co-worker. I hope all the media attention that Charlie Sheen's been getting isn't having a negative impact on Jon Cryer's life, since Jon Cryer deserves better. I'm glad Jon got the Emmy last year, and I hope our positive and encouraging comments will make their way to him and help him feel better at this time.

[vonn]

This article is so true. Screw charlie sheen! Cryer has been in the game just as long as charlie and he has never taken it for granted like charlie has done his entire career. They were both big stars in the 80's. I have been a fan of Jon cryer since he was Duckie in Pretty in pink. Saying that the show will end without charlie is a slap in the face to cryer. I am sure he could pull it off on his own if he had to. the Kid is amazing too, don't forget about him. Once again, screw charlie!