You might not have recognized Ewan McGregor in his very first stage role, since he was in blackface and a turban, but it likely thrilled him as much as any role he has embodied since. The chance to do anything on a stage in front of people—even if it was just moving a chair—was magical. Some (okay, most) would say dropping out of school at 16 with no prospects or training to pursue acting was a risk. But audiences worldwide witnessed the payoff as he quickly became one of the most succesful and versatile actors around, happy and creatively fulfilled. Except for the one story he wanted so badly to tell that he gambled again—this time as a director. If it meant a Scotsman taking on the greatest living American writer, well, where there’s no risk, there’s usually no magic. And for McGregor, where there’s no magic, there’s usually no point.
You might not have recognized Ewan McGregor in his very first stage role, since he was in blackface and a turban, but it likely thrilled him as much as any role he has embodied since. The chance to do anything on a stage in front of people—even if it was just moving a chair—was magical. Some (okay, most) would say dropping out of school at 16 with no prospects or training to pursue acting was a risk. But audiences worldwide witnessed the payoff as he quickly became one of the most successful and versatile actors around, happy and creatively fulfilled. Except for the one story he wanted so badly to tell that he gambled again—this time as a director. If it meant a Scotsman taking on the greatest living American writer, well, where there’s no risk, there’s usually no magic. And for McGregor, where there’s no magic, there’s usually no point.
You might not have recognized Ewan McGregor in his very first stage role, since he was in blackface and a turban, but it likely thrilled him as much as any role he has embodied since. The chance to do anything on a stage in front of people—even if it was just moving a chair—was magical. Some (okay, most) would say dropping out of school at 16 with no prospects or training to pursue acting was a risk. But audiences worldwide witnessed the payoff as he quickly became one of the most successful and versatile actors around, happy and creatively fulfilled. Except for the one story he wanted so badly to tell that he gambled again—this time as a director. If it meant a Scotsman taking on the greatest living American writer, well, where there’s no risk, there’s usually no magic. And for McGregor, where there’s no magic, there’s usually no point.
Nick Offerman will never, ever, have enough time. But then, he’s not much inclined to put his feet up. Like most creatively restless artists, his interests abound. But for Offerman, they’re not hobbies; they’e disciplines to be studied, mastered and revered for the values they represent. Juggling it all requires defining your priorities and being clear on who you are. Parks and Recreation’s comedic secret weapon has built a career, canoes, and a soapbox for sharing lessons so simple we seem to have forgotten them. He joins us to talk about writing, ranting and why he loves his new film The Founder, despite having called its subjects “purveyors of the McShit Sandwich.” He also shares why he won’t be playing Ron Swanson knockoffs for the next 10 years. That’s fine with us, as long as he keeps playing Nick Offerman. You read on for an inspiring, thought-provoking conversation; we’re going to go build some birdhouses.
Nick Offerman will never, ever, have enough time. But then, he’s not much inclined to put his feet up. Like most creatively restless artists, his interests abound. But for Offerman, they’re not hobbies; they’e disciplines to be studied, mastered and revered for the values they represent. Juggling it all requires defining your priorities and being clear on who you are. Parks and Recreation’s comedic secret weapon has built a career, canoes, and a soapbox for sharing lessons so simple we seem to have forgotten them. He joins us to talk about writing, ranting and why he loves his new film The Founder, despite having called its subjects “purveyors of the McShit Sandwich.” He also shares why he won’t be playing Ron Swanson knockoffs for the next 10 years. That’s fine with us, as long as he keeps playing Nick Offerman. You read on for an inspiring, thought-provoking conversation; we’re going to go build some birdhouses.
Nick Offerman will never, ever, have enough time. But then, he’s not much inclined to put his feet up. Like most creatively restless artists, his interests abound. But for Offerman, they’re not hobbies; they’e disciplines to be studied, mastered and revered for the values they represent. Juggling it all requires defining your priorities and being clear on who you are. Parks and Recreation’s comedic secret weapon has built a career, canoes, and a soapbox for sharing lessons so simple we seem to have forgotten them. He joins us to talk about writing, ranting and why he loves his new film The Founder, despite having called its subjects “purveyors of the McShit Sandwich.” He also shares why he won’t be playing Ron Swanson knockoffs for the next 10 years. That’s fine with us, as long as he keeps playing Nick Offerman. You read on for an inspiring, thought-provoking conversation; we’re going to go build some birdhouses.
There are a few things people forgot to tell young Kate Beckinsale about being an actor: Not every film experience is Much Ado About Nothing; most minors working in foreign countries have chaperones; and, don a pair of rubber trousers at your own risk. Oh well, you learn. And keep learning, if you view yourself as a life-long artistic apprentice. Beckinsale talks to us about the impact of sudden family loss on her life and career, why she chose Russian and French over drama school, and what made her decide to come to the U.S. when things were going just fine in the U.K. She also shares lessons learned (through both tears and laughs) on films as diverse as Emma, Underworld, Nothing But the Truth and Love & Friendship. Beckinsale’s path was never conventional and rarely easy, which seems to be exactly how she wants it. It also makes her one of the most intriguing actors—make that people—we know.
There are a few things people forgot to tell young Kate Beckinsale about being an actor: Not every film experience is Much Ado About Nothing; most minors working in foreign countries have chaperones; and, don a pair of rubber trousers at your own risk. Oh well, you learn. And keep learning, if you view yourself as a life-long artistic apprentice. Beckinsale talks to us about the impact of sudden family loss on her life and career, why she chose Russian and French over drama school, and what made her decide to come to the U.S. when things were going just fine in the U.K. She also shares lessons learned (through both tears and laughs) on films as diverse as Emma, Underworld, Nothing But the Truth and Love & Friendship. Beckinsale’s path was never conventional and rarely easy, which seems to be exactly how she wants it. It also makes her one of the most intriguing actors—make that people—we know.
