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.
Ever since banging out plays on her mom’s typewriter at age six, Mindy Kaling wanted to be a comedy writer. That line of study wasn’t on offer at her college, but Dartmouth taught her at least two things: If you hole up in your dorm and deconstruct Woody Allen films, you discover what works. And, in a town where there’s nothing to do but drink and sled, almost any crazy play you writer can pack a theater. It can also launch your Hollywood dream career quicker than you ever imagined. But when the first show that hires you is getting creamed, and someone else is cast in the pilot you wrote for you, about you, and named after you, well, that’s when you see what you’re really made of. Here, Kaling plays herself in a conversation about that first fateful play, race and gender in comedy, and why it’s totally cool to love your parents.
Ever since banging out plays on her mom’s typewriter at age six, Mindy Kaling wanted to be a comedy writer. That line of study wasn’t on offer at her college, but Dartmouth taught her at least two things: If you hole up in your dorm and deconstruct Woody Allen films, you discover what works. And, in a town where there’s nothing to do but drink and sled, almost any crazy play you writer can pack a theater. It can also launch your Hollywood dream career quicker than you ever imagined. But when the first show that hires you is getting creamed, and someone else is cast in the pilot you wrote for you, about you, and named after you, well, that’s when you see what you’re really made of. Here, Kaling plays herself in a conversation about that first fateful play, race and gender in comedy, and why it’s totally cool to love your parents.
Ever since banging out plays on her mom’s typewriter at age six, Mindy Kaling wanted to be a comedy writer. That line of study wasn’t on offer at her college, but Dartmouth taught her at least two things: If you hole up in your dorm and deconstruct Woody Allen films, you discover what works. And, in a town where there’s nothing to do but drink and sled, almost any crazy play you writer can pack a theater. It can also launch your Hollywood dream career quicker than you ever imagined. But when the first show that hires you is getting creamed, and someone else is cast in the pilot you wrote for you, about you, and named after you, well, that’s when you see what you’re really made of. Here, Kaling plays herself in a conversation about that first fateful play, race and gender in comedy, and why it’s totally cool to love your parents.
It’s a funny thing, how we’re taught from a young age to wait for permission—to be excused, to have a cookie, even to pursue a dream. But what if there’s no one around to grant it? Early on, Vince Vaughn decided not to ask for permission to skip school for auditions, to talk to the ladies, or to move to L.A. to be an actor. That just-do-it approach worked well for creating his breakout in Swingers, and his hilarious turns in films like Old School and Wedding Crashers. Vaughn joined us to share the stories behind some of his most iconic films, his decision to take on more dramatic roles in True Detective and Hacksaw Ridge, and the importance of challenging what you know—especially when you’re already pretty damn successful. When you combine a well-documented gift for gab with a philosopher’s spirit, this is the conversation you get. Enjoy, and take some notes.
It’s a funny thing, how we’re taught from a young age to wait for permission—to be excused, to have a cookie, even to pursue a dream. But what if there’s no one around to grant it? Early on, Vince Vaughn decided not to ask for permission to skip school for auditions, to talk to the ladies, or to move to L.A. to be an actor. That just-do-it approach worked well for creating his breakout in Swingers, and his hilarious turns in films like Old School and Wedding Crashers. Vaughn joined us to share the stories behind some of his most iconic films, his decision to take on more dramatic roles in True Detective and Hacksaw Ridge, and the importance of challenging what you know—especially when you’re already pretty damn successful. When you combine a well-documented gift for gab with a philosopher’s spirit, this is the conversation you get. Enjoy, and take some notes.
It’s a funny thing, how we’re taught from a young age to wait for permission—to be excused, to have a cookie, even to pursue a dream. But what if there’s no one around to grant it? Early on, Vince Vaughn decided not to ask for permission to skip school for auditions, to talk to the ladies, or to move to L.A. to be an actor. That just-do-it approach worked well for creating his breakout in Swingers, and his hilarious turns in films like Old School and Wedding Crashers. Vaughn joined us to share the stories behind some of his most iconic films, his decision to take on more dramatic roles in True Detective and Hacksaw Ridge, and the importance of challenging what you know—especially when you’re already pretty damn successful. When you combine a well-documented gift for gab with a philosopher’s spirit, this is the conversation you get. Enjoy, and take some notes.
Like a lot of kids, Adam Scott loved movies, but it was a 5-inch black and white TV and David Letterman that really blew his mind and cemented his secret plan to become an actor. When he finally arrived in L.A., it seemed the welcome mat had gone missing. Fifteen years and countless auditions later, roles in Step Brothers, Parks and Recreation and indies like The Vicious Kind have made him one of the busiest and most versatile actors around. Now in a position to choose and make projects that resonate with his own sensibility, he’s also added producing to his busy schedule. In our chat, he talks about overcoming nerves, the amazing stuff you can learn on YouTube, and why he’s so excited about chasing new creative material. Maybe it’s because, like a certain band, he still hasn’t found what he’s looking for.
