Jennifer Beals is something of a rara avis. She’s an old soul who can still delight in the wonders of life that so often disappear further into the mist with each passing year of adulthood. Her keen curiosity about the people and world around her lend the characters she plays an openness and authenticity that take “acting” largely out of her performances. The triathlete and “honorary gay lady” talks about going from Yale college student to headlining one of the highest-grossing films of its time, her start in the ice cream industry and how her audition for the upcoming Proof caused producer Kyra Sedgwick to break a cardinal rule of the casting process. Beals reveals the benefits of not fitting in and following your own path, as well as a musical talent and subsequent missed photo opportunity our host will regret for years to come.
Jennifer Beals is something of a rara avis. She’s an old soul who can still delight in the wonders of life that so often disappear further into the mist with each passing year of adulthood. Her keen curiosity about the people and world around her lend the characters she plays an openness and authenticity that take “acting” largely out of her performances. The triathlete and “honorary gay lady” talks about going from Yale college student to headlining one of the highest-grossing films of its time, her start in the ice cream industry and how her audition for the upcoming Proof caused producer Kyra Sedgwick to break a cardinal rule of the casting process. Beals reveals the benefits of not fitting in and following your own path, as well as a musical talent and subsequent missed photo opportunity our host will regret for years to come.
Lake Bell first attempted comedy at age two (she bombed), hosted her first talk show at age 10 (she couldn’t book guests), dreamed of being an actor (her dad discouraged it) and then a writer (her first screenplay fell apart shortly before being produced). And it all worked out great, mainly due to her redoubtable determination to understand and learn about anything that separates her from what she wants to do. So how could she not end up writing, directing and starring in In A World…, her first feature film, which not only grossed $3 million on a $1 million budget, but showcased a uniquely modern voice in classic comedy? The auteur and former host of The Late Lake Show talks about her development as a professional storyteller, the films and directors that inspire her most, and the importance of expressing her femininity and sexuality without selling herself short as an artist. Bell is so humble and kooky, it’s hard to envy the talent and smarts that come in the same package. Really, you get the feeling she could take on almost any job you give her. Except tattoo artistry. That, we strongly advise against.
Lake Bell first attempted comedy at age two (she bombed), hosted her first talk show at age 10 (she couldn’t book guests), dreamed of being an actor (her dad discouraged it) and then a writer (her first screenplay fell apart shortly before being produced). And it all worked out great, mainly due to her redoubtable determination to understand and learn about anything that separates her from what she wants to do. So how could she not end up writing, directing and starring in In A World…, her first feature film, which not only grossed $3 million on a $1 million budget, but showcased a uniquely modern voice in classic comedy? The auteur and former host of The Late Lake Show talks about her development as a professional storyteller, the films and directors that inspire her most, and the importance of expressing her femininity and sexuality without selling herself short as an artist. Bell is so humble and kooky, it’s hard to envy the talent and smarts that come in the same package. Really, you get the feeling she could take on almost any job you give her. Except tattoo artistry. That, we strongly advise against.
Lake Bell first attempted comedy at age two (she bombed), hosted her first talk show at age 10 (she couldn’t book guests), dreamed of being an actor (her dad discouraged it) and then a writer (her first screenplay fell apart shortly before being produced). And it all worked out great, mainly due to her redoubtable determination to understand and learn about anything that separates her from what she wants to do. So how could she not end up writing, directing and starring in In A World…, her first feature film, which not only grossed $3 million on a $1 million budget, but showcased a uniquely modern voice in classic comedy? The auteur and former host of The Late Lake Show talks about her development as a professional storyteller, the films and directors that inspire her most, and the importance of expressing her femininity and sexuality without selling herself short as an artist. Bell is so humble and kooky, it’s hard to envy the talent and smarts that come in the same package. Really, you get the feeling she could take on almost any job you give her. Except tattoo artistry. That, we strongly advise against.
In possibly our most meta issue to date, we talk to Jon Hamm about the end of a show that chronicles the end of an era whose themes still echo throughout our current era. Choosing the uncertainty of Hollywood over a promising athletic career, he struggled to be part of an industry that just didn’t have parts for him. With that part of his journey now wood-paneled, moodily-lit history, he talks about the responsibility he felt as a leading man, why AMC’s ground-breaking show about a bygone time struck such a multi-generational cultural nerve, and the prospect of being forever defined by the most defining role of his career. An astute and articulate observer of people, the evolution of television and boy bands, Hamm offers insights on infantilization of Hollywood, and what he’s learned from working in front and behind the camera. And for you aspiring actors out there, some sage advice on successful auditions from a guy who’s bombed more than his share.
In possibly our most meta issue to date, we talk to Jon Hamm about the end of a show that chronicles the end of an era whose themes still echo throughout our current era. Choosing the uncertainty of Hollywood over a promising athletic career, he struggled to be part of an industry that just didn’t have parts for him. With that part of his journey now wood-paneled, moodily-lit history, he talks about the responsibility he felt as a leading man, why AMC’s ground-breaking show about a bygone time struck such a multi-generational cultural nerve, and the prospect of being forever defined by the most defining role of his career. An astute and articulate observer of people, the evolution of television and boy bands, Hamm offers insights on infantilization of Hollywood, and what he’s learned from working in front and behind the camera. And for you aspiring actors out there, some sage advice on successful auditions from a guy who’s bombed more than his share.
In possibly our most meta issue to date, we talk to Jon Hamm about the end of a show that chronicles the end of an era whose themes still echo throughout our current era. Choosing the uncertainty of Hollywood over a promising athletic career, he struggled to be part of an industry that just didn’t have parts for him. With that part of his journey now wood-paneled, moodily-lit history, he talks about the responsibility he felt as a leading man, why AMC’s ground-breaking show about a bygone time struck such a multi-generational cultural nerve, and the prospect of being forever defined by the most defining role of his career. An astute and articulate observer of people, the evolution of television and boy bands, Hamm offers insights on infantilization of Hollywood, and what he’s learned from working in front and behind the camera. And for you aspiring actors out there, some sage advice on successful auditions from a guy who’s bombed more than his share.
