In the ’70s and ’80s, Malibu, CA was something of a farm team for hot young movie talent, and Rob Lowe was on the right bench at the right time. The kid who took 60-mile bus rides into Hollywood (as an unaccompanied 11-year-old) to pursue his dream of acting got recruited for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders on his 18th birthday. Mega-fame ensued, along with plenty of film and TV offers, but Lowe often found himself fighting for the more interesting roles he knew he could play—if only casting directors and agents could see past his star status and screen-idol looks. The ones who did (thanks Aaron Sorkin, Steven Soderbergh and Amy Poehler) gave us a glimpse of what he can do with a character, a line and a great sense of timing. The star of one of the longest and craziest careers in the business talks (and writes) about it all with grace, perspective and a sense of humor we hope he’ll continue to bring to the screen.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Malibu, CA was something of a farm team for hot young movie talent, and Rob Lowe was on the right bench at the right time. The kid who took 60-mile bus rides into Hollywood (as an unaccompanied 11-year-old) to pursue his dream of acting got recruited for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders on his 18th birthday. Mega-fame ensued, along with plenty of film and TV offers, but Lowe often found himself fighting for the more interesting roles he knew he could play—if only casting directors and agents could see past his star status and screen-idol looks. The ones who did (thanks Aaron Sorkin, Steven Soderbergh and Amy Poehler) gave us a glimpse of what he can do with a character, a line and a great sense of timing. The star of one of the longest and craziest careers in the business talks (and writes) about it all with grace, perspective and a sense of humor we hope he’ll continue to bring to the screen.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Malibu, CA was something of a farm team for hot young movie talent, and Rob Lowe was on the right bench at the right time. The kid who took 60-mile bus rides into Hollywood (as an unaccompanied 11-year-old) to pursue his dream of acting got recruited for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders on his 18th birthday. Mega-fame ensued, along with plenty of film and TV offers, but Lowe often found himself fighting for the more interesting roles he knew he could play—if only casting directors and agents could see past his star status and screen-idol looks. The ones who did (thanks Aaron Sorkin, Steven Soderbergh and Amy Poehler) gave us a glimpse of what he can do with a character, a line and a great sense of timing. The star of one of the longest and craziest careers in the business talks (and writes) about it all with grace, perspective and a sense of humor we hope he’ll continue to bring to the screen.
Like a lot of superpowers, the chip on Mike Colter’s shoulder isn’t visible, but it’s there when he needs it. Cursed with a stable home and supportive parents, he often manufactured his own chips to keep himself motivated as an actor (which he planned on being from the age of eight). But later, the chips got real: Acting teachers who told him he wouldn’t make it. Years of broke-ass struggle pursuing his art. Agents who said he could only play one kind of role. Well, throw obstacles at a guy like Colter and he’ll thank you for them – before smashing them to pieces. He’s at a point now where he could be kicking back and enjoying the ability to pay for groceries, but he has something else to prove: If you think you know who Luke Cage is, you don’t. We’d add that if you think you’ve seen everything this actor can do, you haven’t. Not by a long shot.
Like a lot of superpowers, the chip on Mike Colter’s shoulder isn’t visible, but it’s there when he needs it. Cursed with a stable home and supportive parents, he often manufactured his own chips to keep himself motivated as an actor (which he planned on being from the age of eight). But later, the chips got real: Acting teachers who told him he wouldn’t make it. Years of broke-ass struggle pursuing his art. Agents who said he could only play one kind of role. Well, throw obstacles at a guy like Colter and he’ll thank you for them – before smashing them to pieces. He’s at a point now where he could be kicking back and enjoying the ability to pay for groceries, but he has something else to prove: If you think you know who Luke Cage is, you don’t. We’d add that if you think you’ve seen everything this actor can do, you haven’t. Not by a long shot.
Like a lot of superpowers, the chip on Mike Colter’s shoulder isn’t visible, but it’s there when he needs it. Cursed with a stable home and supportive parents, he often manufactured his own chips to keep himself motivated as an actor (which he planned on being from the age of eight). But later, the chips got real: Acting teachers who told him he wouldn’t make it. Years of broke-ass struggle pursuing his art. Agents who said he could only play one kind of role. Well, throw obstacles at a guy like Colter and he’ll thank you for them – before smashing them to pieces. He’s at a point now where he could be kicking back and enjoying the ability to pay for groceries, but he has something else to prove: If you think you know who Luke Cage is, you don’t. We’d add that if you think you’ve seen everything this actor can do, you haven’t. Not by a long shot.
One of the most joyful and rewarding experiences we can have as humans is the discovery of something we passionately love to do– and even better, the discovery that we’re really good at it. For Thandie Newton, that revelation came as a naïve 16-year-old on her first film set. It also came with a horrific experience of abuse. Unfortunately, and incredibly, it was not the last one dealt her by the business she loved. So she had a choice. Be a victim, or do something about it. Newton fought hard for herself, and then seemingly couldn’t stop. As she’s achieved success, she’s used her position to champion women and children not only in her industry, but throughout the world. It wasn’t easy finding her voice, but now that she has, look out. Here, she uses it in one of our most wide-ranging, honest and inspiring conversations yet.
One of the most joyful and rewarding experiences we can have as humans is the discovery of something we passionately love to do– and even better, the discovery that we’re really good at it. For Thandie Newton, that revelation came as a naïve 16-year-old on her first film set. It also came with a horrific experience of abuse. Unfortunately, and incredibly, it was not the last one dealt her by the business she loved. So she had a choice. Be a victim, or do something about it. Newton fought hard for herself, and then seemingly couldn’t stop. As she’s achieved success, she’s used her position to champion women and children not only in her industry, but throughout the world. It wasn’t easy finding her voice, but now that she has, look out. Here, she uses it in one of our most wide-ranging, honest and inspiring conversations yet.
