Oliver Cooper has one of the greatest stories about breaking into Hollywood, landing his first role in Project X. I’m grateful he takes his time telling it on this episode. It’s a story about hilarious naiveté, unwavering belief in himself, and an unlikely friendship with a person unfairly pushed to the margins of the business who fueled him with the support he needed. That story is so formative…
Tom Brittney first rose to global prominence with his multi-season turn on the celebrated British series Grantchester, where he built a devoted international following through a performance defined by emotional depth and restraint.
Karolina Wydra’s performance as Zosia in Vince Gilligan’s new hit series Pluribus is impressive on many levels, but it wasn’t until I talked to her for this podcast that I realized the absolute herculean challenge this role is for an actor.
Mark Strong has made a name for himself playing villains or stealing scenes (or both) in movies like Sherlock Holmes, Kick-Ass, Zero Dark Thirty, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Imitation Game, the list goes on.
Simon Helberg is best known for playing Howard in the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory for 12 seasons, but he has also built a notable and varied film career working with people like Leos Carax, the Coen Brothers, and a stand-out performance opposite Meryl Streep in
Asa Butterfield is a British actor who may be best known for starring as Otis Milburn in the worldwide phenomenon Sex Education, for Netflix, and Hugo Gabret in Martin Scorsese’s Hugo. He first received critical acclaim, as a pre-teen, for his work in
Robert Longstreet is a respected actor who moves fluidly between indie films and genre work, showing a gift for playing complex, wounded, or morally ambiguous characters.
Samantha Smart is the lead actress, writer and producer of Charliebird, the feature debut of director Libby Ewing, which won the top prize at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, calling it “a deeply affecting portrait featuring grounded and complex performances.” On this episode, Smart describes the process of writing it, getting to a crisis point of wondering if she could still play the character she was…
Ben Mehl is most recognized for his role as Dante on the hit Netflix show "You." Other TV credits include "The Good Wife," "Supernatural Investigator" and films like "My Christmas Guide" and "Viral Beauty." On stage he has performed with The Public Theater and Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Astrid Rotenberry has had roles on "Law & Order SVU," "The Four Seasons," and "American Sports Story." Now she plays Catherine Kelly in the Netflix limited series "His and Hers," and her performance is so authentic and affecting it runs the risk of being taken for granted.
Jordan Lage is an award-winning actor, writer, director and founding member of the Atlantic Theater Company, which celebrates its 41st anniversary this year.