Actors on Acting

Jonathan Banks on Playing Mike in ‘Better Call Saul’: “I borrowed from people that I saw”

Jonathan Banks explains that he incorporated experiences of many individuals into his characterization of Mike.

Reflecting on this career, actor Tom Hanks credits others who changed the way he thought about his roles and his career.

John C. Reilly talks about his experience with method actors, and shares two stories about how far he saw actors take their performances.

Anne Hathaway shared a story about a scene more than 20 years in the making that appeared in one of her recent projects.

Julia Roberts says that she doesn’t stay in character during filming, though she does admire actors who does.

John C. Reilly shared his thoughts on what an actor needs to do to maintain their conditioning for a performance.

Willem Dafoe has never worked with an acting coach and he credits that to his development as an actor in experimental theater.

Actor Brian Cox spoke about his acting preferences, including why he feels acting doesn’t need to be a “religious experience.”

Audra McDonald and Leslie Odom, Jr. spoke candidly about the work that they put in before audiences began to notice them.

Jon Bernthal points to learning new things as he plays different characters as one of his favorite aspects of acting.

Jennifer Aniston spoke about the ups and downs of her long career and what she’s learned from her time in front of the camera.

Actor George Clooney admits he often feels uncomfortable directing other actors when he is starring in the same scene.

Richard Jenkins reveals that initially his father did not support his decision to pursue acting.

Ray Liotta spoke about typecasting, passing on roles, and how a role on a soap opera early in his career helped his journey as an actor.

James McAvoy shares the deepest praise for the screenplay of ‘Together’, likening it to a real-life conversation with someone close to you.

Pierce Brosnan realizes that he has the ability to be choosy about his acting roles because of the success he has had over his career.

Jonathan Majors notes the distinction between being yourself and acting and when it’s important for an actor to use his or her creativity.

Gillian Anderson spoke about how she mentally and physically embodied the Iron Lady on the series, The Crown.

Amanda Seyfried reveals that she was moments away from starting her first college class before she decided to take a gamble on Mean Girls.

Michael Keaton on why he is so particular about his roles and getting invested in each character, no matter how significant the part is.