Neal Brennan interviews actor David Alan Grier about feeling lonely, perseverance, upbringing, 'In Living Color,' 'The Carmichael Show,' wanting more, and acting philosophy.
David Alan Grier pursued acting to escape his hometown and achieve fame, finding success on 'In Living Color'.
Despite career pressures, Greer's pursuit for substantial roles led to internal conflict and questioning of success levels.
Having embraced his identity as an actor and father, Greer finds comfort in who he is, leading to compelling role opportunities.
Deep dives
Discovery of Acting Talent and Stand-Up Comedy
David Allen Greer discovered his talent for acting at a young age, driven by a desire to leave his hometown and become famous. Despite feeling overshadowed by more successful peers in the industry, his involvement in stand-up comedy, initially for fun, later provided a cushion to reject undesirable roles, leading to his appearance in 'In Living Color'.
Navigating Career Pressures and Burnout
Despite achieving success on 'In Living Color' and in film roles like 'Boomerang,' Greer faced career pressures and burnout due to relentless touring alongside TV commitments. The pursuit of more substantial movie roles and broader recognition drove him, causing internal conflict and questioning if he would reach the desired level of success.
Longevity in the Industry and Managing Expectations
As an experienced performer, Greer reflects on his career longevity and the evolving landscape of comedy. While coveting significant movie roles and national tours in the past, he has come to terms with the unpredictable nature of success in the industry and the importance of balancing ambition with personal fulfillment.
Acting Journey and Self-Discovery
The podcast episode delves into the actor's personal journey, highlighting how he has evolved over time. Initially planning on retiring, he found comfort in his identity as an actor and a father. As insecurities melted away, he embraced who he truly is, leading to significant opportunities for compelling roles in limited series.
Audience Devotion and Recognition
The podcast also touches on the actor's evolving relationship with his audience. From initially resisting meet and greets to engaging with fans through merchandise sales, he discovered a profound connection with his dedicated supporters. Recognizing the loyalty of long-time fans and the respect received from the industry, the actor reflects on the humbling nature of his career's progression.
Neal Brennan interviews David Alan Grier ('In Living Color,' 'The Carmichael Show' & much more) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
**Correction from DAG : "It was Dumb and Dumber that was offered to me in hopes of packaging me with Rob Schneider. Not Ace Ventura… my bad ✌🏾"**
