Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: John Corbett (ep. 820)
Oct 16, 2025
Join actor and musician John Corbett, known for his roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Northern Exposure, as he shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in West Virginia to Hollywood fame. He reflects on pivotal moments, like discovering his talent for storytelling in an improv class and battling through a workplace injury that changed his path. John also opens up about his deep love for Bo Derek, navigating fame, and the emotional challenges of portraying a father in Soul on Fire. His message? Life can take unexpected turns, and joy is what truly shines.
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Humble, Funny West Virginia Childhood
- John Corbett grew up in Wheeling, WV with a single mom who worked in a hospital and later married a coal miner named Bill.
- He remembers a loving, funny, tough childhood in a modest apartment, not feeling deprived despite limited means.
Cross-Country Leap At 18
- At 18 John quit his job and drove across the country to California with friends looking for a new life.
- He decided to stay in California instead of returning to Wheeling and went to find his dad there.
Hydro-Testing Taught Work Discipline
- John worked in the steel industry doing hydro-testing, earning a disciplined work ethic from long, cold shifts.
- The job taught him assembly-line coordination: every role mattered and showing up consistently was essential.
