Ep. 2613 How Hollywood and Broadway Destroyed Themselves -- Recorded Aboard the Tom Woods Cruise
Mar 1, 2025
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Clifton Duncan, an accomplished actor known for his work on Broadway, shares his journey from skepticism to advocacy in the entertainment industry. He discusses the decline of traditional arts amid the rise of social media and celebrity culture. Duncan also explores how he aims to bring Thomas Sowell’s legacy to life on stage, emphasizing the importance of genuine artistic expression. With insights into navigating career risks and embracing change, Duncan highlights the evolving landscape of arts and culture.
Clifton Duncan's journey reflects a critical shift within the entertainment industry, as COVID-19 restrictions highlighted a disconnect between artists and their audiences.
Duncan's upcoming one-man show about Thomas Sowell aims to provoke discussion on intellectual honesty and the importance of challenging mainstream narratives.
Deep dives
Path to Acting and Career Launch
Clifton Duncan shares his journey into the acting world, which began in high school when he followed a girl to drama class, discovering a natural talent for performance. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University for theater and eventually landed in regional and off-Broadway productions, gaining recognition for his work. His path crossed with prominent personalities in the industry, and he became an acclaimed actor by 2017, only to see his career abruptly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial months of the pandemic saw him adhering strictly to health protocols, but as restrictions tightened, he began questioning the official narrative surrounding the virus and its management.
Critique of COVID-19 Policies in the Arts
Duncan discusses the troubling aspects of the COVID-19 response, particularly within the entertainment industry where mandates and restrictions seemed to disproportionately impact those he empathizes with. Many in the arts community, often categorized as having higher emotionality and lower critical engagement, readily accepted the narratives despite prior concerns regarding health and individual freedom. He notes the mental toll the pandemic took on performers and the cultural divide it created, as they struggled with strict mandates and the backlash against those resisting vaccination. This led him to explore a broader critique of the hysteria that infiltrated the arts, affecting both personal and professional spheres.
The Deterioration of Stardom
Duncan reflects on the changing nature of celebrity and stardom, contrasting past stars who were often more relatable and grounded with today's celebrities, who he views as increasingly disconnected from the public. He discusses how the pressure on modern stars to use their platforms for activism often undermines their primary role as entertainers, leading to a breach between artists and their audiences. He suggests that this shift results from the modern entertainment industry prioritizing political correctness over genuine artistic merit, causing many to disengage with celebrities altogether. This disconnection has resulted in a yearning for authentic engagement and meaningful cultural contributions that resonate with a broader audience.
Exploration of Thomas Sowell's Impact
Duncan expresses his admiration for Thomas Sowell and describes his upcoming one-man show about Sowell's life and ideas, highlighting the intellectual and personal transformations Sowell underwent throughout his career. He finds Sowell's journey from Marxist radical to renowned economist compelling, particularly in how it challenges prevailing societal narratives around race and economics. Duncan believes that Sowell’s ability to openly express controversial opinions and challenge mainstream thought makes him a powerful figure worthy of exploration on stage. This endeavor is not only a tribute to Sowell's contributions but also a way to ignite a broader conversation about dissent and intellectual honesty in contemporary society.
Clifton Duncan joins us to discuss his evolution from manic to skeptic in 2020, the state of the entertainment world, and how to bring the life of Thomas Sowell to the stage.
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