Woody Harrelson, an acclaimed actor known for his powerful performances in films like 'No Country for Old Men' and 'The People vs. Larry Flynt', shares his journey in acting. He discusses the emotional toll of disconnecting from roles and reflects on the collaborative spirit of filmmaking. Woody delves into the dynamics of theater versus film, touching on the joys and challenges of live performances. He also explores the historical significance of nicotine in society and its cognitive benefits, revealing unexpected twists in his creative process.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Character Belief and Script
Believe in your character to avoid disconnect and feeling like you've sold yourself.
Prioritize a good script over even the greatest director.
insights INSIGHT
Learning from Mistakes
Bad performances don't improve your craft.
Even experienced actors can find themselves in projects they're not proud of.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Elvis Impersonation
Woody Harrelson's acting career began unexpectedly after an Elvis impersonation in his high school library.
This led to an invitation to join the drama club, sparking his passion for performance.
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The Night of the Iguana is a play by Tennessee Williams that explores themes of fading youth, mental health, and the desires of lonely individuals. Set in a rundown Mexican hotel, the story revolves around characters like the defrocked Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon and the artist Hannah Jelkes, amidst a backdrop of personal crises and emotional connections. The play is known for its hopeful ending and its departure from Williams's typical Southern settings.
Biloxi Blues
Neil Simon
Biloxi Blues is a semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon, following Eugene Morris Jerome as he undergoes military training in Biloxi, Mississippi during World War II. The play explores themes of identity, authority, and personal growth through Eugene's experiences with his fellow soldiers and the demanding Sergeant Toomey. It is the second installment in Simon's Eugene trilogy, after 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' and before 'Broadway Bound'.
The Diviners
The Diviners
Jimmy Leonard Jr.
Kiss the ground
Joshua Tickell
Silent Spring
Rachel Carson
Published in 1962, 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson is a seminal work in environmental science. The book documents the harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment, including their impact on bird populations, other wildlife, and human health. Carson argued that these substances should be called 'biocides' due to their broad impact on ecosystems. The book was serialized in 'The New Yorker' before its full publication and generated significant public and scientific debate. It led to a reversal in U.S. pesticide policy, the banning of DDT for agricultural use in 1972, and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Carson's work challenged the prevailing attitudes towards scientific progress and human control over nature, advocating for responsible and careful use of pesticides and highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.
Long day's journey into night
Eugene O'Neill
The play is set in the summer home of the Tyrone family and follows a day filled with bitter arguments, old wounds, and the relentless passage of time. It delves into themes of addiction, denial, blame, and the search for redemption. The characters, based on O'Neill's own family, grapple with morphine addiction, tuberculosis, and the failures of their past, highlighting the complex and often painful dynamics of family relationships.
Woody Harrelson is a notorious television and film actor. After a brief stint in New York Theater at the start of his career, he made his on-screen debut on NBC’s “Cheers,” regarded as one of the best TV shows of all time. He has gained acclaim for his roles in movies like The People Vs. Larry Flynt, No Country for Old Men, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbings, Missouri. With over 60 movies in his portfolio, Harrelson acts across a range of genres, including comedy, drama, and thriller. Over the course of his career, he has been nominated for three Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, and he has been the recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award.
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