Fresh Air Best Of: Jodie Foster / Tessa Thompson
Jan 17, 2026
Jodie Foster, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her iconic roles, shares fascinating stories from her early career, including a memorable incident involving a lion on set. She reflects on the impact of her landmark film, Taxi Driver, and the mentorship she received from Robert De Niro. Meanwhile, Tessa Thompson, acclaimed for her diverse roles, discusses her new Netflix series, His & Hers, and her journey in navigating her biracial identity. She shares insights about her creative process, the importance of music in acting, and the significance of her unique tattoos.
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Childhood Lion Mauling
- Jodie Foster recounted being picked up and shaken by a lion on a Disney set when she was nine.
- She recovered, returned to work with animals, and said her mother helped her process the accident.
Parent Shaped A Serious Career
- Jodie Foster credits her mother for directing her toward serious, meaningful cinema.
- Her mother sought respect and roles that resisted objectification for future women.
Early Break In Taxi Driver
- Jodie Foster discussed her role in Taxi Driver at age 12 and how it launched her into serious cinema.
- She described rehearsing, improvising with De Niro, and attending many plays and films that summer.
