Julia Louis-Dreyfus on doing death, truth-telling in comedy and getting wiser (from On with Kara Swisher)
Dec 24, 2024
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus, award-winning actress known for her iconic roles in Seinfeld and Veep, delves into the complexities of grief and comedy. She shares insights from her podcast, Wiser Than Me, emphasizing the transformative power of deep conversations with older women. Julia discusses her latest film, Tuesday, which creatively explores themes of existentialism and parent-child relationships. She also addresses the evolving landscape of comedy, reflecting on artistic risks and the necessary balance between humor and weighty topics like death.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus emphasizes the importance of creating intimate spaces for dialogue with older women to highlight their wisdom and experiences.
The podcast critiques the commercialization of art in the industry, advocating for the preservation of artistic integrity amidst corporate pressures.
Deep dives
Innovative Podcast Concept
A new innovative approach to podcasting is highlighted through the creation of Wiser Than Me, where the host, inspired by the lack of voices from older women, seeks to gather life lessons from women over 70. The podcast invites guests such as Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem, delving into their insights on life, coping with loss, and embracing aging. Julie Louis-Dreyfus emphasizes that the idea originated from watching a documentary about Jane Fonda, igniting her desire to give older women a platform for discussion. The focus on intimacy in the conversations allows for a relaxed environment where deeper and more personal stories can be shared.
Embracing Aging and Wisdom
The podcast explores the themes of aging and wisdom through candid discussions with its guests, highlighting how women often feel liberated in their later years. For example, Isabel Allende shares her perspective on finding joy in life as she ages, emphasizing that there is a sense of freedom that comes from no longer conforming to societal expectations. Similarly, Gloria Steinem reflects on how aging allows women to reconnect with their authentic selves, suggesting that with age comes a fuller understanding of one’s identity. This candid dialogue challenges societal stereotypes surrounding older women, underscoring their richness of experience and knowledge.
Community Connection and Healing
A significant insight from the podcast is the power of community and connection in addressing existential issues such as grief and loss. The host shares personal experiences and reflections on how intimate conversations can alleviate feelings of loneliness, likening them to the communal roles of family and friends. Julie notes that the importance of connecting with others cannot be understated, especially in a world increasingly characterized by isolation. The conversations featured in the podcast affirm that shared experiences can foster healing and provide support through difficult life transitions.
Navigating Creative Challenges
The podcast also addresses the challenges of navigating the creative industry, particularly through the lens of balancing artistic goals with corporate pressures. Julie Louis-Dreyfus discusses her experience in the industry, acknowledging the often overwhelming influence of executives on creative content. She expresses concerns regarding the corporatization of the arts, advocating for the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in storytelling. This discussion reflects a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of entertainment and the necessity for authentic and meaningful content amidst commercial interests.
Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is most famous for her comedic TV characters Elaine Benes in Seinfeld and Selina Meyer in Veep. But in recent years, she's been showing her dramatic chops, including in her latest film, Tuesday, in which she takes on grief, denial and death. She's also been winning awards as the host of her podcast Wiser Than Me. In this episode from On with Kara Swisher, Kara and Julia discuss how in-depth conversations with iconic older women have radicalized her, her concerns about the commercialization of art films and why she thinks comedy is risky — but still very much possible.
We hope you enjoy this episode of On with Kara Swisher. Find more wherever you get your podcasts.