Eric Close: Balancing Faith, Family and a Hollywood Career (ep. 746)
Jan 30, 2025
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Eric Close, known for his roles in "Without a Trace" and "Nashville," discusses the delicate balancing act of faith, family, and a thriving acting career. He shares how faith has guided him through Hollywood challenges and the intentional choices he made with his wife to strengthen their family bonds. Eric opens up about his struggles with anxiety, the wisdom he gleaned from iconic figures like Clint Eastwood, and the controversy surrounding his role as Coach Joe Kennedy, reminding listeners that their struggles serve a greater purpose.
Eric Close emphasizes the significance of faith as a guiding force throughout his Hollywood career and personal life.
He discusses the essential role of family support in overcoming challenges and fostering resilience amid the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Close reflects on his portrayal of Coach Joe Kennedy as a reminder to uphold one's beliefs despite facing public scrutiny and adversity.
Deep dives
The New Cultural Pillar: Keeley Green
Keeley Companies has introduced a seventh cultural pillar known as Keeley Green, aimed at enhancing sustainability in all their operations. This initiative is part of a broader mission to raise standards for environmental impact in the construction and development industry. Keeley Green emphasizes a holistic approach, ensuring that the company’s practices contribute positively to the environment for future generations. With a commitment to sustainability, Keeley Companies highlights their dedication to responsible business practices while encouraging others in the industry to follow suit.
Eric Close's Journey in Hollywood
Eric Close has established a successful career in Hollywood, renowned for playing memorable roles in various television series such as 'Without a Trace,' 'Nashville,' and 'Suits.' Throughout his career, he has remained grounded in his core values of faith, family, and purpose, allowing these principles to guide his choices and interactions within the industry. Close discusses the importance of embracing challenges, seeing them as opportunities for growth that have shaped his journey in the entertainment world. His story illustrates that dedication and authenticity can lead to lasting success, even in a competitive environment.
The Impact of Family and Faith
Close attributes much of his strength and resilience to his family upbringing, highlighting the profound impact of his close-knit family and strong values instilled by his parents. He recounts how their intentional efforts to maintain family connections and support one another helped build a foundation of love and trust. Additionally, he emphasizes how his faith plays a significant role in both his personal life and career, providing a source of strength during challenging times. This blend of familial support and spiritual grounding forms a crucial part of Close's identity and success.
Confronting Adversity and Anxiety
During the conversation, Close opens up about his struggles with anxiety and the challenges he faced in the industry, including moments of self-doubt and vulnerability. He reflects on how these experiences have taught him important life lessons, ultimately reminding him of where his hope lies. Embracing adversity as a means of growth, he reveals that confronting fears can lead to greater confidence and clarity in pursuing one’s calling. Close’s candid sharing demonstrates the importance of acknowledging struggles and building resilience through faith and support.
The Story of Joe Kennedy in 'Average Joe'
Close portrays Coach Joe Kennedy in the film 'Average Joe,' a character whose prayer on the football field sparked significant controversy. The film centers on themes of faith, integrity, and standing up for one’s beliefs, as Kennedy faces significant challenges due to his commitment to prayer. Close describes Kennedy as an average, relatable man who is willing to sacrifice his reputation and livelihood based on his values and faith. By telling Kennedy's story, the film aims to inspire others to uphold their principles, even in the face of adversity and public scrutiny.
Eric Close is an accomplished actor and director most recognized for his roles on television shows Without a Trace, Nashville and Suits. For decades, Eric has built an impressive career in Hollywood while staying true to his core values: faith, family, and purpose.
Today, Eric shares how his faith has guided every step of his career, the intentional choices he and his wife made to keep their family strong, and how he’s learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Plus, he opens up about his struggles with anxiety, the wisdom he’s gained from Hollywood icons like Clint Eastwood, and his experience portraying Coach Joe Kennedy in Average Joe—a man whose simple act of prayer after football games sparked national controversy.
My friends, if you’ve ever questioned your path, battled self-doubt, or needed reassurance that your struggles have meaning, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a reminder that we are never alone and the encouragement to stand firm in your beliefs.
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