In this episode of "Good Hang," the host interviews actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph, beginning with a conversation with director David Frayne, who directed her in the film "Eternity." Frayne praises Randolph's effortless comedic talent and unflappable calm, and shares his personal journey of recovering from a brain tumor, which gave him a new perspective on life and death. Randolph then joins the conversation, discussing her multifaceted career. She reveals her early start in opera, which she pursued competitively at Temple University, but was pushed toward theater after a dispute with the music department. Her training includes classical voice and Shakespeare, which she sees as guardrails for her creative freedom. She shares anecdotes about working with Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy, who mentored her and prepared her for fame. For "The Holdovers," she immersed herself in preparation, including perfecting a Boston accent, learning to smoke authentically, and negotiating character details with director Alexander Payne to ensure her character's pride and professionalism. The conversation also touches on her love for cooking, kitchenware, and sparkling water, as well as her role in "Eternity" with John Early. She recounts a touching story about Al Pacino's advice on navigating success. Throughout, Randolph emphasizes the importance of preparation, quiet confidence, and collaboration in her work, leaving the host eager to continue their newfound friendship.
Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of Good Hang. We are going to talk today to Davei and Joy Randolph and I am really, really excited. I am such a fan of her work and we are going to get into it today. We're going to talk about opera. We're going to talk about musical theater. We're going to talk about how to do a good Boston accent. And we're going to hear how Al Pacino made her cry in a good way. So it's a great convo and I can't wait to get started. But before we do, we always talk to somebody who knows our guest and has a question to ask our guests. And joining me today is a director of the film Eternity. Film that Dave mine is in and I believe he is calling from another country. He's zooming from another country, another time zone. So let's see, it's David Frane joining us. David, can you hear us? This episode is presented by Hilton. Guys, you know what vacation perfectionism is? 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But before we do that, I just wanted to say congratulations on your film and it's, you know, I'm always looking for comedy in theaters and in film. It's been not to be very honest, like not always the easiest genre of the last decade to get good things out in the world. And comedy is like music. It's so subjective. It's people have big, strong opinions about it. Where did you, where were your comedic influences? Like, like, when you started writing and directing, who were you looking to at the time? I grew up loving, like Billy Wilder was my idol, so in. And then, like, I mean, Tarty Rock and Parks and Rec and those, this great iconic kind of TV comedies were where where you get such a high joke race per minute, which I think we don't get very often. So I always looked at that. And I think with eternity, we wanted to make sure it was, like, laid down with jokes, just like joke after joke after joke, because I kind of, I miss really hard comedy. And I think that, like, segue into divine and my incredible cast. That just goes, you can write as good as script as you want, but that's the delivery. That's the actors. And, you know, some of the best dramatic actors in the world can not land the joke. And I think that whole incredible. Well, they better not. I mean, God is fair. You can't do it. You can't do it all. Before we get to Dave, I have one last question and feel we can always, if it's too personal, of course, we can lose it. But you shared a really personal and intense story about your health journey after writing this film that feels like it is completely attached to and tied to the bigger idea that you're writing about. Yeah. So, in the summer, like, about six months ago, I had really bad headaches, which I had during the production as well. Like, I would work really hard and then collapse on the weekends. But I got. They found an apple-sized tumor in my head that had kind of broken through my brain and serrated my optic nerves and I'm crotted arteries and like, it was a really surreal, devastating thing to go through. And at the start, they didn't know if it was going to be kind of operable or my ligament or. And my immediate thoughts were like, I'm not going to get to see eternity released, which is such a big thing to say, but, you know, after so many years. But, you know, I had incredible care and doctors and incredible family and my partner and it's, you know, slowly it's gotten better and I've had a great, great outcome from the surgery. And I will say, having gone through that in the last few months after making a film set in the afterlife, I felt, like, contented. Like, I felt I felt I was looking at debt with a lot more curiosity than fear. I think, you know, I think I would have been much more afraid had it happened before the film. And I think just the experience making the film was so fun and joyous and I think the things we spoke about with, they've ironed the cast and my passion just, like, as well, like, even just not just the work you want to do, but the people you want to spend your time with and the people you want to work with and working good people, kind people, people that share your kind of passions. I think that, that becomes much more important because you don't really have time for our souls. No. I also don't have time for our souls either. Yeah. Yeah. Our souls are our souls. They're the worst. So, tell me about working with Daveine. What, what, how does she like to work? Because we're talking to her today and she's quite studied. I mean, she has done a ton of, she's like, like a student in voice and acting. She really knows her stuff. Yeah. She's extraordinary. I think, I think what really struck, like, me first, I was, we were desperate to work with her and I really wanted her for the role and then she won her Oscar and I was really bummed because I thought, now I won't get to work with her. But thankfully, she still wants to do the film. But yeah, she's, she's had the most incredibly varied career from opera to theater to, to then finding acting and it does feel like she can do anything. I mean, I, you know, I, we knew, even though the holder was a such a dramatic role, we knew she'd be really funny but like, she might be the most naturally gifted comedian I've ever worked with. She's extraordinary, you know? It does feel effortless to her, like, it doesn't feel like she has, like, annoyingly, she seems to not have any of the anguish and anxiety that most comedians I know have, like, she just, she just is brilliant and I think she maybe can't kind of say, you know, she's brilliant. Yes. Yeah. She's, she's extraordinary. She has, she comes to set and comes to everything with such a weird level of calm. She's completely unflappable, which I, like, she can come, like, the set could be on fire and she'll just be like, okay, hey, Dave, what's going on? Are we going to evacuate her? Are we going to shoot? Like, she's just extraordinary. Like, oh, I want to talk to her about that. That's really interesting. Like, nothing seems to either, either, she hides it very well or nothing phases her or which I find fascinating because I'm faced by most things. Yeah, she's, she is, like, she can kind of, she's one of those people that I would put in no limits on. I think she can do, I think she can do anything as a performer, as an actor, as a comedian. Yeah, it's kind of almost infuriating how good she is. To be that good of an actor and to also be funny is, it's not nice. It's not nice for the rest of everybody, you know, like, it's not fair. So I would love to ask you as I have Dave mine here today, is there a question you think I should ask her, big or small, specific or, you know, existential, something that, a story that you think she might want to tell or something that you have yet to know about her that you'd like to have answered? I mean, I really want to know two things. One is where did the calm, the calm she has come from because it's so, it's so admirable to me. And I, I don't, I don't think you can be born with that. It's something else. And the other thing is because she's had such a varied career is, when did she know how funny she was? Like, when did she discover she was a comedian? Because it's not like she didn't do sketch comedy, really, or stand up. Like, when did she know she had that gift? Was that later in life that she was like, Oh, I'm really funny, maybe I'll try that. So there are the two things I'd love to know because I haven't got that out of her. Great questions, both. I love to ask this to people when I'm on Zoom with them and they have books behind them. Will you just randomly pick one book out from behind you and tell us what the title is? What the title is? Yeah. Oh, I'm going to pick this one because my sister-in-law wrote it, The Bonus of Benetty. The Bonus of Betty? It's an amazing series of kind of YA books, they're beautiful. Always looking for a new book. Thank you for that, Rhett. Yeah. Yeah. And also, I just got to check to make sure those books are real. No, I actually can't read. I can tell. It's just the cover is on the inside. - I'm just gonna stand inside, yeah. (laughs)
Yeah, perfect, perfect. Thank you so much, David. Such a pleasure talking to you. Thanks for your time. Thank you so much. Have a lovely day. Yeah. You too. Bye-bye. This episode is brought to you by Subaru. For me, going the extra mile means taking the long way home. If you're going to grab snacks and the 10-minute trip turns into a two-hour journey, suddenly you're on a new street, then your ice cream is melted in the back and, you know, we've solved the meaning of life. But luckily, in my Subaru hybrid, that's right. I have one, and I love it. That extra mile is built right in, with longer range and better fuel efficiency than ever before. The Subaru Forester Hybrid and the Subaru Cross Track Hybrid. Great cards. I have them both. Love goes the extra mile. Visit Subaru.com/hybrid to learn more. Dave, we're talking about sparkling water. We're talking about water and you love sparkling water. I love sparkling water. Me too. And why can't we drink it anymore? You said we can drink it. My doctor said I'm on the verge of having a hernia. Because of so much of the like bubbles and the alkaline, it's salt and stuff in it. But you said something that you said that's my coffee. That is my coffee. That's my cocktail. That's my cocktail, like a, when you open up the bottle and it's like, I know. It does something to me. And you know it's fascinating. How in Europe, they have percentages of this? Don't even get me started. Also, how do you feel about your sparkling water? Because I get the big bottles, but then I don't, you know, drink like half of it and then it's done. It's dead. A dead sparkle water is made. So what I do is I pour it in a fancy like wine glass. So that's funny that you say cocktails. I immediately twist it up. Yeah, really. Cover it up, root. Like all the ones, I cut my fingers. Super tight. Put that bad boy back in the fridge. I put my salsa waters in a wine cooler, chest. I have a wine cool chest. This is how much I revere. Me too. I completely, completely, to me. In the same way, one would be like, oh, no, I got to make sure that there's wine in my fridge. I panic if there's not a sparkling water situation in my fridge. I know. And some brands are hard to get the boxes of. Right. I have fought many clerks and presto farms because they're like, no, no, ma'am, you can't take that whole box. And I'm like, then you shouldn't have had it out here. Also, have you ever been real bougie and ordered it from, oh, I don't know, like a delivery service? And then I'll send you get the heaviest box that you got to carry in your house and your, it's filled with sparkling water. That success is if you're on postmates and you tell them to get the water for you and you want the 33.5 fluid ounces. And they'll show up with a 22 or 16. And I'm like, you should have called me. Yeah. Because then I would have said, yeah, don't get them. Or how many of the 33 did you have? Four, okay, just get those and then go to the next crystal farms and get the other ones. I found out recently you can't get light bulbs delivered anymore. Why? They won't take the risk like they're like, they're like, it's going to show. They're like, we, it's going to break. And it's like, what? What do you mean? People are getting soft down here. I don't like that. Light bulbs. It's not even on. I mean, I have to say, I do love ordering things and then like, putting it out of my mind. And then when a package comes, I'm like, what is this? And I think I'm like, what is it? What is it? What could it be? I mean, it's like the best crystal ever. No, it's the best. It's the spatula that I wanted. Yes, exactly. Two days ago. Yeah. And it shows up and you're like, oh my gosh, I was literally in Costco yesterday. And I was going past the, the mixers, but yeah, right? Like the, the mixers. What is that? Like, tableware? I don't know what it's called. Yeah. I love kitchenware, tableware. I could, I could. So I went past and I was like, gosh, it's on sale. I want one. And I literally remembered because life is life thing. No, no, no, babes. You ordered one for Black Friday already. It was almost cried with excitement. I couldn't believe it. I was like, I was crazy. It was crazy. That's how weird life is right now. I love kitchen gear so much, so much. It's like a treat. I sometimes I'll go past the wall of gadgets. I'm like, okay, I have a garlic press. I have a wood mallet. Okay, I have a zester. And I'm like, what do I need for my collection? And then I'm big on aesthetics. So the mixer I got, have you seen it? It's like the limited collection from William and Sonoma. Not a sponsor. Okay. Talk me through this. What you got? Hunter green with a dark mahogany wood mixing bowl. Holy shit. A wooden. Oh, wow. So we're talking kitchen aid. Yeah. Oh, wow. Yeah. And I forgot. And I was going to just sustain the steel one or like the red one and Costco, like, oh, geez, I wish I had one. Oh, this is a very, a very, I remember that I have that bad boy on this way. I can't believe you forgot that you ordered this. And do you see why I almost cry in Costco? Because I was like, you're going to get better than that. You're winning. Before we get into, we haven't started yet. But before I also, so then I'm about to really knock your socks off. I've been wanting these pots and pans. Stand by for generations. Is there that good? Yeah, yeah, yeah. William and Sonoma. No, you're crushing it. Just put in heritage copper. Oh, you got me right there. Pants. I don't know. You got me right there. It's this Italian company. I think it's worth an hour. Copper cookware. Fuck, I love cookware. I could talk about cookware all day long. Let's see. What do we got here? Phony. Yes, baby. Okay, for those who don't know, these are, we're looking at a copper pan with a silver stainless steel inside. Yep. Historic hammered copper. 11 piece set. Guess what? Originally $2,000. I got our price. $15.49. Why would you not buy that? And the price is in red. So I got again. I have to get it. Because it was so nasty. And no more. Trust me. I got that 11 piece. Absolutely. I'm, I'm, I'm going to pass that down to my children. Like it's so beautiful. It's made in Italy. Like what? Anything that's Italian. Forget it. If someone's like, this is an Italian knife. It's like, I got to get it. Okay. No problem. Devin Joy Randolph is here. Oh, we just got right in. We already have all our cookware for. I'm getting every. And I trust your taste. Please do. Text it to me. I try to taste like your first me. I want to see your first meal made it. I'm literally tearing up. Do you love to cook? I love to cook. And I talked about this on the podcast a little bit. I came late to cooking. I did not grow up cooking. Sure. And my mom always is like, I cooked, but my mom was a working mom who, um, like your parents' teachers. Yeah. So were mine. Yeah. So like she cooked. But yeah, but it was like, yeah, she didn't cook like holidays. Maybe she showed out. Yeah. And she was busy working. But so I didn't really know how to cook. And I thought in my 40s, I was like, I was not going to be able to cook. Yeah. And I learned. And now I love it. Well, I actually, this is going to dovetail into the theme that I wanted to talk to you about today, because I'm, I'm really impressed. I, I think you're so talented. Thank you. And so naturally talented. And so such a good actress and so funny. And those, and, and such a good singer. Like you do so many things so well. Thanks. And your career is a lot of, like, I'm going to try that. A lot of, yeah. A lot of, maybe I should try that and hold on. What's over here? Maybe I should try that still still cooking. Yeah. Why not? Right. Yeah. So a lot of people know you as an actress, but I don't think as many people know that you first kind of entered the world of arts as a singer. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And that was where that was kind of like the door you walked through. Yep. Mm-hmm. I liked it. So I like to ask this to people who have beautiful voices. When did you, when did you know you had a good voice? When did you hear it for the first time or someone say you have a good voice? When was the first time I didn't know? I thought that's what people sound it like. Right. And it wasn't until like I started getting training that I was like, oh, hello. So people are here who can't sing. When you say started getting trained, what does that mean? Taking voice lessons? Yeah, taking voice lessons. So when I was younger, it was like, right, like, family and friends. And I thought they're just being nice or whatever because I, I'm a Gemini, like I'm a tourist Gemini. So like I'm a very focused Gemini that wants all the options. So like, even as a kid, it wasn't like, and you are a singer. Like I was the poster child for after school programs. I did it all. Yeah. And I liked, I so appreciate that that my parents instilled that and was never like stage parents are like, they were like, whatever you want, lock in, have fun. But even now I think that's why acting is fun to me. I'm like trying on these different people. Yeah. Not staying one with one for too, too long. But that's also my life. It's people telling me like, no, no, for real though, you really could. Like I thought I've always thought like I'm decent. And it's taking people who I've really admired to be like, no, there's something there and keep going or keep pushing. That's amazing. I hear what you mean. Like it takes some time.
like a mentor or someone to say you what you have isn't the same as what everyone else has. Keep working on it. Keep doing it like that encouragement can really. But can I ask you a question? Yeah. To me when I watch you work, to me it seems as if there is a natural ease in what you do. Would you say that that's true? Thank you for saying that. I think I would hope that it it feels some version of like that is I'm not trying or striving too hard. But it did take definitely like directors and teachers and stuff to be like, no, you're funny. Keep going. Like just the keep going part. Yeah. And as you know too, a lot of it is like we know I know people way funnier than me and people way better actor than me and better singers. But half of the battle is just not giving up. Yep. And being ready when it presents itself. Not getting a regular job. Not having health insurance. Not like just for a long time being like I'm just going to try to make it. Yeah. It's not easy. No, no, no, no. It's not easy at all. So you start you you're in Philly. Where are you from? I'm from Boston. I felt the northeast one hundred percent. And I got to talk to you about your Boston accent. Okay, we'll get there. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So good. Oh, that means so much. Thank you. It's a hard one. And we're tough. So is Philly. And that was what was hard for me. I know because they're touching too close. But Philly has that like they then like the o's are real. Yeah. My house teller does that. He has Philly accent. Yeah. And I'm like what? Hogi. Yeah. Yeah. And you and you use and these guys. I can't even do it. Yeah. So Philly, you go to you start studying music. Your parents are teachers. Mm hmm. And you decide to go to school for opera. So I'm very competitive. So are you love competitive people? Man, we are living in the same. I like competitive women. Yeah, respect. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And so my dad was like, it's interesting. I always think of this. And this is so random. My parents did not for both of their children want to know the gender and events. Cool. Like that was so cutting edge. Yeah. And my dad really was manifesting and wishing for the first one to be a boy. So didn't happen. But he had a heavy hand in like sports and competitive and like not backing down. And so literally I was just a competitive. And so there was this girl and like a new girl at my high school that was like, I went to this performing art school called Interlocking. And my brain went, do do do do. And I went home that day. I will dominated interlocking. I will win it. That's literally what I said to my mom. She was like, okay. I had no idea what this thing was. Mm hmm. And I explained when it was like that camp. Oh my god. Interlocking is one of the most magical places. I'm not even kid. I would recommend any parent who has a child that has remote interests in any form of the arts. They do theater, music. They have a writing department. It is just like a safe haven for young grade school artists like budding. It taught me to respect and revere. You don't know me like in everyday life. It's not. I don't know. Maybe now with these generations, it's cool to be an artist. But like me growing up, I was kind of like, oh yeah, you do that other stuff too. Yeah. It was kind of like have fun and then find your real job. Yes. And so that was a place that I think is so integral for high school age kids, particularly. I mean, you can literally go at four years old. But for high school kids to go to to like really start to dip their toe into finding themselves as an artist. And it's just so such a beautiful place in my life. And so that was a moment, a very strong moment, because it was classical. And I was like, oh no, where's the army? That's for me. And so it was all classical. Whoa. So you were singing classical. And did you can you read music? Now I can. At the time, I just had like a really good ear. We have classically trained opera singer. And it was because of that. That's what started it. And it was teachers being like, no, you actually have a natural gift. Keep going. Had you seen any opera before that? I know. I feel like opera is this thing that you only see like what is like a feel trip. It's a feel trip. It's so I love how we when we grew up like, well, you're younger than me. But when I was growing up, like the genres kind of crossed at times. And that's where you learned about people. And I remember I was thinking when I was doing preparing for today, I was like, when did I first know about opera? And I think it was from the Muppets because Beverly Sills, who was an very famous opera singer, was sang opera on the Muppets. And I'm also obsessed with the Muppets. So that's why my whole face just dropped when you said that. You love the Muppets? Babes. I wanted to pee on that show so bad. And they were like, we're not doing the humans this year. I said, no humans. What did you mean? They're like two, like three humans, but it's really them. I was upset. I try. Who is your favorite Muppet? Biggie. Are you kidding me? I know she said that lady. Literally. That lady. That lady, that lady owes me a lot of money. I am happy today because of her. Yes. To imagine. That's a young age. That being like instilled in you, like you don't take shit from man. You do your thing. Be fabulous. You don't change. I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah. I literally made my parents buy me a tricycle. So you know, she has that skit where she's like, what the motorcycle pack? And she's like, get around and I used to do it all the time. And I used to make my mom give me a leather jacket girl. But then that's my girl. When I told my thing was coming back, I said, please. The other place that I saw opera was Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody. Sure. Yeah. I was like, I had to think that's a bridge, like a gateway for a lot of people. Yeah. I think a lot of people were like, what is he singing? How is he singing that way? I was like, oh, no, that's what opera sounds like. So you, when did you see your first opera? You meet like, once I went to the performing art school, it was like, they completely like slapped me with the culture. And I was like, whoa. And what was your first feeling about it? Like, what did you like about it? Having like what made you want to keep pursuing it? The power in my voice. That I was like, oh, there's an end also. I'm going to be really honest. They really sold me on the idea that it was a really good life. Like, you're going to live in Europe. And men are going to drool over you. And you get to wear beautiful gowns. And he passed out all day. And you work hard, but not that hard. Like because opera singers, they don't, how many, like even if you're at the top of your game, yeah, if you have concerts, but they don't, like we can do 17 million shows in a year. They may do like two, three opera. So I was like, this is a night. It is not a Broadway schedule. No, ma'am. Are you does opera? Do you have to kind of like pick like an athlete? Do you have to pick your role? Like the voice part kind of dictates it. So what is your voice? What are you? I'm considered a baby dramatic soprano, which means like, I don't know, that's what they said. Baby, well, I was like, well, I always have the baby part, even as I get older, I don't know, maybe, but it's like, basically, it's like, so Leantine Press, I don't think they would consider her a baby, but a dramatic soprano basically means you have the low notes, but you can also get up to the high notes, but instead of like traditionally a soprano, the high notes are very like soft and airy. Like more like Ariana Grande, like, right? Like really breathy and soft and just like, heavenly. And like a dramatic soprano is like, you can get up there, but like with some heft. Baby, dramatic soprano. And did you ever do an opera on stage? I went to Temple University for the teacher. Quinta went there. We were there at the same time, Quinta Bronson. Did you guys, were you friends? Did you know each other? We were in passing because she was like so theater and I was still music. And they were still felt separate. Yeah, they were very at that time. Now it's like a conservatory and they're going to go through your department. Um, and so, so anyways, I went to Temple and we were doing IEDA. Wow. And, uh, you know, my middle class parents, teachers, like they're not dumb, but it's like if you were to watch Shakespeare for the first time, like they all know it's going on. And so I remember my brain was just like, I want to be able to, it wasn't even acted. I want to be able to portray this character and know this character very well so that it can translate for like my family and friends that come see this. I remember that very clearly. I don't even know where that came from. Yeah. And so I remember you to go across the street to the theater department, what was like communications to copy sheet music. And I literally was copied sheet music and it sounded like people were dying in the room next door. And it was a theater class. And so I went up to this teacher afterwards and I was like, Hey, I'm working on an opera across the street. Like, could you help me? I want to like bring this to life and it'd be good. Wow. Wow. Very long story short. The music department got ultra pissed. And they were like, no, no, you can't do that. You can't cross over there. And I was like, I don't want to cross over. I don't want to be an actor, but I guess because it had happened so many times, they were very like territorial over it and they flunked me out. Excuse me. Yep, and it was my mom that I'm like bawling on the phone.
This is like my junior spring I'm out of here. I'm about to go be in Italy like live my best life and my mom was like go across the street I'll never get she talked so you know how moms are when their child is like devastated. Yeah, and she was like step one Go across the street Go speak to the administration You're going to apply to the theater program because most of your credits can transfer And I actually think you might be good at it. That's literally how she said. It was like wow, but she knew I need it logic first like credit because I kept thinking oh my god like I'm about to graduate I haven't now completely find a new right you're pot committed to this thing and then and I was like Remember they tell me to this to this day that I went to the administration office and I was like And they were like what and I was like and they're crying. They're like you are you are exactly And then you got really in a Shakespeare right you did a lot of Shakespeare later. Yeah later So when I got into Yale, I faked it. I did Shakespeare But I think I did like Tatanya when she sees bottom and she's like in love Sonny in the really like, you know, I don't I have to really meaning like is that More comedic is it is kind of more comedic saying that what you're saying is like there's like there's Shakespeare And then yeah, it wasn't me reciting like hamlet where it was like okay You just standing there and delivering this speech. It was it was like distra Tatanya is like kind of like a Michelle Obama like a tough girl. That's like got it all together Who now you see gets to be like she's drunk the Kool-Aid and she's like whimsically like this on Janoo and love and just being silly and In love of this like and you know having like a kind of like teenage middle school Moment of like oh my god. This guy is so cute. Yeah, but like I'm saying in a sense of like I wasn't doing So I went to after my first year I was like I don't know this because I was doing another classical art I don't know this one, and so I went to the British Academy of dramatic arts. Oh Oxford which I couldn't believe it. We literally ate lunch. We're Harry Potter ate lunch Walking in there being like oh my god, I made it. Yeah, and so I was it was just so cool because I learned Shakespeare like Wow, wow, but I love that sense of command that they have over Language, I love how much you have trained. Thank you Like you are you really know your stuff. Thank you. I really appreciate that. I was fun I bet and it gives to your point like it's supposed to be a journey like a fun and when you get to try and fail Yeah, over again, and then you get stronger and better. It is the best feeling to me It's kind of like freedom with inform like as long as I know the guard rails are up I'm gonna bang up against those guard rails, but like you're right in order for me to really Be loose and give all of myself even with comedy like I just need to know the parameters Yeah, and then I'm just gonna go off and it allows me to So I guess in a way the training is like the guard rails. Yeah, then when I work I'm like whatever like have you ever watch something back of your I don't like to I don't love to don't like ADR is one of the most traumatic. Oh, yeah Also ADR is for people don't know. It's like that moment in the film when you have to kind of go back sometimes and re record stuff Which for me is my first time of seeing it ever. Yes. It's often your first time seeing it and it hasn't been like color correct Everything and I just like arm is just like why do I look like that? I guess I am a hundred years old Like it's just it's seeing your face for the first time. Yeah, and a thing that isn't finished Yeah, and you have to record new stuff and it's brutal brutal. I always I used to call my mom crying after it Well, I look so ugly she was like go across the street. Yeah to the theatre press. You are okay You are not the character. You serve the character. You're always really good at comedy. Yeah She's the one when you were at Yale. Was there anyone else there that we would know at the time? But yeah, so when I was there when I was a second year Lupita was a first year Then after Lupita was Winston Duke then after that were I could be mixing this up because I was now gone But was then yeah, yeah Then after that was mama. Do like it just do do do do do do do do wow. Yeah, wow as intense That's intense. Mm-hmm. And then you go and you go from that to talk about training being put to the test You have to open ghost all in the west end with about a week of rehearsal. Yeah Which made no so um I was When I graduated I got an agent and like, you know, I got to have a survival job. Yeah, so I applied everywhere in New York City and that little Yale degree even though it's in theater People were like you're overqualified No, and I was like but it was theater more than the director and that upset him Yeah, and so I couldn't get any job and so I was like, okay, I'm gonna nanny So I nanny for this amazing family and it was amazing because I worked the system Because I was broke and I said listen as a curator of arts Your children need to go to five star hotels and experience what that is like And I need to go with the next places and we need to teach them how to eat Five literally and they were like okay, and literally can you imagine two little white boys and me like At a table and they're like Just in case their friends are here watching. I got to make this incredible. That's so far so much fun So smart and then you go that job. How do you get the job? So they were like oh this is an audition For the like understudy understudy is swing And so they were like you'll if you get this you'll rarely go on no big deal I go in there because I'm young and I had never auditioned for anything before Those people told me so you're gonna do the entire thing They made me audition for 75% of that musical wow in the room Like I had my sides and then they were like here. There's more cold read wow 75% of the musical and you nailed it. It was just a drilling Yes, but one thing that was a blessing in the curse. I was on a high like my body was I said speaking of belting high baby. I belted high that day. Uh-oh And then they wrote it I thought there's an original musical so they were like oh she wants a belt and ask never be good at something. You don't want to do Be patient Cuz eight shows a night and they were Basically up there. I was like no we're gonna have to bring it down So I did that audition in like August I didn't hear anything for two days. I'm not thinking about it. It's the understudy's understudy Understudy my team then hits me up and it's like you booked and I'm like oh okay cool And I was bummed because I was like I gotta tell these kids. Yeah, I gotta leave them My team was like are you crazy? It was the lifestyle. I was saying goodbye to the lifestyle So they literally they were like days later. They're like why are you not more excited my team? And I was like Cuz you it's just whatever like if everyone gets sick then maybe I'll go on They were like yeah, we lied um You are playing will be Goldberg's part and I was like come on What why would you do this so then I'm terrified and it was literally the Like the Tuesday. Oh wow before Thanksgiving and so I had never done a job of that magnitude But I had never done a like seasonal job. Yeah, and I really love the holidays. Yeah, so I started crying and I was like But do I get to spend a day with my parents and you know ages are you done? You made it you can't know what's that you've worked with so many great people Yeah, and you talk about them a lot and you talk about Robin Williams And I can't believe that was my first movie. That's amazing. I cannot believe that sadly That was my first movie and that was his last movie. I cannot believe it What was I like to be with him? great form There's something that I notice in legendary comedians specifically Robin had it Eddie had I had that experience with it's different but they have a similar trait. Eddie is shows up in Steve Martin for sure Martin short and There's this thing when we talk about when people Tap me on my shoulder and be like hey And I never would think it would be those people and my mind growing up I thought you know like they either really stay to themselves or they're distant or like Their ego's won't ever give you the satisfaction and Robin was the complete opposite And he actually talked to me more than anybody else. We just talked for we I literally just sat there and listened to everything That that man said to me and I will Even in the moment while he was talking to me. I was like This is crazy no one's gonna believe you so don't even tell anyone like Maybe later you can share a great anecdote, but It was unbelievable and he just poured into me and it would just be like in between the takes He was just like blah blah blah blah blah and then you know, they merely just going to This thing, but yeah, he would if I would say career-wise. He
He was the first person that was like, you've got what an anointing from someone like that. And then you were to the Eddie and Dolomite and and same thing, Eddie really took you under his wing. He really did. He really did. And something that was interesting. So like differences, Robin was so explosive. It felt like when people ask the only thing I can think of is like, you know how and pin station, the ticker thing, yeah, it's like you can his thoughts are so loud when he's not talking that even when you stand next to him, it's like, it's like having coffee, like you just fill this buzz being next to him and just was like, and with Eddie something that I learned and it was interesting to work with him at that stage of his life and that point of his career, there is a stillness and a quietness when he's not working or in between scenes. And then there's the action and this whole thing comes to life. Yeah. And it was something that in the first again supporting actor being like, okay, this is your rhythm. And this is how you work that Ivan, like, adjusted and then I was like, okay, so I'm not. Well, that feels like your musical training comes in there because you're picking exactly what you said, rhythm and breath and energy, like the dynamics, 100% of the day. The rhythm is the biggest thing I think, especially with comedy and especially with legends at that. You write, you want to learn quickly, not ask any questions and observe and like, it feels like jump rope of like, I'm jumping in and I'm jumping out, you know, I mean, learning that kind of pacing, but it was after that he really kind of prepared me for the industry in that when we did, like we had a full blown press tour and he was like, she's come, whatever I'm going to, she's coming to all of it. And so like 100% it prepared me for holdovers. I think if I didn't have that, I would be like, what is this crazy machine of things and so in a more chill way. I got to experience that I got to see what insane fame looks like, which is scary to me. Yeah. That's really intense. Okay, ready for it. Sorry, but you mentioned the holdovers. I just have to say to you that film, it is in, it is now forever in rotation as a Christmas film, because not only is it beautifully acted and beautifully directed by Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti and Dominic, they're amazing. The three of you together are just, it's you, but it also captures this melancholy, like you say you love the holidays and it's this holiday, salty, sweet sour sadness that happens to all of us. All of us. Even if you have a house full of people or whatever you consider like a traditional, happy Christmas, because like the loneliness finds its way in every time I know even with a full house, the way you depicted that mother and that movie is one of my favorite cinematic performances. I love him. Thank you. So much. Congratulations on winning the Academy Award. Thanks, ma'am. And I'm so deserved. Thank you. And just, so, first of all, Paul Giamatti. Love him. Always loved him. Yeah. And like, similarly, he's so good at so many things. Yeah. He is. And he's really good at playing like that underdog that can't quite figure it out and just like, he's hitting their head against the well, oh, he's so good. I had a fun moment when he hosted SNL when I was there and, you know, you're like down under the bleachers, like, changing clothes really fast. And at one point I turned to him and I was like, are you having fun and he's like, this is a nightmare. Yeah. Inside. Everything is painful. And he's dying inside. He's like, I hate it, not E.A., it's like anything, but do you know what I mean? That's why he's so funny. That's why he's so good at it. Because he doesn't. He'll put himself in like risky, like inside his anxiety is through the roof. Yeah. And he's like, I do feel it. We feel it with him. And the trio of you three, like unexpected friends, like, you know, like a random family. Yeah. Yeah. How prep did you do for that role? So it was interesting when, because I love cooking, I was like, so listen contractually, I have to cook for real. And for many reasons and due to that time period, I wanted it to be clear that this was actually her job and that she was good at it versus like, I first asked Alexander. I said, is she the help or is she a learned chef? And he was like, I actually want her to be a learned it. He said, cook. And I said, we're not going to say that where we're going to say chef. If you're saying she has an education, yeah, she's a chef, right? And so once I knew that's where he was going with it, I was like, okay, something you're going to have to establish scenes and moments where I'm dealing with the food and facilitating the kitchen to show my prowess over this area, right? And so, and I remember, there was like, there was, and he was so down, which was so cool. For someone that acclaimed and lauded to have that much flexibility and collaboration, which I think is another huge reason why that movie just did so well because he trusted us. And we really got to work together. And so like, there was a moment where I was like, you know, to be honest, he had a lineup of extras for people that were going to be in my kitchen and they were all women of color. And I was like, you're going to have to put some white ladies in there too. And he was like, really? Why? And I said, because it, the other one's going to get some my friends that I just brought in. And then this other version makes it again, look like, oh no, I'm in charge. Yeah. And these are the cooks. So I ad lib this line in the movie where I'm like, to the white lady, too much paprika, because my mind, I was like, no, no, no, she can taste it and be like too much paprika because I wanted to show a lot of it to do with the time period that I was like, I want, if you're saying she's a chef, I don't want those lines to be blurred. But in regards to prep, the, the thing that Alexander was the most, thank you for sharing that with me. I totally, just to take a minute, I love knowing that because you're, because I couldn't capture the, what you're exactly what you're saying, which is a, there's a regalness to her. Yes. There's a pride. Yes. has two cents in her pocket, which is another thing because he, understandably, he wanted her to be in hot pink rollers in that cozy, warm purple moon move, the entire most of the movie. Because he was like, it's the holidays. And I was like, no, she has so much, she's working. Yes. She may be, you know, they might be in like living, shared living quarters, but she's working. She wakes up. This is her job. Yes. And so it was something that he, we had to like negotiate for him to realize. Yeah. No, this isn't just Auntie with the, you know, mean, with Uncle Buck and whoever. Such incredible tension. Because that is her space. And in the scene when she's serving and when she, she, when everyone is eating her food, that she's good at cooking and Paul's character standing up for her. And it's beautiful. That's one of my favorite moments. Same. Yeah. And it's just a look. She just looks at the kid. Yes. But she, but she know the volume in which Paul yelled, she heard it. Yes. You know, me like, she wasn't there for it, but she heard that he had his back. And so the main prep was, I was going to was very keen on smoking. It was almost like an audition question. Do you smoke? And I was like, no, I don't. And he was like, and I was like, you can send a pack on over and we can figure it out. Part of the prep was learning how to smoke, making it look realistic as it was great that I was in Boston. There's so many smokers in Boston. But I would just watch like there is a science. You can tell the level of addiction or how many years it, I might go say addiction level addiction. Yeah. Let's say it. How long you've been in the game? Oh, tell me what you noticed about how people lose the more that it feels like it is literally another finger. They've been doing it for a while. Right. Right. Or this is like that person is usually like older men that like it's how I don't even know it's like that one beat of saliva. Because a person that has their like one side of week, it's tight and they're like enjoying every minute. I'm thinking about like the girls outside the club. Sure. Like bumming it from someone else. But someone who's like, oh, there's a hundred more where that came from. It'll fall out. They like take it up. Whatever. I'm a light and I'm one right away. Yeah. And so part of my process was like so interesting. What's her level of addiction and certain times and what she's going through, I wanted the smoking to signify what like psychologically was going on for her. And then the big, the biggest most difficult, the two difficult things, most difficult things about filming and smoking, timing of knowing when to like how to pace of the between the talking and when to pull. Right. Yeah. And blowing that smoke so it's not in your face for the camera unless there's some moments where you wanted to get in or not like directing that smoke was tricky. Oh, I can't, I'm
I'm gonna be rewatching this movie again. - That was the hardest part. - And I'm gonna watch all of your movie titles. - We could have a beautifully acted scene. And I was gonna be like, mm-hmm, that smoke went in pause phase, pause phase, do it again. And then the last thing was the dialect, which he was like, let's talk about it. - Okay, let's talk about it. - Let's talk about it. He was like, you're from Philadelphia, it's cool. And I was like-- - Alexander. - Respectfully. - Respectfully, how dare you? - No, sir, and he was adamant about it. - And you worked, I can tell, 'cause it was so good. - Yeah, I wasn't gonna call Kevin's dialect coach. - Who's the best and so down to earth? But yeah, I said, no, no, no, no, no. - So what did you learn about me? - Like we said, I'm from Philadelphia. It's so close, but yet it's not the same thing. And also it was, technically, it's a period piece. And so the biggest reason why I wanted to do the dialect, not only because that is what is the world, I needed something to differentiate and to separate from me. - Yeah. - And so I needed that dialect. - The smoking, yeah, clothes helps. The hair helped a lot, but the dialect was the thing that really allowed me to lock in. - Were there words that helped you lock in? - Mr. Hatt, what was his name? Hatt, Hatt, Hatt, Mr. Honeym. - Mr. Honeym, I heard you. - Mr. Hatt. - Mr. Hatt. - Mr. Honeym. - When they meet. And it's she's like, Mr. Honeym, I'm paraphrased. But she's like, Mr. Honeym, I heard you had babysit in duty, how'd you manage that? And that was like my key phrase. - Yes. - That I would, I could get right in. - Babies sit in, there's a babysit and how'd you manage that? - What was helpful was the crew was all Boston. - Oh yeah. - So I would literally. - 'Cause they're like, eh. - Yeah, no shame. I was like, did I say that right? - They're like, you didn't get it. 'Cause Boston in me, you know, our ears are attuned. It's, to me, it's like the Australian accent. - For sure. - It's for sure. - When it's wrong, it is rough. - Yeah, and so what I basically said to myself is, I worked on it and prepped it a lot. And I told myself, you're gonna have the first day of filming. If you get a lot of feedback on this dialect, either being distracting or too much or not right, we're gonna leave it alone. - Yeah, smart. - And, and, and-- - Smart. - Yeah, it worked. And I was like, okay, but in between still, I literally, in between takes, the gaffer, I'm like, is it, smart, smart? - It's not, yeah. - And they like, smart, and I'm like, okay, smart, smart, smart. - Speaking of films, we're talking about "Eternity," the rom-com that you're in with the hilarious John Early, who we love. - I think he was one of the last people that they cast. And I knew from the script that I would have quite a bit of stuff with this character. And I kept saying, who I kinda didn't wanna sign on the dialogue until I knew who that person was, and it just didn't work out that way. And I never get, we were in, like, why they call it camera testing. - We were camera testing. - And I was ear hustling and I heard them say, and I go, ah, yes. - And they were like, what is wrong? And I'm like, oh, my job just got way better. - So funny. - It was so easy. - Really easy. - So you guys are great together. - He has the stuff that's up there in that brain. - Mm-hmm. - And it's so much, you obviously know what I mean. And you know what I was a little worried about? 'Cause he's so, so good that I was like, oh, he's gonna be doing the button thing. You know the button thing when you're around funny ha-ha's. And it's like the scene is done. And now every funny person in that room is like, (imitates drumming) and then that person goes back and I'm like, wow. - Oh my God, I've never heard it stuff like that. That's, I'm really, I'm really sweating. Because I, I so- - But it's infectious. - It is so right though. - There's an instinct for comedy people to be like, and one more thing. - Button, button, button, now person A's gotta do second button. - I can't see it, I feel see it. - And then it goes, and it just go, and my always, I'm like, very present. But, and that's usually when the camera cuts to me. - Oh, that's so real. - Yeah. - And you're right. And then once someone does a button, someone's like, I got a button, that button. And it never ends. - And I just sit there. (laughs) - But yeah, he didn't have any of that. - Yeah. - But so, I don't think he ever repeated it joke. I'm just so, so impressed by him. - What is your relationship to romcom? So, what romcom, are you romcom person? Do you like romcom? - I was when I was in high school. - What did you like? - When I was there, like was, let me tell you something. - How do you like that in 10 days? - Oh yeah. - It's perfect. (laughs) And if you tell me different, I'll fight you. That, and I like who you was for that. - That's the best. - 'Cause it's so hard. - I'm scared. - It's so emotional. - Baby, that's the same when you're out in Staten Island. - I'm not even. - I'm in a car game. - I'm bawling. - 'Cause you're really making me swathing together. - It's so good. - And I like it to you because it's like, it's a relatable New York couple. You know some of those New York romcoms, you're like, "Well, I'm never gonna be in that pin house." - Oh yeah, the apartments. - Or the boss. - And I love how it was like, they were regular New Yorkers. And that like, Staten Island, I forget what it is. Staten Island Long Island family was a really good touch. My best friend's wedding. - Yes. - It's so good. I think it's the ones that are really relatable. - I know. And they just dig in and some like, they're like rainy day delicious treats. - Yeah. - And okay, so we have this thing where we talk to people who know our guests, we talk well behind their back. We get a question for them. So we talked to the director of eternity, David Frayne. And we got to talk about how incredible it was working with you. And he was explaining which I'm now getting to see in real time. The feeling of there was like a, there's a calmness to you when you work and a confidence that is, he says like, it just as a director just makes you feel like everything is gonna work out. Like every, you know. - Oh, that's a wonderful thing. - And he had two questions for you. One was, where do you think you find the calm? - Or as he said the calm. - Yeah, the calm. - Because he had a great text and he had to find the calm. - But the, so that was his first question is like, is that true? Are you feeling like when you step in work, there's a calmness to you? Is the people project that on you? Is that real? What do they mean? - I think it's, how do I say? It's a little projected. It's all of it, right? So number one, yes. It's part of that like preparing to then like, have so much fun, like, like, within the boundaries. Like, I know I did the work. - Yeah. - But then I'm very open to what is the direction? What are you giving me? What, you know what I mean? What is it gonna be in this? I know her and you could tell me we're gonna go on Mars. Great. We're going on Mars. What's that gonna be? - Yeah. - So there's that. There's also two, I'm very well aware of like, it's interesting how leads speak of like, their role of leadership and da, da, da, da. I am aware that part of my role is to not say anything out loud, but to reassure. And to like, nurture a little, but like create a foundation. - That's really interesting. - As, yeah. - Not to name drop, but I will. I've been named drop in a lot today. Great, it's Paltrow was in the seat. And she said something that I thought was really interesting, which is, you know, we were talking in terms of like co-dependency and trying to figure out. And when you're in a supporting role in any aspect of life, you have to balance what you talked about, which is knowing what is needed for the room and she used the term thermometer, like is the room too hot or unique. Same with every scene. That's a giving supportive collaborative person and then also taking care of yourself. - That's right. - It's a hard balance. - And I think I've gotten really good at that. And I think that's also why I've been able to work with the type of people I've gotten to work with because I think it's that mixed in with they then feel a reassurance to them be their best selves. - Yeah. - Right. - And so then I'll have like, it's so cute. And I can't believe I'm even saying this. Steve Martin will literally be like, 'cause I normally when I film for only murders, they're so kind and with my schedule, they allow me to like shoot out. So I'm doing like in two weeks, like five episodes. And so we get like this kind of like intense two weeks with one another. And then I'll be like gone for a year and then we'll catch up for like press and then do the next year. And he always is like, God, I forgot about this feels good. I'm feeling good. And not to me is the greatest, greatest compliment that I can think of. And so I think it is a bit of that. And then I think also there is of like, I do still suffer with imposter syndrome in this format, like when we have to talk about it, but I don't when we're doing it, if that makes sense. But it's a quiet, maybe if you mean about that calmness, reassuredness, it's a quiet confidence. - Yeah. - But also at the same time, there's a lot of adrenaline and excitement buzzing through me. And do you ever find sometimes when you perform this kind of like, sometimes I'll have this moment of like zoom in, zoom out where I'm like kind of up overhead? - Well, yeah, disassociating. - Yeah. - But it's great. I highly recommend it. - I love it. - You're like, I'm on the ceiling, babe. Nothing good to touch me. - No. - I'm not here. - And we're doing it. - I wasn't even there. - Yeah. - And I had that sometimes. - Me too. - And it's a lot more before me. - And it's a, what you're saying is like a technique to get past exactly what you said, the fear and adrenaline.
I don't know if you're like this, but I can get nervous after I do something. I get through it and then like an hour later, I'm like, yeah, did we do it, did we do it? And it all starts to shake out because, yeah, I wasn't really there. I want to finish with a very quick speed round. If you can give me a sense or two about this, about some of these people or things. Sure, sure, sure. And number one is Zoe Kravitz. The best, and I knew she was extremely talented when I first met her. She was an executive producer. I think that was her first executive producer role and she went above and beyond. And so when she began starting to direct, I was like, duh, we saw that. I remember one time she literally, and it was so cool 'cause we were the same age with like the youngest people on set. And she was literally like, it was a coffee cup. We were doing a scene in a bodega. And it was a coffee cup and she was like, that's not what real coffee cups look like in New York. Like, why is it? I think it was like red. And you know, it was supposed to be blue with the blue and the white. And they were like, oh, 'cause we're young and she's a woman. So they're like, no, no Zoe, it's fine. And she's like, no, no, get it right. And we'll wait in a very polite, a professional and stern way. And I was like, she's got it. Okay, speed round. Yeah, I'm talking monologue. Al Pacino. Yeah, so Al Pacino. I was down there getting good ones. And you're like speed round. Al Pacino on Broadway stressed out, voice tired, eating soup in like this little French bistro. He randomly is there. He goes to check out and he backs back and like comes and sits down at my table. And we have this like beautiful heartfelt thing. And I share with a stranger like, it's really hard. I can't talk like, you know what I mean? I have no life, the amount that is required for this. And he gave me the most beautiful advice ever. And he used this metaphor of a ladder and said like, as you continue to go up a ladder, you have to let go of more and more weight. And kind of was like, it's not what you're feeling and it's natural. Another moment of someone being like, you've got it. Keep going. And it was like, I'll see you at the top of the ladder. Cut to, we do Dolomite. Netflix decides they're now going to start doing magazines. Like their own magazines. We get to the shoot and there's a ladder there. And I'm like, oh my god, oh my god. 'Cause I knew he was going to be in this shoot. 'Cause it was like, the Irish man, and I was like, yo, if they put me on this ladder, I'm gonna lose it. And they're like, placing everyone so they place, how? He's next to the ladder. And I said, please, please, please. 'Cause he's still got to put like, Laura Dern and Scarlett Johansson. And I was like, yo, what the hell? And they put me on the ladder. I'm bawling the entire photo shoot. And I'm like, looking down at him and I'm like, how do you remember the ladder? Did you have a scare man, did he? No, no, no. That was him, remember the ladder. But I'm like, it's the ladder. And he's like, all right, honey, like whatever. But in my mind, I was like, it's full circle. I'm on the ladder. I'm looking at you. And you said he was going to happen. Oh my god, the perfect story. And then Steven's time. I miss him. I know that sounds so crazy. Doesn't, but it's like, he was like the modern heat. Okay, sometimes that musical theater stuff is a lot for me. Like I was never kidded. But because I came into a late, and I just like, well, I'm a vocalist and this is theater. And I had to like find my way into musicals, which is funny that my first gig was a musical. But I just vibed with him so much because it felt like strong story, really good acting. And we just so happen to sing beautiful, beautiful songs. To me, it's like the purest for me. And my taste, one of the purest ways of expressing musical theater. And in college, we did into the woods. And I played the witch. Oh. And I was like, okay, I think I like this stuff. Hey, can you sing a little bit of it? Guys, I was so crazy. You don't, you sound so crazy. This is-- Wait, but what's the song when she's like-- Just say a little, Steven, anything from Steven, sometimes the one that the witch-- Why don't we get it on my laptop? But what the-- I'm out of the lyrics. This is crazy. I sing for no more. And I'm going to order that William Sonobo. Please do it, please do it. Please order it immediately. I'm not kidding you. I thought about it the entire time. You guys, you didn't see it, but it has a wooden bowl. With a hunter-grain-- And the hopper. OK. What are we looking up? Where are the clouds sending the clouds? Thanks, babe. Oh! Only for you. Literally-- Thank you. Thank you. For years. Oh. No, years. OK. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. And the world needs to hear your voice. Yeah, I know. I got to work through this stuff. And so that's why I'm going to figure out-- I think, honestly, I talk about this a little bit, but I think, honestly, because the classical thing like I feel like there's a lot of people that can link things like pop and R&B. But I do feel like that's one of my special little tricks. Like you said, how singing is a trick, but classical. I think I want to do a biopic on "Lean Team" price. And just like, OK, we're doing it-- Oh, yeah. --from the band-aid off-- --your back into singing. Listen to everybody listening. Let's make that happen. Yeah. God, that would be amazing. I think that'd be fun. And then my last question is, because you're so funny, and times are stressful, where we ask a lot of our guests, what they listen to, read, go to, to laugh. Is there anything right now that you're watching, consuming, like a dumb video, a TV show? No, it really makes me-- I did a podcast with Royal Court-- Oh, Britney. I-- to the point where I had to tell my publicists, like, go back and take some things out. Because I just felt so comfortable. And we were just-- I saw you on that. And you guys were hilarious. We were cracking up. And I was like, oh, she's God. So I think what her podcast is giving people right now is really, really nice. I watch a lot of old stuff. I don't-- Are you like that? Do you sometimes-- sometimes I'm like, I don't want to be-- I don't want-- Tainted or like-- I don't watch a lot of people's jokes. And in fact, to me, what are the reasons why the kind of intention behind this podcast is to me, the way for my own mental health was, like, feeling, like, chatting and laughing with people, connection was getting me up out of things. But the actual, like, watching comedy at home, and sometimes it feels like, oh, if it's good, I'm like, damn. I can't watch-- because I'm judging it. I can't watch contemporary stuff. Because I'm like, my friend's in that. Her hair looks crazy. You know what I mean, like, what did they do? So I like to watch older things. And so, I mean, you can't beat a '90s comp. Which I feel like is a lot of stuff that you've done. But like, a '90s comedy is just so good. Ooh, like, what would you put on, like, to, like, run as you were-- like, are you talking friends? Are you talking? I love rush hour. Yes. If that's one of one of the best buddy duos that you would never think of, and it is, oh, so good. Let's watch a rush hour scene for you. What scene? They don't give a damn about you. They don't like you. I don't like you. I'm here for the good. The girl who like you. I'm fine with like you. You came all the way over here for nothing. You ain't gonna be on the line. I'm fine with you. Be sure. Be sure. And you'll be on the line. And isn't it funny how people get so, like, you touch the radio? This is not even your car. Don't touch the radio. I mean, also, I love when people are give it to-- give it to somebody straight, and they're like, I don't like you. It really makes me laugh. I just don't enjoy you. You don't say that in real life. No. You never get to say, comedy lets you say stuff you could never say. Yeah. Just dig, man. And walk away. And walk away. She doesn't like you. She's not into you. Sorry. Well, Dave, I love you. I adore you. I adore you. And I think we should be friends. Yes. Please. And I think we should buy various things together. I'm gonna give you my number. I want you to text me when you get the mixer. Great. I think you should get a pot-- just get one of the pots. I gotta get all the pots. OK, good. That's what I was hoping for. And then when you cook something in there, text it to me, and I'm gonna text it to you too. Oh, I would love to. Yes. I mean, why are we working so hard if we can't buy ourselves discounted copper pots? Black Friday, so we deserve it. And this economy-- You saw what the price used to be? Why would you-- but is that reading that you speak about? It's that urgency of-- They're gonna get it. They're gonna get it. They're gonna get it in their life. It gets in your life. There's 50,000 in inventory in the back. I'm gonna get it in your life. *cough*
(laughing) (clapping) - Thank you so much, Devine Joy Randolph. You are so fun and I love talking to you and I'm so blown away by your talent and your training and so thanks for joining me on the pod and speaking of talent and training. I just wanna use this polar plunge because we were talking a little bit about Shakespeare and there's a person that I discovered in my phone where I discover everything, read everything and learn everything, a performer named Michelle Terry and she is, I believe she ran the Shakespeare Globe Theater or a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and then Royal National Theater. She performed all those places, she's really good, she's that really good actress. She is a person who continually amazes me and translates Shakespeare to me in a way that feels like no one has for me. So I don't know if you're on your phone right now and you wanna type her name in and you're gonna see videos of her playing Hamlet and Richard III, incredible. Okay, so if you never liked Shakespeare before, Michelle Terry is gonna get you there. So that's my plunge, thank you for listening and see you next time, bye. (clapping) You've been listening to Good Hang, The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weissberman and me, Amy Poler. The show is produced by The Ringer and PaperKite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spalane, Kaya McMollan and Alia Zeneres. For PaperKite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell and Jenna Weissberman. Original music by Amy Miles. ♪ All I ever want is a really good hang ♪
Podcast Summary
Key Points:
The episode features an interview with actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph, discussing her career from opera training to film and comedy.
Director David Frayne, who worked with Randolph on the film "Eternity," joins to praise her calm demeanor and comedic talent, and shares his personal health struggle with a brain tumor.
Randolph discusses her background
She shares experiences working with legends like Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy, highlighting their mentorship and different comedic styles.
Randolph details her preparation for "The Holdovers," including dialect coaching for a Boston accent, learning to smoke for the role, and collaborating with director Alexander Payne on character details.
She talks about her love for cooking, kitchenware, and sparkling water, and shares a memorable story about Al Pacino's advice using a ladder metaphor.
The conversation covers her role in "Eternity" with John Early, her appreciation for rom-coms like "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," and her admiration for Stephen Sondheim's musical theater.
Summary:
" Frayne praises Randolph's effortless comedic talent and unflappable calm, and shares his personal journey of recovering from a brain tumor, which gave him a new perspective on life and death. Randolph then joins the conversation, discussing her multifaceted career. She reveals her early start in opera, which she pursued competitively at Temple University, but was pushed toward theater after a dispute with the music department.
Her training includes classical voice and Shakespeare, which she sees as guardrails for her creative freedom. She shares anecdotes about working with Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy, who mentored her and prepared her for fame. For "The Holdovers," she immersed herself in preparation, including perfecting a Boston accent, learning to smoke authentically, and negotiating character details with director Alexander Payne to ensure her character's pride and professionalism.
The conversation also touches on her love for cooking, kitchenware, and sparkling water, as well as her role in "Eternity" with John Early. She recounts a touching story about Al Pacino's advice on navigating success. Throughout, Randolph emphasizes the importance of preparation, quiet confidence, and collaboration in her work, leaving the host eager to continue their newfound friendship.
FAQs
The film 'Eternity' is a comedy set in the afterlife, directed by David Frayne, and stars Da'Vine Joy Randolph alongside John Early. It focuses on delivering rapid-fire jokes and a fun, joyous experience.
She started as a singer, training in opera and classical music, before transitioning to acting. Her journey began at a performing arts school called Interlochen, which led to her studying at Temple University and later Yale.
She is a 'baby dramatic soprano,' which means she can sing both high and low notes with power and heft, unlike a traditional soprano whose high notes are softer and airier.
She learned to cook for real, worked on a Boston dialect with a coach, and studied how to smoke cigarettes realistically to match her character's psychological state. She also collaborated with director Alexander Payne on details like her character's hair and kitchen dynamics.
He used a metaphor of climbing a ladder, telling her that as you go up, you have to let go of more weight. This advice stuck with her and later felt like a full-circle moment during a photo shoot where she was placed on a ladder.
It comes from thorough preparation, being open to direction, and understanding her role in nurturing the set's atmosphere. She aims to reassure the cast and crew, balancing confidence with a quiet, supportive presence.
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