Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: Episode featuring Josh Brolin

Introduction In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, host Conan O’Brien is joined by his regular team members Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley. The guest for the episode is acclaimed actor Josh Brolin, known for his roles in The Goonies, No Country for Old Men, and Avengers: Endgame. Released on November 18, 2024, this episode delves deep into Brolin's personal life, his memoir, and his multifaceted career.

Early Life and Upbringing Josh Brolin opens up about his unconventional upbringing, highlighting the significant influence of his mother. He shares, “[14:08] Conan O'Brien: It’s so interesting because one of my favorite movies of all time, and I think I’ve probably told you this hundreds of times ad nauseam, but No Country for Old Men is one of my all-time favorite movies.” This sets the stage for a discussion about his formative years on a ranch, where he developed a strong work ethic and a manlier persona compared to traditional Hollywood lifestyles.

Brolin recounts, “[17:03] Conan O'Brien: Your dad, very well known actor, James Brolin.” This acknowledgment of his father's fame contrasts with Josh’s own narrative of striving to forge his path outside the shadow of his celebrity parent.

Career Highlights The conversation transitions to Brolin’s illustrious acting career. He reflects on his debut in The Goonies, stating, “[34:21] Josh Brolin: I came up. They said, go. And I heard everybody else coming up, so I was late. So I wasn’t thinking. I came up, I looked at it, I turned around, and I went, fuck.” This candid admission showcases the pressures and challenges faced by actors, especially those born into the industry.

Conan emphasizes the depth of Brolin’s performances, particularly in No Country for Old Men, saying, “[14:40] Conan O'Brien: In what way? What did he mean?” This underscores the profound connection between Brolin’s characters and his personal experiences, enriching the audience's appreciation of his work.

Personal Insights and Memoir A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Brolin’s memoir, From Under the Truck. Conan praises the book, “[13:25] Conan O'Brien: This is a gorgeous book and it really is a powerful and is brilliantly written.” Brolin delves into the themes of his memoir, discussing his tumultuous relationship with his mother and the struggles he faced growing up. He shares, “[17:16] Josh Brolin: She was a character,” highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of his mother’s persona.

Brolin discusses his writing process, revealing, “[50:00] Josh Brolin: It was impossible to write about motorcycles. And I wrote and I wrote and I wrote and I kept crossing shit out and finally I said, I can’t do it. And the minute I said I can’t do it, I started writing.” This anecdote illustrates the organic development of his memoir and the deep personal connections he weaves into his storytelling.

Reflections on Relationships and Family The episode takes a poignant turn as Brolin addresses the loss of his mother in 1995, “[14:08] Conan O’Brien: ...you talk about these experiences where you would go with your mom, you’re a kid, she would go to a restaurant and it’s just the two of you.” He elaborates on the complexities of their relationship, sharing intimate details about his mother's struggles and their bond.

Conan reflects on the impact of these relationships on Brolin's life and career, “[43:33] Josh Brolin: ... my mother spinning, man. And my mom, what I don’t write about in the book too, they go, God, your mom’s like horrible.” This honest portrayal fosters a deeper understanding of Brolin's motivations and resilience.

Motorcycles and Personal Passions Brolin passionately discusses his love for vintage motorcycles, revealing, “[47:08] Josh Brolin: ...I rode my whole life. I raced dirt bikes...I have five different motorcycles.” Conan engages with this topic by asking about maintenance, to which Brolin responds candidly about the challenges of keeping vintage bikes operational. This segment highlights Brolin's dedication to his hobbies and the sense of freedom they provide him.

Interactions with Hollywood Legends The conversation also touches on Brolin’s interactions with other Hollywood legends like Robert De Niro and Sean Penn. He recounts, “[37:02] Josh Brolin: ... you just got a fucking face. Look at your face.” These anecdotes reveal the camaraderie and occasional tensions within the acting community, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Hollywood dynamics.

Closing Remarks As the episode wraps up, Conan expresses his admiration for Brolin’s honesty and wisdom, “[58:00] Conan O’Brien: ...he is a very honest person who has paid attention in life and you’re sharing what you’ve seen with people and you’re very wise and you’re hilariously funny and it’s a joy.” The mutual respect between Conan and Brolin culminates in a warm farewell, solidifying the podcast's mission to foster genuine friendships.

Notable Quotes

• “[14:08] Conan O'Brien: It’s so interesting because one of my favorite movies of all time, and I think I’ve probably told you this hundreds of times ad nauseam, but No Country for Old Men is one of my all-time favorite movies.”
• “[34:21] Josh Brolin: I came up. They said, go. And I heard everybody else coming up, so I was late. So I wasn’t thinking. I came up, I looked at it, I turned around, and I went, fuck.”
• “[50:00] Josh Brolin: It was impossible to write about motorcycles. And I wrote and I wrote and I wrote and I kept crossing shit out and finally I said, I can’t do it. And the minute I said I can’t do it, I started writing.”

Conclusion This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend offers an intimate and comprehensive look into Josh Brolin’s life, both personal and professional. Through candid conversations and heartfelt stories, listeners gain a profound understanding of Brolin’s resilience, passion, and the intricate web of relationships that have shaped him. Conan’s genuine curiosity and affectionate banter further enhance the depth of this compelling episode.