Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson Episode: Martha Plimpton — on almost going broke pre 'Raising Hope' and missing River Phoenix Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of Dinner’s on Me, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with the acclaimed actress Martha Plimpton. Recorded at Forza Wine Bar atop the National Theatre in London’s South Bank, the conversation delves deep into Martha’s personal and professional journeys, exploring her struggles, triumphs, and the enduring friendships that have shaped her life.

Reconnecting and Current Projects [02:57 - 07:32]

Jesse opens the conversation by reminiscing about his two-decade-long friendship with Martha, highlighting their collaborative work both on stage and in productions like the Sondheim musical at the National Theatre.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
"Martha Plimpton and I have known each other for almost two decades now. We are dear friends... I have always wanted to get Martha on this podcast." ([03:13])

They discuss the current chaos at their theater due to a contagious illness affecting the cast, leading to last-minute changes and the resilience required to keep the show running. Martha humorously addresses the pressures of stage acting with lines like:

Martha Plimpton:
"It's a mental illness that we do what we do." ([07:34])

Navigating the Theater World [07:32 - 17:00]

The duo delves into the unique challenges of stage acting compared to film and television, emphasizing the unpredictability and the intense need for presence in live performances.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
"In no other world of acting, like, on television or film, it's not as fly by the seat of your pants as theater is." ([07:49])

Martha shares her experiences dealing with performance anxiety, particularly during her stint in Pal Joey, where she nearly had a panic attack on stage. She reflects on overcoming those challenges and the ongoing battle with natural performance nerves.

Martha Plimpton:
"But the stage fright that I experienced during that show was next level and new." ([12:09])

Reflecting on Early Career and Personal Struggles [17:00 - 32:03]

Jesse shifts the conversation to Martha’s financial struggles before landing the role in Raising Hope. Martha recounts her desperate attempts to secure income, including a humorous anecdote about offering babysitting services on Facebook.

Martha Plimpton:
"I remember putting on Facebook, I'll babysit. I'll do anything." ([29:11])

Their discussion highlights the often-overlooked financial instability actors face, regardless of early successes or family legacies. Jesse emphasizes the misconception that long-term success always translates to financial security.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
"They assume that you have, you know, tons of money saved up and, you know, but like it's these things go away." ([29:35])

Iconic Moments and Emmy Reflections [32:03 - 36:56]

Martha and Jesse reminisce about an unforgettable Emmy Awards moment involving Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Edie Falco. They describe how this spontaneous celebration became an iconic television moment, fostering a sense of community and support among nominees.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
"It just felt like a breath of fresh air. And it felt like exactly what we all want to be feeling." ([35:55])

Martha elaborates on the camaraderie among actors and the importance of supporting one another in the often isolating entertainment industry.

Martha Plimpton:
"We should feel like we are kind of in a community." ([36:56])

Life in London and Shifts in Career [36:56 - 43:26]

The conversation transitions to Martha’s life in London, where she discusses the cultural differences in how actors are perceived and treated compared to Hollywood. She praises the respect afforded to mature women in the UK acting scene, contrasting it with the often superficial nature of Hollywood.

Martha Plimpton:
"Hollywood just doesn't operate the same way for women. It just doesn't." ([43:26])

Jesse expresses admiration for Martha’s ability to navigate these environments, highlighting her roles in recent projects like Regime, Prime Target, and the upcoming show Task.

Honoring River Phoenix: A Lasting Friendship [43:26 - 48:35]

A poignant segment of the episode is dedicated to Martha’s relationship with the late River Phoenix. Martha opens up about their friendship, the impact of fame on River’s life, and the enduring legacy of their bond.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
"You were very good friends with River Phoenix. You dated him for a little while... how did it feel?" ([43:31])

Martha Plimpton:
"He never really got the help that I think he would have done amazingly well with if he had gotten that help." ([47:12])

Martha reflects on the difficulties River faced with fame and addiction, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships in overcoming personal struggles.

Martha Plimpton:
"Every single day, I miss him." ([48:02])

Conclusion and Farewell [48:35 - End]

As the episode draws to a close, Jesse and Martha share a light-hearted moment over their favorite drinks at Forza Wine Bar. Jesse pays the bill, affirming the episode's title and theme.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
"I'm gonna pay the bill. That's the name of the podcast." ([48:35])

Jesse signs off by teasing the next episode featuring Alexander Skarsgård, ensuring listeners stay tuned for more engaging conversations.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Acting: Both Jesse and Martha highlight the unpredictability and emotional demands of stage acting, emphasizing the importance of resilience and genuine passion for the craft.

• Financial Realities for Actors: Despite early successes and family legacies, financial struggles are a common reality in the acting world, underscoring the need for realistic career planning.

• Community and Support: The episode underscores the value of community and mutual support among actors, as exemplified by the memorable Emmy moment shared by Martha and Jesse.

• Personal Loss and Legacy: Martha’s heartfelt tribute to River Phoenix sheds light on the personal toll of fame and the enduring impact of meaningful relationships.

• Cultural Differences in Acting Communities: Martha’s experiences in London versus Hollywood highlight the differing attitudes towards actors, particularly women, in various cultural contexts.

Notable Quotes

• Martha Plimpton:
  "It's a mental illness that we do what we do." ([07:34])

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
  "They assume that you have, you know, tons of money saved up and, you know, but like it's these things go away." ([29:35])

• Martha Plimpton:
  "We should feel like we are kind of in a community." ([36:56])

• Martha Plimpton:
  "He never really got the help that I think he would have done amazingly well with if he had gotten that help." ([47:12])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers an intimate glimpse into Martha Plimpton’s life, from her early days in acting to her personal struggles and the profound friendships that sustain her. Jesse Tyler Ferguson masterfully guides the conversation, balancing humor with deep emotional reflections, making it a compelling listen for both fans and newcomers alike.