Podcast Summary: Duncan Trussell Family Hour – Episode 663: Ron Perlman

Introduction

In Episode 663 of the Duncan Trussell Family Hour (DTFH), released on January 24, 2025, host Duncan Trussell engages in a profound and wide-ranging conversation with acclaimed actor Ron Perlman. Renowned for his roles in “Hellboy” and “Sons of Anarchy,” Perlman delves deep into his artistic journey, personal philosophies, family life, and spirituality. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key topics, insightful quotes, and the overarching themes explored during the episode.

Early Career and Introduction to Theater

Ron Perlman begins by recounting his initial exposure to the world of theater, particularly through the French play "Thieves Carnival." He describes the play as a "French Fayeau farce," noting its fast-paced and multifaceted nature. This experience served as Perlman's gateway into acting, sparking his passion for the craft.

• Key Insight: Perlman's early involvement in experimental theater laid the foundation for his disciplined approach to acting.

• Notable Quote:

  “Thieves Carnival is kind of a French feudau farce which is like very fast paced, 15 things happening all at the same time. Duplicitousness, you know, hypocrisy. All of these things at play kind of define the style of the classic Fayeau Force.”
  [03:51]

Perlman emphasizes how his high school drama teachers, who had professional backgrounds in creative arts, profoundly influenced his trajectory. They introduced him to sophisticated literature and experimental theater, transforming his perspective and igniting his dedication to acting.

• Notable Quote:

  “The theater was my drug.”
  [10:04]

Transition from Theater to Film and Television

As Perlman transitions from theater to on-screen acting, he reflects on the differences between performing live and acting for the camera. Initially skeptical about abandoning theater, Perlman discovered that acting in front of the camera suited his temperament, aligning with his Aries personality's preference for instant gratification and dynamic challenges.

• Key Insight: Perlman's move to film and television provided a refreshing change from the repetitive nature of theater performances, allowing him to continuously pursue new roles.

• Notable Quote:

  “Movies is so cool, is because when you're acting for the camera and you're working on one scene at a time, the minute you get to that point in the place where you go, I can't do it any better than that, and the director agrees and everyone on set agrees, you move on and you never have to do that scene again.”
  [28:08]

Philosophy of Identity and Acting

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Perlman's philosophy of identity and the art of acting. He discusses the delicate balance between maintaining his personal identity and embodying various characters. Perlman articulates how acting serves as both a therapeutic escape and a means of exploring the multiplicity of human personalities.

• Key Insight: Perlman views acting as a conduit to access and express different facets of the human condition, blurring the lines between his true self and the characters he portrays.

• Notable Quote:

  “Acting when I first began was, was purely therapeutic and very self indulgent, kind of an art form, a craft. It was my version of going to the shrink and... but it enabled me to not have to be Ron.”
  [37:20]

He further elaborates on how, over time, his relationship with his own identity has evolved, allowing him to integrate his personal experiences with his characters seamlessly.

• Notable Quote:

  “Now the character is... they're all in there.”
  [39:15]

Family and Parenthood

Perlman opens up about his approach to parenting, striving to provide his children with a balanced and "normal" upbringing despite his unconventional career. He intentionally placed his children in regular schools away from the entertainment industry's spotlight, fostering their natural inclination towards creativity without imposing his passions on them.

• Key Insight: Perlman's parenting philosophy centers on allowing his children to discover and pursue their own creative paths organically.

• Notable Quote:

  “If your kids find out that this is where their sweet spot is, this is their joy is making music or painting or writing or acting... then I feel like that's what life is all about, is to find something to do that you love, that you would do for free.”
  [18:13]

Spirituality and Faith

The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Perlman shares his spiritual beliefs. Despite his father’s agnosticism, Perlman describes an epiphany in his mid-40s where he began to acknowledge a higher force influencing his life’s trajectory. This newfound spirituality fosters a deep sense of gratitude and recognition of the serendipitous events that shaped his career.

• Key Insight: Perlman's spirituality is deeply personal, eschewing organized religion in favor of a more intrinsic connection with the divine.

• Notable Quote:

  “I speak to God 40, 50 times a day because I know that some force out there has me in his hand and I owe him.”
  [55:00]

Notable Projects and Collaborations

Perlman discusses his dedication to meaningful roles and collaborations, highlighting his long-standing partnership with director Guillermo del Toro. He recounts the arduous seven-year campaign del Toro undertook to secure Perlman for the role of Hellboy, underscoring the actor's commitment and the mutual respect between them.

• Key Insight: Perlman's selective approach to roles ensures that he remains true to his artistic integrity, even in a commercially driven industry.

• Notable Quote:

  “I did not do it until I knew I had the part. And that was seven years from the moment Guillermo mentioned at one point, we're going to do this together.”
  [45:17]

Additionally, Perlman touches upon his involvement in upcoming projects, including movies like "Absolution" and "Day of the Fight," emphasizing the collaborative and emotionally resonant nature of these films.

• Notable Quote:

  “If you're able to find Day of the Fight, give it a look. It's a very special film and it's very feeling full and very, very Human and very, very moving.”
  [58:34]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange between Duncan Trussell and Ron Perlman, celebrating Perlman's illustrious career and enduring passion for acting. Perlman's reflections offer listeners a glimpse into the life of a dedicated artist who balances professional success with personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.

• Notable Quote:

  “Every single thing that's part of the human condition is in all of us. And the thing about acting is when you're lucky enough to have a craft where you can channel the things that affect you in this life and channel them into... different characters...”
  [41:19]

Ron Perlman's candid dialogue with Duncan Trussell provides an inspiring narrative of resilience, artistic devotion, and the quest for self-understanding, making this episode a compelling listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Noteworthy Highlights:

• Early Influences: Perlman's high school drama teachers introduced him to sophisticated and experimental theater, igniting his passion for acting.
  [07:37] – [08:40]

• Theater vs. Film: Perlman prefers the dynamic and project-based nature of film acting over the repetitive performances required in theater.
  [26:39] – [28:08]

• Parenting Philosophy: Emphasizes allowing children to explore their creative interests independently without parental imposition.
  [15:55] – [18:09]

• Spiritual Awakening: Personal epiphany leading to a deep sense of gratitude and connection with a higher force.
  [54:04] – [55:00]

• Collaborative Success: Highlights the dedication of Guillermo del Toro in securing his role as Hellboy, reflecting mutual respect and perseverance.
  [43:35] – [45:46]

• Upcoming Projects: Anticipation for "Absolution" and "Day of the Fight," showcasing Perlman's continued commitment to impactful storytelling.
  [56:14] – [58:34]

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Duncan Trussell Family Hour serves as a profound exploration of Ron Perlman's life and career, offering valuable insights into the mind of one of Hollywood's most respected actors. From his humble beginnings in experimental theater to his spiritual revelations and enduring passion for film, Perlman's narrative is both inspiring and enlightening. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this conversation provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic roles.