Podcast Episode Summary: Hildy's Happy Hour | Glenn Close

Episode Details:

• Title: Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire
• Episode: Hildy's Happy Hour | Glenn Close
• Hosts: Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy
• Guest: Glenn Close
• Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Hildy's Happy Hour, hosts Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy welcome the renowned actress Glenn Close as their special guest. Despite the absence of co-host Steve Mallory, who was attending a speaking engagement in Seattle, the dynamic duo sets the stage for an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Glenn Close.

Meeting Glenn Close

The episode kicks off with playful banter between Ben and Melissa about Glenn's BLT order and her choice of shoes, showcasing their friendly rapport. Ben reminisces about first meeting Glenn at the Palmer Hotel in Palm Springs:

Ben Falcone [02:08]: "The first time that I remember you, Glenn, was at the Palmer Hotel... I remember thinking like, melissa is talking to Glenn fucking Close. This is so cool."

Melissa echoes this sentiment, recalling her own awe:

Melissa McCarthy [04:27]: "I was talking to Glenn Close. Holy shit, I'm talking to Glenn fucking Close."

Early Acting Aspirations

The conversation shifts to Glenn's early interest in acting. She shares that her passion for the craft began long before her teenage years, inspired by Disney fairy tales and imaginative play during her childhood in rural Connecticut.

Glenn Close [05:50]: "As a kid, I loved the Disney movies, the great, you know, Snow White and Cinderella... I always lived very much in my head."

Melissa and Ben discuss how these early experiences fostered Glenn's creativity and shaped her into the meticulous actress she is today.

First Professional Role as an Understudy

Glenn delves into her first professional acting job as an understudy for Mary Yore in Congreve's Love for Love. She recounts the intense experience of being thrust into a leading role unexpectedly during rehearsals:

Glenn Close [12:38]: "I was hired as an understudy for all three shows on Broadway... My first job was understudying Mary Yore."

A pivotal moment unfolds when director Hal Prince informs her that she may need to perform if the lead actress cannot continue. Without prior rehearsals with the cast, Glenn must ready herself on the spot:

Glenn Close [17:14]: "I went in on a Saturday afternoon to get ready for the matinee... I want you to do the show tonight."

She describes the rush of stepping onto the stage:

Glenn Close [19:02]: "To have never rehearsed it with fellow actors... it's like making me sweaty."

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Resilience

The discussion highlights the immense pressure and resilience required in Glenn's early career. She reflects on watching seasoned actors navigate their roles, learning the importance of adaptability and perseverance:

Glenn Close [22:18]: "Overcoming rejection, overcoming reviews... you have to be incredibly resilient."

Melissa adds her perspective on learning through failure, emphasizing the value of falling down and getting back up:

Melissa McCarthy [23:03]: "There's so much to learn when you fall down a lot."

Acting Techniques and Preparation

Glenn shares her meticulous approach to preparing for roles, emphasizing the importance of understanding a character's history and motivations:

Glenn Close [27:54]: "I write their history... I make up the backstory to understand where they've been."

Melissa compares this to her own method of writing and repeatedly reviewing lines to internalize them fully:

Melissa McCarthy [29:15]: "I write everything and I write them and I write them... It looks like I've gone crazy."

They discuss the mental challenges of acting, particularly for stage actors who must balance multiple layers of performance simultaneously:

Glenn Close [32:28]: "Be an actor, certainly a stage actor is the closest you get to insanity..."

Personal Life and Balance in Montana

Shifting gears, Glenn talks about her life in Montana, describing it as a blend of serene nature and vibrant community life in a college town. She enjoys simple pleasures like rocking on her porch, reading, and spending time with family:

Glenn Close [42:00]: "I love sitting on my porch and watching people... I have rocking chairs on my little porch."

Ben and Melissa express admiration for her peaceful lifestyle, contrasting it with the bustling environments of New York and Los Angeles. Glenn emphasizes the importance of having an organized home to maintain mental balance:

Glenn Close [49:01]: "I like to have an ordered life so you can go nuts in your work."

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Glenn excitedly shares her upcoming projects, including a series for Ryan Murphy titled All's Fair. She describes her role as the matriarch of a firm of divorce lawyers, featuring stars like Kim Kardashian and Naomi Watts:

Glenn Close [49:19]: "I'm working on a series for Ryan Murphy called All's Fair... Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts and Niecy Nash."

She also mentions her participation in the latest Knives Out movie, highlighting her collaboration with director Ryan Johnson:

Glenn Close [50:10]: "I was in the last Knives Out movie... It was so much fun."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks from Ben and Melissa to Glenn Close, appreciating her openness and sharing of personal and professional insights. Glenn reciprocates the gratitude, expressing her love and appreciation for the hosts and listeners.

Glenn Close [52:12]: "I love you guys. Thank you."

Melissa McCarthy [52:12]: "Thank you."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Falcone [02:08]: "This is so cool."
• Melissa McCarthy [04:27]: "I'm talking to Glenn fucking Close."
• Glenn Close [12:38]: "I was hired as an understudy for all three shows on Broadway."
• Glenn Close [17:14]: "I want you to do the show tonight."
• Glenn Close [22:18]: "You have to be incredibly resilient."
• Melissa McCarthy [23:03]: "There's so much to learn when you fall down a lot."
• Glenn Close [27:54]: "I write their history... I make up the backstory to understand where they've been."
• Melissa McCarthy [29:15]: "I write everything and I write them and I write them... It looks like I've gone crazy."
• Glenn Close [42:00]: "I love sitting on my porch and watching people."
• Glenn Close [49:19]: "I'm working on a series for Ryan Murphy called All's Fair..."
• Glenn Close [50:10]: "I was in the last Knives Out movie... It was so much fun."

Key Themes and Insights

1. Resilience in Acting: Glenn's stories as an understudy highlight the unpredictable nature of acting and the necessity of being prepared to seize unexpected opportunities.

2. Preparation and Technique: Both Glenn and Melissa emphasize the importance of rigorous preparation, whether through writing, memorization, or developing a deep understanding of a character's background.

3. Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Glenn's lifestyle in Montana serves as an example of how actors can maintain personal well-being while managing a demanding career.

4. The Evolution of Storytelling: The conversation touches on the impact of storytelling in shaping human experiences and the need to preserve authentic narratives in an age overwhelmed by information.

5. Collaboration and Community: Glenn's interactions with fellow actors and directors underscore the collaborative essence of theater and film, as well as the supportive relationships that sustain creative endeavors.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Hildy's Happy Hour offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Glenn Close's early career challenges, her disciplined approach to acting, and her balanced personal life. Through engaging storytelling and candid conversations, Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy create a warm and insightful atmosphere, making this episode both inspiring and relatable for aspiring actors and fans alike.