In Search Of Excellence: Greg Kinnear - Talk Soup, Academy Awards, and The Power of Showing Up | E146

Introduction

In episode 146 of In Search Of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan interviews acclaimed actor Greg Kinnear. The conversation delves into Greg's journey in the entertainment industry, the challenges he faced, lessons learned, and his perspectives on success and resilience. Throughout the episode, Greg shares personal anecdotes, career insights, and reflections that provide listeners with an in-depth understanding of what it takes to achieve excellence both professionally and personally.

How Greg Kinnear Joined the Podcast

Greg recounts the serendipitous circumstances that led him to appear on Kaplan's podcast. During a hectic morning preparing his daughter for college in England, Greg found himself in a frantic search for her forgotten coat near a busy Los Angeles airport (02:08). Without his phone, he approached several strangers to no avail until he met Randall Kaplan, who kindly lent him his phone. As Greg explains:

"And I am very grateful to work with a lot of great people. And that is one of the coolest things about... building this little family experience together." (00:01)

This chance encounter not only ensured his daughter's timely departure but also resulted in Greg joining In Search Of Excellence, highlighting the theme of unexpected opportunities.

Early Life and Upbringing

Greg delves into his childhood in Logansport, Indiana, where his father ran a successful vending machine business. He shares vivid memories of his father's dedication, including instances where his father armed himself to protect the family business during robberies (10:56). This upbringing instilled in Greg a strong work ethic and resilience, traits that would later aid his career in acting.

Moving to Washington, D.C., at the age of nine due to his father's job with the Department of Commerce, Greg experienced the Lebanon Civil War firsthand. At twelve, his family was evacuated from Beirut amidst escalating conflict, an experience that profoundly impacted him:

"And we were just leaving Logan Sport to Beirut in the course of 36 months." (22:55)

Greg reflects on the chaos and the lessons learned about divisions within societies and the importance of maintaining unity and understanding.

Career Beginnings

Greg's entry into the entertainment industry was marked by various early roles and projects. He shares his initial attempts to break into television by auditioning for MTV as a VJ, influenced by his connection with Justine Bateman (07:59). Although he didn't secure the MTV position, the experience led him to co-found Movie Time, an early cable channel that paved the way for his eventual hosting duties on Talk Soup.

"And you book Jimmy Kimmel... It opened a lot of doors." (06:32)

Greg emphasizes the importance of persistence and leveraging every opportunity, even those that don't initially seem successful.

Talk Soup and Transition to Acting

Talk Soup began as a sincere critique of daytime talk shows but organically evolved into a popular comedic series. Greg discusses how the show morphed into a "stream of consciousness" format, allowing for creative freedom and spontaneity (65:51). Hosting Talk Soup not only honed his on-screen presence but also expanded his network within the industry.

When faced with a lucrative offer to remain as the highest-paid host of Talk Soup, Greg decided to move on, recognizing that his future lay in acting rather than hosting:

"It opened a lot of doors. Do it." (72:17)

This decision underscores the significance of following one's passion and being willing to take risks for long-term fulfillment.

Experiences with Rejection and Resilience

Greg candidly addresses the challenges of rejection in the acting world. From being told only a small percentage of actors find success to facing unreciprocated auditions, Greg emphasizes the necessity of resilience:

"Rejection, you know, I think same. I figure it's kind of in the same basket." (141:45)

He advises aspiring actors to embrace rejection as a learning experience and to maintain perseverance despite setbacks.

The Role of Agents in an Actor’s Career

Discussing the critical role of agents, Greg highlights how effective representation can bridge the gap between talent and opportunity:

"Having great confidence in the people I get to work with over at CAA... they're really good at just being there." (75:39)

He acknowledges the evolving nature of the industry and the importance of building strong relationships with agents who are genuinely invested in an actor's success.

Personal Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Greg shares personal philosophies that contribute to his success. He touches on imposter syndrome, the importance of authenticity, and the accidental nature of many career-defining moments.

"There's an accidental quality to some of the stuff." (126:33)

He reflects on his interactions with industry legends like Steve Jobs and Jack Nicholson, illustrating how chance encounters and genuine connections can shape one's career trajectory.

Preparation and Memorization in Acting

Greg discusses his natural aptitude for memorization, an essential skill for any actor. Unlike many peers who rely on acting coaches, Greg manages his preparation through personal methods:

"I can read it like this and start like it would start literally reading it like this at my desk." (134:17)

He emphasizes the importance of memorizing lines efficiently to focus on the emotional and behavioral aspects of his characters.

Wrap-up and Life Lessons

In the final segments, Greg and Randall engage in a game called "Fill in the Blank to Excellence," sharing personal fears, regrets, and proud moments. Greg’s honest responses provide listeners with a deeper understanding of his character and values. He concludes with reflections on the unpredictability of the acting industry and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Kinnear on Building Families in Projects:

  "I've built a lot of families out here over the years." (00:01)

• Randall Kaplan on Seizing Opportunities:

  "You have to strike when the iron is hot, when the opportunity presents itself." (06:23)

• Greg Kinnear on Resilience:

  "Rejection is a great motivator and it's also a learning process." (141:45)

• Greg Kinnear on Authenticity:

  "The ability to tell the truth... is part of the job." (136:13)

Conclusion

Episode 146 of In Search Of Excellence offers an engaging and comprehensive look into Greg Kinnear’s life and career. From his early beginnings and formative experiences in Lebanon to his rise in the entertainment industry and personal philosophies on success, Greg provides valuable insights for anyone striving for excellence. The candid conversation underscores the importance of resilience, seizing opportunities, and maintaining authenticity in the face of challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "But I’ve been very grateful to work with a lot of great people." — Greg Kinnear (00:01)
• "You have to strike when the iron is hot, when the opportunity presents itself." — Randall Kaplan (06:23)
• "Rejection is a great motivator and it's also a learning process." — Greg Kinnear (141:45)
• "The ability to tell the truth... is part of the job." — Greg Kinnear (136:13)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, stories, and insights shared by Greg Kinnear during his conversation with Randall Kaplan, offering a rich and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.