Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: An In-Depth Conversation with Glenn Close

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
• Host: Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY
• Episode: Glenn Close Talks Film "Back in Action" and 50 Years of Acting
• Release Date: January 19, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, the host sits down with the illustrious actress Glenn Close to discuss her latest project, "Back in Action," and reflect on her remarkable 50-year career in acting. The conversation delves into her transition from theater to film, her iconic roles, and her perspectives on the evolving landscape of storytelling in the entertainment industry.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Glenn Close began her illustrious career in New York City in 1974 after graduating from the College of William and Mary, where she studied theater. Surrounded by rising stars like Meryl Streep, Close quickly made a name for herself on Broadway.

Willie Geist highlights her early success:

"By 1980, Glenn Close had been nominated for a Tony Award. She was spotted in the show called Barnum by the director of an upcoming movie called The World According to Garp, starring Robin Williams. It's her first movie. She co-stars in it and immediately is nominated for an Academy Award, beginning an incredible run through the 1980s for her."
[01:24]

Close recounts her initiation into professional acting:

"It just. I've always carried that with me because she didn’t say, 'break a leg.' She didn’t say, 'have a ball.' She said, 'be strong and brave.'"
[25:25]

Transition from Theater to Film

The leap from stage to screen was a significant milestone in Close's career. Initially nervous about the differences between theater and film acting, she found her stride with experience.

"I was very nervous. And I remember going up to George Roy Hill saying, 'I've heard that it's very hard to make to go from theater to film.' And he said, 'Yeah, that was it.'"
[27:03]

Her breakthrough in film began with "The World According to Garp," where despite a rough audition, she secured the role, leading to an Academy Award nomination. This momentum carried her through iconic films like "The Big Chill," "The Natural," and "Fatal Attraction."

Memorable Roles: "Fatal Attraction" and Beyond

One of Close's most celebrated roles was in "Fatal Attraction," which significantly elevated her fame.

"I think it was the first time people realized I could be sexy. I mean, frankly, I've always felt like I'm a bit of an outsider."
[31:25]

This role showcased her versatility and cemented her status as a leading actress capable of profound emotional depth.

Approach to Acting and Storytelling

Glenn Close emphasizes the importance of storytelling and human connection in acting. She believes that despite the proliferation of streaming platforms, the essence of creating communal experiences through film remains vital.

"It's sad that there's not as many movies in theaters because I think actually, theater movies should be a community experience. And, you know, you all come in as individuals. You all see a story you experience together, and you go out a community."
[20:40]

Willie Geist adds his perspective on the power of visual storytelling:

"How powerful thought is on film, that it's just as powerful as the spoken word because it's all in your eyes. How powerful thought in a close-up is."
[28:00]

Recent Projects and "Back in Action"

In the latest episode, Close discusses her new Netflix film, "Back in Action," co-starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. The film marks Diaz's return to the screen after a decade-long hiatus dedicated to her family and personal pursuits.

"My partner in the movie is Jamie Demetriou, who's hilarious. So we developed this thing together that we were making ourselves laugh. So hopefully other people will laugh as well."
[05:32]

Close describes her character as a retired MI6 agent with a tough exterior and a complex relationship with her daughter, portrayed by Diaz.

"She is not being allowed to meet because Cameron Diaz's character and my character have fallen out. And in many ways, the movie's theme is mother-daughter relationships."
[06:01]

The collaboration with Jamie Foxx was serendipitous, though their initial scenes were cut short due to Foxx's health issues, delaying the finalization of his performance.

"We had one day in Atlanta and that was. I was only on for that day. And I left, and when I got to the plane, he had gone. I think the next day he had a stroke. We didn't go back to finish that scene for a year."
[09:09]

Reflections on a 50-Year Career

Marking half a century in the acting industry, Close reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her extensive career.

"I can't believe that I still feel as enthusiastic about my craft as I ever have."
[37:12]

She shares poignant memories, such as her time understudying for a Broadway role and the profound support from fellow actors like Mary Yore.

"What an act of grace... She didn’t say, 'break a leg.' She didn’t say, 'have a ball.' She said, 'Be strong and brave.'"
[25:25]

Further, Close discusses the importance of resilience in the face of criticism and the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry.

"You have to trust that they will find you somehow, too."
[32:52]

Future Endeavors and Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Close expresses excitement about potential projects, including the possibility of adapting her successful Broadway play "Rosie Byrne" into a film.

"There's probably some energy around it to get it done."
[41:41]

She also highlights her current work on the Ryan Murphy show "All's Fair," where she portrays the matriarch of an all-woman divorce firm.

"It's a Ryan Murphy show. Home run. Already?"
[40:33]

Closing Thoughts

Throughout the conversation, both Willie Geist and Glenn Close emphasize the significance of passion, community, and the relentless pursuit of storytelling. Close's journey from a young theater enthusiast to an award-winning actress serves as an inspiring testament to dedication and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment world.

"We're lucky to do what we do. I hope that everything is changing so fast in this world and stories are so important to our humanity."
[20:40]

Notable Quotes:

• Willie Geist [01:24]: "By 1980, Glenn Close had been nominated for a Tony Award... her first movie. She co-stars in it and immediately is nominated for an Academy Award..."

• Glenn Close [25:25]: "She didn’t say, 'break a leg.' She didn’t say, 'have a ball.' She said, 'Be strong and brave.'"

• Willie Geist [28:00]: "How powerful thought is on film, that it's just as powerful as the spoken word because it's all in your eyes."

• Glenn Close [37:12]: "I can't believe that I still feel as enthusiastic about my craft as I ever have."

• Willie Geist [32:52]: "You just have to trust that they will find you somehow, too."

Conclusion

This episode of Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist offers a profound look into Glenn Close's enduring legacy in the acting world. Her insights into the craft, the industry's evolution, and her personal experiences provide listeners with a rich and comprehensive understanding of what it takes to sustain a successful and fulfilling career in the arts.

For more conversations with esteemed guests like Glenn Close, be sure to follow the Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist podcast and tune in to Sunday TODAY on NBC.