About this episodeJeff Goldblum joins the Smartless podcast to discuss his career evolution, the etiquette of Broadway backstage…AI summary
Jeff Goldblum joins the Smartless podcast to discuss his career evolution, the etiquette of Broadway backstage interactions, and his dual passion for acting and jazz music. The conversation highlights his transition from a prolific, testing-phase actor to a selective artist focused on family and special projects, while sharing anecdotes about working with David Cronenberg and his early survival jobs.
Key takeaways 5
Backstage Etiquette: There is a nuanced debate about visiting actors backstage after a show; while some find it disruptive, Goldblum suggests politely asking the stage manager or house manager first, emphasizing respect for the actor's need to decompress.
Career Evolution: Goldblum notes that his approach to selecting roles has shifted from a period of constant work to test his limits ('20 years of constant work') to a more selective phase where he prioritizes special projects and family time over sheer volume.
Jazz Music Integration: Goldblum has maintained a parallel career in jazz music for 30 years, starting with Peter Weller, and integrates it into his acting roles (e.g., The Fly, Wicked Girls), with a new album releasing April 25th featuring guests like Scarlett Johansson and Ariana Grande.
Early Career Struggles: Before finding success, Goldblum worked as a boiler room operator calling correctional facilities to sell surplus government office supplies (pencils, markers), a job he found intolerable and left after a week due to stress.
The 'Goldblum Delivery': His distinctive speaking style was not pre-planned but discovered organically during the filming of Invasion of the Body Snatchers when director Philip Kaufman responded positively to his natural phrasing.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“It takes 20 years to even call yourself an actor... constant work and then a lifetime of continual work if you get opportunities to keep growing.”
▶ 49:12Goldblum reflecting on advice from teacher Sandy Meisner and how it shaped his long-term career perspective.
“I never thought they would come in metal ships.”
▶ 39:23Goldblum recalling the line from Invasion of the Body Snatchers that defined his unique delivery style.
“You raise all boats, my friend.”
▶ 54:12Will Arnett praising Goldblum's ability to elevate any project he is involved in.
“I don't have to work every day. I don't feel you know ashamed if I'm not working every day. That's okay.”
▶ 49:57Goldblum explaining his current mindset regarding work-life balance and family priorities.
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