Greg Kinnear: Talk Soup, Academy Awards, and The Power of Showing Up | E146
In Search Of Excellence
Deep Dive
Why did Greg Kinnear's family move from Indiana to Lebanon?
Greg's father worked as an advanced man for Richard Nixon and later got a job with the Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. After three years in D.C., he was assigned to Beirut, Lebanon.
What were some of Greg Kinnear's early jobs?
Greg worked as a waiter, dug ditches, did hot mopping, and was a purchasing agent for a development company where he bought PVC, copper wire, and light bulbs.
Why did Greg Kinnear get fired from a restaurant job?
He was fired for impersonating the restaurant manager.
How did Greg Kinnear's experience on "Talk Soup" differ from its original concept?
Initially intended as a serious look at daytime talk shows, "Talk Soup" evolved into a comedy show due to the outlandish nature of the clips they reviewed. It became a loose, stream-of-consciousness format with Kinnear providing humorous commentary.
Why did Greg Kinnear leave "Talk Soup" despite being offered a substantial raise?
After three years, Kinnear felt he had done enough with the show and didn't see a future in continuing to cover daytime talk shows. He also had a potential movie role in mind.
How did Greg Kinnear land his role in "Sabrina"?
Director Sidney Pollack saw Kinnear on "Talk Soup" and invited him to audition for the role of Harrison Ford's brother.
How does Greg Kinnear prepare for a role?
Kinnear says he has a natural gift for memorization. He reads the script repeatedly, listens to recordings, and reviews screenshots on his phone.
What was Greg Kinnear's experience meeting Jack Nicholson for "As Good as It Gets"?
Kinnear and director James L. Brooks met Nicholson at his house. They read through scenes and then shared a meal of spaghetti and meatballs.
What were Greg Kinnear's feelings about not winning the Oscar for "As Good as It Gets"?
Kinnear acknowledges the disappointment, but emphasizes that he didn't have high expectations going in. He also highlights the positive experience of having his family with him at the awards ceremony.
How did Rihanna end up sampling a song Greg Kinnear recorded for the movie "Stuck on You"?
Kinnear's lawyers informed him that Rihanna wanted to sample a part of the song "Cockiness." While he received little to no compensation, he agreed because of Rihanna's stature and the excitement it brought his daughters.
What are Greg Kinnear's upcoming projects?
He mentions the films "Off the Grid," "Shiver," and "The Saviors," as well as the Apple TV+ show "Smoke."
- Chance encounters can lead to unexpected career opportunities.
- Spontaneous introductions can create valuable connections.
- Seizing opportunities is crucial for career advancement.
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