Jan. 25, 2021

Actor Stephen Tobolowsky | Acting as Storytelling and Always Say Yes

Our guest today is the amazingly talented actor, Stephen Tobolowsky. Most recognize him from his iconic character "Ned Ryerson" in "Groundhog Day", but his film credits are miles long. From "Thelma and Louise" to "Mississippi Burning" he has covered the gambit. He is as kind as they come, and a true joy of a human being.

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Our guest today is the amazingly talented actor, Stephen Tobolowsky. Most recognize him from his iconic character "Ned Ryerson" in "Groundhog Day", but his film credits are miles long. From "Thelma and Louise" to "Mississippi Burning" he has covered the gambit. He is as kind as they come, and a true joy of a human being. 

We covered so much its really hard to list! Here are some highlights.

  1. His creative processes when getting into a character.
  2. The time he yelled at George Lucas.
  3. His love for the theatre.
  4. Acting is not about emotions.
  5. What is a "Character Actor"
  6. Always say yes.

And much more!

Stephen Tobolowsky is one of the leading character actors today. He has appeared in over 200 movies and television shows. Here is the list: Stephen Tobolowsky at IMDB for credits.

He has played everything from Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day to Sandy Ryerson in Glee. He has appeared almost naked as Stu Beggs on Californication and has worn the same suit for seven years as Principal Earl Ball on The Goldbergs. Stephen currently appears as Dr. Leslie Berkowitz in the new generation remake of Norman Lear's One Day at a Time. Seasons 1-3, at present, are still available on Netflix.  PopTV and CBS aired Season 4.  Hopes are high for more episodes as soon as safe filming practices can be set in the pandemic era!

Please read here for the One Day at a Time journey.

Stephen has always been a storyteller. In sixth grade he won his school’s storytelling contest and over that summer won the award as best storyteller in the City of Dallas (13 years old and under division.) That impulse led him into writing. He wrote the screenplay forTrue Stories with David Byrne and Beth Henley.

He wrote and performed his storytelling films Stephen Tobolowsky's Birthday Party and The Primary Instinct.

His labor of love has been The Tobolowsky Files, created with producer David Chen. What began as a behind-the-scenes movie podcast has become a sometimes funny, sometimes compelling portrait of a human life - as described by Miles McNutt here.

“The Tobolowsky Files” is available at tobolowskyfiles.com and on Apple Podcasts. Early episodes were also previously broadcast on KUOW 94.9 in Seattle, on WFPL in Louisville, KY and many stations through Public Radio International (PRI).

He has two books of stories published by Simon & Schuster: The Dangerous Animals Club and My Adventures with God.

And here is more about us! 

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