John Goodman is rightfully considered one of the most sought after and famous Hollywood actors. Everyone enjoys his films, as he is perfectly accustomed to both comedic and dramatic roles, introducing a very special charisma into them. But not all fans of the famous actor know that his life did not begin on the stage, but he had to achieve all the hard and constant work.
John Goodman (John Goodman): biography
The life of a famous actor was not always full of fame and recognition. John Goodman was born on June 20, 1952, in the suburbs of St. Louis, the town of Lower Effort (Missouri). The father of the future movie star, who worked as a postal employee, unfortunately died when John was only two years old. The family had three children - the older brother Leslie and the younger sister Betty. Naturally, her mother, Virginia, spent all her time at work, trying to provide her children with everything they needed.
His elder brother, who helped him and even to some extent replaced his father, became John's real friend and assistant. It was thanks to the support of Leslie that the future actor successfully graduated from school and even took part in school theater productions. His debut on the small stage of his hometown took place in 1968. Surely it was at this time that John chose an acting career for himself.
In 1970, Goodman entered a local college, and then transferred to Southwestern University of Missouri. His older brother strongly supported John's undertakings, even paid for additional courses. And in 1975, the guy graduated from the university with a degree in acting. In the same year, he decided to move to New York in order to work on a career.
Broadway Career Start
Of course, life in a big city was not so easy, as John Goodman himself often notes. Films, fame and recognition did not come immediately. At first, the future celebrity made a living by playing in children's productions and even working as a cook in the theater.
However, in 1978 he made his Broadway debut in the production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. His role, of course, was small, but this was enough to be noticed. Very soon, the young actor became the main character of Broadway musicals and earned the approval of critics. Especially expressive are his works such as “Losing Ends” and “Big River”.
The first audition in the cinema
John Goodman began his career on the big screen with small minor roles. For example, in 1983 he got roles in such films as The Face of Fury, The School of Survival, and Eddie Macon's Escape.
In 1984, the actor agreed to participate in such films as “Revenge of the Nerds”, “Beloved Mary”. There were other paintings in which John Goodman starred. Films with his participation: “Sweet Dreams” (1985), “True Stories” (1986) and “The Thief” (1987).
First Leading Roles and Worldwide Recognition
After John gained fame as a charismatic minor actor, he received an offer from the Cohen brothers and starred in the lead role in a successful film called Raising Arizona. It was in this picture that the audience was able for the first time to discover the exciting depth of talent of a young actor.
After some time, John agreed to one of the main roles in the show "Roseanne". It was this period that became the defining moment in the career of the actor. Indeed, on the screen, he was able to perfectly recreate the image of a simple, but kind and honest representative of the working class. Very soon Goodman was known and loved in every American home. By the way, it was for this role that he received the prestigious Emmy Award.
John Goodman: filmography
Naturally, during his long career, the actor managed to participate in the filming of dozens of films. In some, he played the main roles, in some - minor, in some he created a fun and light atmosphere thanks to the comedian’s amazing talent, in others he perfectly reproduced tragic and dramatic images.
In 1988, he starred in such films as Scouts, 100% American for All, and Zest. The following year, the films “Always” and “Sea of Love” were released. In 1990, the actor managed to work in two projects - "Stella" and "Fear of Spiders."
In 1994, John received a major role in the beloved and well-known comedy The Flintstones, as well as in the very eccentric picture of the Cohen brothers “The Hadsaker's Handyman”. The year 1998 was quite productive, in which the actor starred in the cult comedy Big Lebowski, as well as the musical The Blues Brothers 2000 and the mystical thriller The Fallen.
Over the course of his career, John Goodman has proven that he is truly a diverse actor. Despite the fact that the comedies with his participation became the most successful, he successfully starred in dramas, science fiction films, romantic films, action films and thrillers. In 1997, a star of John Goodman appeared on the Walk of Fame - a true recognition and gratitude for his incredible contribution to world cinema.
By the way, the actor took and is still taking part in voicing the well-known and beloved cartoons. Among them are such projects as “The Rudolph the Fawn”, “The Adventures of Rocky and Bulwinkle”, “The Adventures of the Emperor” and “The Monsters Corporation”, as well as “The Adventures of the Emperor-2”, “Cars”, “Bee Movie: A Honey Conspiracy” , "The Paranormal Norman."
New works of the famous actor
In fact, at present, the actor’s career is at a revival stage, as he continues to act in films of various genres, constantly delighting his fans. For example, in 2011, John Stephen Goodman managed to star in several films that have received worldwide fame, including “Terribly Loud and Extremely Close”, as well as the Oscar-winning “Artist”.
The year 2012 did not go without work either, which pleased the audience with such films as Operation Argo, Crew, and Twisted Ball. John also got a role in the third part of the famous Hollywood story "The Hangover". The latest work to date is the dramatic biography "Trumbo".
Personal life
It is worth saying right away that John Goodman is one of those lucky people who manage to combine leading roles in films, a successful business and a happy family life. The actor met his wife, Annabeth Hartsog, in 1988, at a party in New Orleans. It is worth saying that the beautiful girl did not immediately agree to a date with the already successful actor, although Goodman himself says that he literally lost his speechlessness with delight at the first meeting. Already in 1989, a small and very modest wedding ceremony took place. In 1990, the actor became a father - his wife gave him his beloved daughter Molly.
By the way, one of John's hobbies and talents is singing. He often pampers his fans with beautiful singing on the screen. In addition, with friends, the actor loves to sing in restaurants from time to time, including the Blues House, which is co-owned by Goodman. By the way, many visitors to the restaurant "Planet Hollywood" more than once had the opportunity to enjoy the excellent duo of John and Bruce Willis.