John Goodman's Evolving Perspectives: On Acting, Life, and Personal Growth

Emmy-winning actor John Goodman opens up about his evolving approach to acting, the challenges he has faced, and the lessons he has learned throughout his 50-year career in the entertainment industry.

In a candid interview on the "SmartLess" podcast hosted by Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman, John Goodman shared his experiences and insights on the ever-changing nature of his craft and personal life. Goodman, known for his iconic roles in "Roseanne" and "The Big Lebowski," acknowledged that his approach to acting has shifted significantly over the years, making him more cautious with career choices and more open to learning.

"It's much different now. I feel like I'm still learning," Goodman confessed. "The last couple of years have been goofy for me because I've been trying to be good—and it doesn't work that way."

Goodman explained that his desire to excel in his profession led him to overcompensate by working excessively, resulting in a period of heightened anxiety and creative stagnation. However, through therapy and self-reflection, he came to understand the importance of relaxation and trust in oneself when approaching acting.

"You've got to be relaxed when you do stuff. And open and listen," Goodman emphasized. "You have to be ready to listen to yourself. You have to be relaxed. For me, that was the key. I already know this stuff, and that's one thing I didn't trust myself about."

When asked how he managed to overcome his challenges, Goodman candidly admitted to experiencing a near-nervous breakdown. "It was bad with everything. It just purged out of me when I went to the therapist one day. And then for the rest of the day, it was horrible. Nothing worked."

Goodman's struggles with perfectionism are a relatable experience for many creatives, highlighting the need to embrace imperfections in order to achieve true artistic expression. By sharing his journey, Goodman offers a valuable lesson on the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance in the pursuit of personal growth.

His willingness to share his struggles is partly attributed to his journey with sobriety. "It's kind of to help myself and maybe to help somebody else. I've been clean about 16 years now," Goodman said. "The last 16 years I've had to grow a lot into my normal age, and it's been a lot, but I'm glad I did it."

Goodman's commitment to sobriety has been instrumental in his weight-loss efforts, as he has lost nearly 200 pounds. Through a combination of dietary changes and a reduction in alcohol consumption, Goodman has significantly improved his health and well-being.

"I just stopped eating all the time. I'd have a handful of food, and it'd go to my mouth," Goodman explained in a previous interview. "I was just eating all the time. I was just eating alcoholically."

In addition to his onscreen success, Goodman has made significant strides in his personal life. Hayes commended Goodman for his openness in discussing his experiences, while Bateman remarked on the humanizing effect of hearing about the challenges that even successful individuals face. "It's silly we all need a reminder that everyone is human," Bateman said.

John Goodman's journey serves as a reminder that personal and professional growth is an ongoing process, marked by challenges, setbacks, and moments of breakthrough. Goodman's candor in sharing his experiences offers inspiration to others who may be navigating similar challenges, demonstrating that embracing vulnerability and learning from mistakes are essential for a fulfilling and successful life.