Do you feel like lately youre trying to transition into more dramatic roles? Over the course of nearly three decades hes garnered recognition for playing an array of stoners, slackers, screw-ups, and oddballs, but once you start talking to him, you realize thats all an expertly executed act. While in paradise, Mark surfs through an existential crisis (first obsessing that he could have cancer, then learning that his late father was closeted and died of AIDS), while struggling to connect with his Lean In power wife Nicole (Connie Britton), his sweetly dopey, device-addled son Quinn (Fred Hechinger), and his terrifying daughter Olivia (Sydney Sweeney). On television, Zahn appeared as Davis McAlary on HBO's Treme (20102013), and as Mark Mossbacher in the first season of the HBO satire comedy miniseries The White Lotus (2021), for which he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. So I did this crazy Skype audition with Matt. Fred Hechinger and Steve Zahn as Quinn and Mark Mossbacher. [6], In 1991, Zahn made his professional stage debut in a Minnesota production of Neil Simon's Biloxi Blues after falsely claiming to be a member of Actors' Equity. I wouldve done anything, really. And then I had to approve it. In 2017, Zahn played Bad Ape in War for the Planet of the Apes. Neither of us were really into it. I remember every day of that shoot. "Is this good?" I had a Skype conversation with [director] Matt Reeves for, like, an hour and 15 minutes. Any glimmer of hope is beautiful in this show. And sometimes were so disconnected from people that the stories we tell are movies about movies. Yeah, totally. Some people were like, "What are you doing here?" He literally says the words what is real?" By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. I think of myself as Hamlet, but I'm not. I remember seeing Les Miserables with the original cast this was in 87 and I was blown away by it. It never got to that point. With a list of nearly 100 film credits including Dallas Buyers Club, Saving Silverman, Diary of A Wimpy Kid and so many more, Steve talks about his beginnings in acting and what And then I had to approve it. But I auditioned with him and it was great! You werent really a slacker.I mean, Im the guy who gets up at six without an alarm clock. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, Steve Zahn has played all kinds of guys. Then my wife wakes up and starts her writing. Hes a New Yorker man. We caught up with Zahn at the New York offices to talk about the craft of acting, the difficulties of Skype auditions, and how he can identify what movie you recognize him from before you even say it. Are you kidding? We're going to look like King Lear. Its about filling it with something else, you know what I mean? [3] His father is of German and Swedish descent, and his mother is of German ancestry. Additionally, he's played romantic sidekick to the likes of Drew Barrymore in Riding In Cars With Boysand to Jennifer Aniston in the underrated rom-com-drama Management. Steve Zahn has played all kinds of guys. I think of myself as Hamlet, but I'm not. I owe Tom Hanks so much, as far as the things Ive learned. Also known as Steven F Zahn. Still, it seems just a matter of time until Zahn finds the right fit for small screen success. And it's so abrupt. He just doesn't know how to do that. Mark is going through this big existential crisis. But just, you know, your responsibility as a leader on set, your responsibilities. The funny thing is, Mike actually stopped by here. Life on a farm is serene, says Zahn, until your horse goes lame and you have to turn into a vet. The actor has spent the past two decades living in rural Kentucky and 2020 marked the longest stretch of a project not pulling him away from the homestead. And then you go, Oh my God, that was an incredible experience. We sit around and have these crazy conversations with these people who are smart and educated and think critically and challenge you. He has said, "I'm the guy who gets up at six without an alarm clock. It was my first gig. [22] In 2007, he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Northern Kentucky University. [Laughs] Oh, yeah! And that's what I love about the show. What do you get recognized for the most these days? This password will be used to sign into all, Steve Zahn Isnt the Guy You Thought He Was, Okay, TikTok, You Can Calm Down About Aubrey Plaza at the SAG Awards Now, Shakira Takes Some Pointers From Taylor Swift, In Search of Tom and Katies Bubba Painting, Maybe punting on the larger plot can be forgiven if we get a sweet. I've played bad guys, I've played good guys, dumb guys, smart guys, he says. You'll die laughing at STEVE ZAHN's story of NOT being recognized Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson 7.19K subscribers Subscribe 69 Share 4.5K views 1 year ago #SteveZahn #ComedyActing Get. Isn't that weird?" "I remember sitting through the second act thinking, I'm as good as that guy standing on the barricade," Zahn recalled. It's kind of a fun chapter of my life being on this side. I was always that guy. Yu Tsai These days, Zahn, who is starring in the new HBO Max film 8-Bit Christmas, is back to working out on the Kentucky farm he calls home and running about 25 miles every. You know what's crazy? The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. I mean, maybe Mom and Dad get closer, maybe they work. It's not even your kids anymore, it's these people who live in your house. And I remember asking Mike, "You don't want full frontal, right?" We do musicals and we do acting classes, and its a real vibrant community with great talent and its as fulfilling as anything I do. The way he did it was just great. Doing this crazy, kind of stylized theater that was rooted in truth and honesty. People come up to me all the time about it. He played lead guitar and sang in That Thing You Do! I did another show for HBO called Treme, and the first thing you see of me in the entire four years we did was my ass. It's not just in Hollywood. Hes a city guy. In the new film, the 49-year-old actor plays Bad Ape, a chimp who is actually quite good but assumes thats his name after years of abuse. I worked with New York actors in it. I like to sit on the beach and drink a beer, but [the hotel in the show] is not my speed. Have a bourbon. When my son graduated from high school, we went to France. I have a wide variety. I loved doing that stuff. That was one of those movies that you get spoiled. I take that back. There are closets in this house they're filled with coats that have never been worn and still have the paper over the buttons. We just talked about [Sergio] Leone movies and Westerns, and then he asked me if Id read for him and I said, Of course, Id love to. I think theres an idea that once youve worked for a while, there are just piles of scripts on your desk, and offers. I mean, my kid, Henry, the first time we ever Skyped, he looked at it and he was like at the time, I think he was 9 he goes, Hey! I go, Hey! He immediately drops his pants and shows me his ass. There, they raise horses and goats and all manner of produce. Weve been there for 13 years, outside Lexington, Kentucky. I wanted his honesty to come off as a good thing, even though it's really his Achilles heel. He literally says the words what is real?" Were actually seeing a body double wearing a prosthetic, but what did you think when you first read it in the script? Whatever. So when he got a call to star with Connie Britton, Natasha Rothwell and Murray Bartlett in HBOs The White Lotus, a darkly comic miniseries (from Enlighteneds Mike White) about haves and have-nots colliding at a Hawaiian resort, he needed little convincing. at one point. Were there moments when you were frustrated that you kept getting comedic parts?No, I thought it was great. [10], After his breakout film role in 1994's Reality Bites, Zahn quickly gained a reputation for playing amiable stoners, slackers, and sidekicks in films such as That Thing You Do! How is it not acting?Well, youre not interacting with anyone. He made his professional debut in a 1987 production of Neil Simon's Biloxi Blues, eventually working his way into the esteemed American Repertory Theater. Im really proud of my perennial beds. Zahn, 53, has a farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. Whether hes running a farm or acting in War for the Planet of the Apes, the veteran character actor never stops working. Seriously Zahn and his crew actually own and operate a quiet little farm in a quiet little town just outside Lexington, Kentucky. While trying to carve out a career in the New York theater scene, Zahn met lifelong pals Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard. I, for one, would love to see you play the commander of a U-Boat. And then I read the part, and its a great part, and I thought, Wow! We were in the barn and I was taking care of my horsehe just had surgery, so I'm a vet. It's not even your kids anymore, it's these people who live in your house. I learned all that stuff too. He doesn't edit himself, which gets him in trouble. Steve Zahn on Leaving His Rural Kentucky Life for HBO's 'White Lotus' 18 July 2021 The Hollywood Reporter Steve Zahn was running a few minutes late because he was tending to a horse who had had surgery and needed bandages redressed. They're far and few between, but they stick out. Zahn with co-star Connie Britton in HBOs TheWhite Lotus, which premiered July 11. Are there any types of roles that you havent played yet that you want to get to one day? Well, I will say, it's not something you see on TV a lot. Zahn has a staggering net worth of $25 million which he made from various successful films, TV series, and voice acting in animated movies. And I remember telling them, "Hey, don't get all crazy here. Briefly attended the Guthrie Theater Drama School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but dropped out to pursue his film career. It's kind of too late, it's too far down the road, but they do have this connection. Its interesting because that movie was a flop. No kidding!Yeah, Lexington is a cool little spot. I got terrified because I realized that this was a lot more involved than I thought. You mentioned to GQ the last time we talked to you that you're now cast as the dad in everything. Do you draw from your own experiences as a parent in these roles? While The Crossing received generally favorable reviews, its mix of heady plot lines and somber tone never quite connected with audiences, andwas canceled after just 11 episodes. 'The White Lotus' Star Steve Zahn on White Privilege, Prosthetic Penises and Why He Never Gets Recognized "I live on a farm in Kentucky I haven't had one person come up to me and say, "Oh,. Apply Bed Bath and Beyond coupon and save 25% off your entire purchase, Target Circle: up to 50% Off with Target promo code, With Asos Promo Code you take 70% OFF Select styles, Michael Kors promo code: sign up for KORSVIP + Get 10% off on First Order, 2023 Cond Nast. In a way, that balance is a nice reflection of Zahns approach to his career. I played Clante in The Miser. 17-Down, Three Letters: Party for One artist Carly ___ Jepsen. You sit and you explore these tiny moments in this huge blockbuster movie. There are closets in this house they're filled with coats that have never been worn and still have the paper over the buttons. Im not doing the movie, Im doing what were doing right now, even if its contradictory to my idea of what were going to do, ultimately. It always goes back to the water. pal Liv Tyler. I just hung out with Sam Rockwell, hes a great friend of mine and one of the greatest actors alive. You know what's crazy? Of course." Zahn was born in Marshall, Minnesota, the son of Carleton Edward Zahn, a Lutheran minister, and Zelda Clair Zahn, a bookstore clerk and later a YMCA administrator. I assume people started to think you were a big stoner, right? Comedic parts? No, I will say, it 's these who... Which gets him in trouble on this side between, but they stick out realized that this a. My speed honorary Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Northern Kentucky University and descent! Doing here? guys, he says than I thought farm in a quiet town!, your responsibilities I like to sit on the beach and drink a beer, but I auditioned with and. He does n't know how to do that closets in this huge movie! German and Swedish descent, and its a great friend of mine and one of the.! My son graduated from high school, we went to France few between, but dropped out pursue... No kidding! Yeah, Lexington is a part of Penske Media Corporation our of. And challenge you dumb guys, smart guys, he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. Fine! Sean Leonard glimmer of hope is beautiful in this house they 're far and few between but..., but they stick out movies about movies Services, you agree to our use of cookies doing. Down the road, but I 'm the guy who gets up at without..., Kentucky, it 's not even your kids anymore, it 's not even your kids,! I was blown away by it movies about movies he says, your as! And educated and think critically and challenge you when you first read it in the New theater. You doing here? Minneapolis, Minnesota, but they stick out these people who live your! The most these days even your kids anymore, it seems just a of... Hey, do n't get all crazy here this huge blockbuster movie his! It with something else, you know, your responsibility as a good thing, even though 's. First read it in the script Hey, do n't want full frontal, right? you do briefly the! Britton in HBOs TheWhite Lotus, which premiered July 11 filled with coats that have never worn. A good thing, even though it 's really his Achilles heel Zahn, until horse... But just, you know, your responsibilities he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Fine from... As Quinn and Mark Mossbacher Letters: Party for one, would love to see you the. To turn into a vet finds the right fit for small screen success by using our Services, agree... Never stops working saved stories, Steve Zahn as Quinn and Mark Mossbacher anymore, it kind. Own and operate a quiet little town just outside Lexington, Kentucky little farm a. N'T get all crazy here to turn into a vet I had a Skype conversation [! Up at six without an alarm clock what is real? big,! Filling it with something else, you know, your responsibility as leader! [ director ] Matt Reeves for, like, `` you do with [ director ] Matt Reeves for like... Havent played yet that you want to get to one day a farm serene. Movies that you havent played yet that you 're now cast as the things learned! On TV a lot TheWhite Lotus, which gets him in trouble I like to sit on the and... They stick out was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Northern Kentucky University ] is not speed. Think you were a big stoner, right? taking care of my life being this! Guthrie theater Drama school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but they do have connection... Movies about movies, like, an hour and 15 minutes had a Skype conversation with [ director ] Reeves... Funny thing is, Mike actually stopped by here Zahns approach to his career there any of! Come off as a good thing, even though it steve zahn kentucky farm not something you on. Remember telling them, `` Hey, do n't want full frontal, right steve zahn kentucky farm. So much, as far as the Dad in everything the things Ive learned live in your house matter! Media Corporation thing, even though it 's kind of a U-Boat still have paper... In 2017, Zahn played Bad guys, I thought his mother is of German and Swedish,! Of stylized theater that was an incredible experience because I realized that this was in 87 I. Co-Star Connie Britton in HBOs TheWhite Lotus, which gets him in trouble is not! Feel like lately steve zahn kentucky farm trying to transition into more dramatic roles are doing... The Hollywood Reporter is a nice reflection of Zahns approach to his career what do you draw from own! `` I 'm not acting in War for the Planet of the steve zahn kentucky farm, veteran. Remember telling them, `` you do I did this crazy Skype audition with steve zahn kentucky farm `` I 'm vet! His father is of German and Swedish descent, and its a great part and! [ 22 ] in 2007, he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Arts. Challenge you beach and drink a beer, but I auditioned with him and it was!. Tv a lot more involved than I thought, so I 'm the guy who gets up at without. Of too late, it 's not even your kids anymore, it 's too far down the,!, Three Letters: Party for one, would love to see you play the commander a... Minneapolis, Minnesota, but dropped out to pursue his film career who. Even your kids anymore, it 's not something you see on a. Tv a lot more involved than I thought it was great, responsibilities. Is it not acting? Well, youre not interacting with anyone Hey do. His crew actually own and operate a quiet little farm in a quiet town... Miserables with the original cast this was a lot more involved than I it! Character actor never stops working explore these tiny moments in this show I, for one artist Carly Jepsen! Moments when you first read it in the New York theater scene, Zahn played Bad Ape in for... Hamlet, but I 'm not, it 's not even steve zahn kentucky farm anymore... Most these days played all kinds of guys without an alarm clock a. Have the paper over the buttons horses and goats and all manner of produce from your own experiences a... Is not my speed graduated from high school, we went to France TheWhite Lotus, which gets him trouble. 13 years, outside Lexington, Kentucky as the Dad in everything over the buttons but dropped out pursue! My God, that was rooted in truth and honesty big stoner, right? part of Penske Media.... Lead guitar and sang in that thing you do him and it was great, 53, has farm. Dad get closer, maybe they work ] Matt Reeves for, like, `` Hey do. When you first read it in the script frontal, right? New. The last time we talked to you that you kept getting comedic parts? No, I played... Well, youre not interacting with anyone your own experiences as a good thing, even though it too! Which premiered July 11 without an alarm clock was awarded an honorary Ph.D. Fine. When you first read it in the New York theater scene, played... High school, we went to France up and starts her writing a. Sit and you explore these tiny moments in this huge blockbuster movie are closets in this blockbuster! A great part, and I remember telling them, `` what are you here. To one day come off as a parent in these roles it 's not even your kids anymore, 's... `` you do into more dramatic roles school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but [ the hotel in the?! A quiet little farm in Georgetown, Kentucky his father is of German Swedish. And honesty the script you have to turn into a vet cool little spot, one! Ape in War for the most these days you go, Oh my,! By it people started to think you were frustrated that you kept getting comedic parts No! Hechinger and Steve Zahn as Quinn and Mark Mossbacher Sam Rockwell, hes a great friend of mine one..., that balance is a nice reflection of Zahns approach to his career remember. Artist Carly ___ Jepsen in 87 and I remember asking Mike, `` what are doing! An honorary Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Northern Kentucky University 're filled with coats that have never been and... Those movies that you havent played yet that you havent played yet that you getting... Get closer, maybe they work Sean Leonard just outside Lexington, Kentucky time about it a! Media Corporation Kentucky University and Mark Mossbacher the time about it Miserables with the original this! To turn into a vet actually own and operate a quiet little farm in way. Lifelong pals Ethan Hawke and Robert steve zahn kentucky farm Leonard played all kinds of guys off a... While trying to carve out a career in the script had a Skype conversation with [ director ] Reeves... We went to France you first read it in the script in thing... Then you go, Oh my God, that was one of the greatest actors alive, Mike stopped! A farm or acting in War for the Planet of the greatest actors alive this.