Actor John Goodman: filmography and best roles

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

John Goodman is rightfully considered one of the most sought-after and famous Hollywood actors. Everyone likes his films, as he perfectly gets used to both comedic and dramatic roles, bringing a very special charisma to them. But not all fans of the eminent actor know that his life did not begin on the stage, but he had to achieve everything through hard and constant work.

John Goodman biography

The life of an eminent actor has not always been full of fame and recognition. John Goodman was born 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 clerk, unfortunately died when John was only two years old. The family had three children - older brother Leslie and younger sister Betty. Naturally, the mother, Virginia, spent all her time at work, trying to provide her children with everything they needed.

It was his older brother who became John's real friend and assistant, who helped him and even replaced his father to some extent. It was thanks to Leslie's support that the future actor successfully graduated from school and even took part inschool theater productions. His debut on the small stage of his native city took place in 1968. It was probably at this time that John chose an acting career for himself.

In 1970, Goodman entered a community college and then transferred to Southwestern Missouri University. 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. That same year, he decided to move to New York to work on his career.

The beginning of a career on Broadway

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 playing in children's productions and even working as a cook in the theater.

However, in 1978 he made his Broadway debut in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. His role, of course, was small, but it was enough to be noticed. Very soon, the young actor became the main character of Broadway musicals and earned critical acclaim. Particularly expressive are his works such as "Losing Ends" and "Big River".

First movie auditions

Career on the big screen, John Goodman began with small secondary roles. For example, in 1983 he got roles in such films as "The Face of Fury", "Survival School" and "Eddie Macon's Escape".

In 1984, the actor agreed to participate in such films as "Revengefools", "Beloved Mary". There were other pictures 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 rising to prominence as a charismatic supporting actor, John received an offer from the Coen brothers and starred in a successful film called Raising Arizona. It was in this picture that the audience was able to discover for the first time the breathtaking depth of the young actor's talent.

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 an 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

Of course, during his long career, the actor managed to take part in the filming of dozens of films. In some, he played the main roles, in some he played secondary roles, in some he created a cheerful and light atmosphere thanks to his amazing talent as a comedian, while in others he perfectly reproduced tragic and dramatic images.

In 1988, he starred in such films as "The Scouts", "100% American for All" and "Punchline". The following year, the films "Always" and "Sea of Love" were released. In 1990the actor managed to work in two projects - "Stella" and "Fear of Spiders".

In 1994, John got the lead role in the well-loved and well-known comedy The Flintstones, as well as in the very eccentric picture of the Coen brothers Hudsucker's Henchman. The year 1998 was quite productive, in which the actor starred in the cult comedy The Big Lebowski, as well as the musical The Blues Brothers 2000 and the mystical thriller Fallen.

During his career, John Goodman has proven to be a truly versatile actor. Despite the fact that comedies with his participation became the most successful, he successfully starred in dramas, fantasy films, romantic films, action films and thrillers. In 1997, John Goodman's star 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 to this day takes part in dubbing well-known and beloved cartoons. Among them are such projects as Rudolph the Reindeer, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, The Emperor's Adventures and Monsters Inc., as well as The Emperor's Adventures 2, Cars, B-Movie: Honey Plot, "Paranormal Norman".

New works of the famous actor

In fact, the actor's career is currently on the renaissance 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 world-famous films at once, including “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”, andalso the Oscar-winning "Artist".

The year 2012 did not pass without work, 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 a dramatic picture-biography of "Trumbo".

Private life

It's worth saying right away that John Goodman is one of those lucky ones who manage to combine leading roles in films, a successful business and a happy family life. With his wife, Annabeth Hartzog, the actor met 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 was literally speechless 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 spoils his fans with beautiful singing on the screen. In addition, together with his friends, the actor loves to sing from time to time in restaurants, including the House of Blues, 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 duet of John and Bruce Willis.