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Leading Man Joel Kinnaman On Authenticity, Facing Fear & Honoring Your Creative Calling

The Rich Roll Podcast

Mon Dec 18 2023



Leading Man Roles:

  • Joel Kinnaman shares his career trajectory, from a rebellious youth in Stockholm to becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men.
  • He underscores the significance of developing a deep passion for acting and finding purpose in the craft.

Challenges of Acting:

  • Kinnaman opens up about personal struggles, including experiencing panic attacks and vomiting before performances, highlighting the detrimental impact of self-doubt and fear on artistic expression.
  • The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity and overcoming internal obstacles to achieve creative success.

Experience at Red Sea Film Festival:

  • Reflecting on his recent participation at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Kinnaman expresses amazement at witnessing significant societal changes within a short span, such as open movie screenings and women driving, which were previously prohibited just six years ago.
  • He shares insights into the profound cultural shifts he observed, particularly with regards to movies and music being illegal only six years ago.

Physical Preparation for Movie Roles:

  • Kinnaman provides insights into his physical preparation for different movie roles, discussing weight loss efforts tailored to specific character portrayals and how training routines are adjusted based on role requirements.
  • He sheds light on his fitness routine, fasting practices, jiu-jitsu training regimen, and adapting his physique according to character demands.

Joel Kinnaman's Approach to Acting:

  • Acknowledges Nicholas Cage's bold character choices and commitment, describing them as risk-taking and essential for creating memorable characters.
  • Contrasts his own approach by highlighting the preference for subtle portrayal, incorporating personal nuances into a character's body language and speech patterns.

Career Choices and Legacy:

  • Emphasizes the importance of selecting roles based on director, character, and story rather than solely for financial gain.
  • Stresses the significance of choosing roles that challenge him to avoid stagnation as an actor.

Cultural Differences Between Sweden and the United States:

  • Reflects on cultural differences between Swedish stoicism and American celebration of success.
  • Shares experiences of navigating social interactions in Hollywood, noting the difference in attitudes towards expressing emotions between cultures.

Personal Journey and Perspective:

  • Before pursuing acting, Kinnaman took a seven-year break to work odd jobs and travel, aiming to gain clarity about his life's direction.
  • Discusses how his family's tradition of traveling influenced this decision, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of exploration within his upbringing.

Joel Kinnaman's Journey to Acting:

  • Joel initially lacked direction in life and was not academically inclined, but he intended to make money through hustling and then travel.
  • He had a childhood acting experience at the age of 10 and later got inspired by friends who were pursuing acting, which led him to consider trying it out.

Discovery of Passion for Acting:

  • After working on a monologue from "Long Day's Journey Into Night," Joel experienced a breakthrough where the text came alive, leading him to feel flow for the first time.
  • This experience marked a turning point in his life, as he realized his potential in acting and became obsessed with honing his skills.

Overcoming Stage Fright and Adversity:

  • Joel struggled with severe stage fright, experiencing panic attacks on stage. He faced this challenge head-on by taking on an incredibly difficult project - performing a one-man show with 16 characters.
  • This endeavor proved pivotal in overcoming his fears and building real confidence, ultimately propelling his career forward.

Facing Challenges Head-On:

  • The instinct to confront fears extends beyond acting into other aspects of Joel's life, such as seeking relationship coaching and navigating challenging dynamics within his personal life.
  • His philosophy revolves around embracing difficulty and putting in hard work to achieve great things across various domains of life.

Family and Therapy:

  • Joel Kinnaman mentions the need for external intervention, including Mark, MDMA, and psychedelics as part of his protocol to prevent going off the rails.
  • Despite having a therapist mother who instilled problem-solving skills, he shares his struggle in finding a good therapist for himself.

Relationship Dynamics:

  • Kinnaman reflects on his complex relationship with his father, acknowledging their volatile period during his turbulent adolescence but also highlighting the positive transformation into a close and beautiful relationship now.
  • The conversation delves into Kinnaman's journey from being a hyperactive troublemaker in his youth to navigating through family dynamics and personal growth.

Dealing with Fame and Authenticity:

  • Kinnaman emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with genuine friendships instead of playing the fame game, emphasizing authenticity over superficial perceptions.
  • He reflects on getting lost in pursuing fame, choosing friends based on how they reflected on him, which ultimately led to insecurity and anxiety. This realization prompted him to step back from social media and reevaluate its impact on his life.

Acting Career Insights:

  • Joel advises aspiring artists to go all-in without a plan B, stressing that obsession and singular focus are essential components for success in an artistic career.
  • Reflecting on the challenges within the acting profession, he highlights the necessity for confidence amidst rejection while encouraging young actors to find alternative ways to practice their craft beyond auditions.

Personal Growth and Artistic Journey:

  • Kinnaman candidly shares his insights into sustaining passion for one's craft, emphasizing falling in love with the art itself rather than chasing fame or recognition.
  • He provides valuable advice about maintaining patience, persistence, and staying strong while nurturing confidence amid uncertainty in an actor's journey.