Gwyneth Paltrow and Jacob Elordi Remind Hollywood: Becoming an Actor Is a Lifelong Journey
In Hollywood, even its brightest stars are still students of the craft. That message shines through in a new Variety conversation between Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow and rising phenomenon Jacob Elordi — a candid, energizing discussion about the realities of acting, the power of mentorship, and what it truly takes to build a career on-screen.
Paltrow, who famously won the 1999 Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love, has spent recent years focused on her lifestyle brand Goop. But this month, she steps back into the spotlight in Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, playing a legendary 1950s movie star opposite Timothée Chalamet.
Her return arrives just as Elordi, 28, continues his meteoric rise — this time transforming into the iconic movie monster in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Their exchange is more than an interview; it’s a masterclass for anyone dreaming of becoming an actor.
Acting Begins With the Moment You Say “Yes”
Elordi describes the spark that set his journey in motion: performing as the Cat in The Cat in the Hat as a schoolboy.
“As soon as I was singing and dancing with the big hat on, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” he says. That moment — often small, simple, and unexpected — is where many performers first discover the joy of storytelling.
For Paltrow, choosing great filmmakers shaped her early path. She worked with Paul Thomas Anderson, Alfonso Cuarón, David Fincher, Steven Spielberg, and Wes Anderson when each was defining a generation of cinema. Looking back, she admits much of her success came from listening to her instinct and letting curiosity guide her.
Growth Never Stops — Even for Oscar Winners
If there’s one standout theme in their exchange, it’s that acting is not about arriving — it’s about evolving.
Paltrow reveals that even after massive success, she still had to step back and rediscover herself. Her seven-year break from acting was rooted in something many young actors understand: loneliness, exhaustion, and the overwhelming pace of the industry.
Her advice to her younger self — and to anyone chasing the dream — is deeply grounding:
“Take your time. Really get in touch with who you are and make decisions from that place. Slow down and work with great people, and don’t beat yourself up so much along the way.”
It’s a powerful reminder that sustainable acting careers are built on self-awareness, patience, and purpose — not constant hustle.
The Craft Requires Courage — and Reinvention
Elordi also opens up about the work behind great roles. Playing Frankenstein required ballet-like discipline and intense emotional range. He credits his sister, a ballet dancer, for shaping his sense of physical storytelling.
He also debunks the myth that acting is always magical:
“The worst day on a movie set is still better than the best day in the real world? That’s a lie,” he says bluntly. Even for breakout stars, the craft can feel like a job — and passion must be reignited again and again.
Both actors agree that today’s Hollywood feels different from the one Paltrow entered in the ’90s. It’s commercialized, competitive, and constantly changing. Yet they also believe true artistry still breaks through — especially when performers stay committed to meaningful storytelling.
For Aspiring Actors: The Path Is Still Wide Open
Whether you’re just starting or trying to level up your career, Paltrow and Elordi’s conversation serves as a reminder that:
- Your first spark matters.
- The industry will challenge you — and shape you.
- Real growth comes from staying grounded and intentional.
- Every actor, at every level, is still learning.
Hollywood might evolve, but storytelling is timeless — and there’s always room for new talent.
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