IAmA character actor who was a appeared in over 200 films and TV shows, including "Glee," "Groundhog Day," and "Memento." My name is Stephen Tobolowsky. AMA.

daybreaker · 1 year

How many times a day does someone stop on you on the street with some manner of reference to Ned Ryerson?

Oh-Wee-Oh-Wee-Oh · 1 year

Your IMDB profile says you were

Once held hostage at gunpoint at a supermarket in Snyder Plaza in Dallas.

What was that all about?

FleetingDasein · 1 year

As a fan, I'm eagerly expecting your appearance in an episode of Community this season. Did you enjoy working with the cast? Is the episode as good as I think it's gonna be?

notBrit · 1 year

When did you first feel like an actor? When did you realize that this would be your life and career? Through all of your roles, how have your agents dealt with your perpetual role as a supporting cast member? How have you?

And thank you for making movies. Your roles are consistently perfect.

Jero79 · 1 year

Out of the people you've worked with. Who is the biggest hidden gem? Which actor/actress should deserve more attention for his/her work?

JessePinkman · 1 year

The story about being partly responsible for Radiohead's name is interesting. Are you aware of the Washington DC band The Dismemberment Plan, who say their name is "from the movie Groundhog Day. There's a guy who chases after Bill Murray and tries to keep selling him different types of insurance and 'the dismemberment plan' was one of them. It just stuck." You say on The Files that you wrote that scene yourself. That means you named another highly influential band. So what I'm asking, Mr. Tobolowsky, is what should I name my band?

krodnoc · 1 year

My favorite performance of yours was as Sammy Jankis in Memento. What was your own personal favorite role and why?

onlyprevost · 1 year

I always imagine that David Duchovny is as cool and witty as his character on Californication. Is he really anything like that?

Thinksforfun · 1 year

Did you enjoy working on the set of Deadwood? How was the whole western experience for you?

lloydbraun69 · 1 year

What's the hollywood female attention like, being a character actor?

invincibubble · 1 year

I recognized your name immediately—though admittedly my first thought was of your stint on "Heroes."

My question is, as a character actor do you in general find yourself very deliberatetly trying to alter the type of character you play (thus being a character actor as in "an actor with many characters") or do you feel you're more often hired to play one particular type (being a character actor as in "an actor who looks/sounds/acts like this specific supporting role")?

I realize you've definitely demonstrated your range in your career so it's not meant at all as a slight to you as an artist, but I was just curious if you found that in the business you're more often cast for your variety or for your look.

Either way, great work and thanks for the AMA!

scots · 1 year

I logged in JUST to say this - Redditors, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, and listen to Stephen's podcast! This man is a master story teller, funny, insightful, shares more juicy bits about hollywood and big names than you can shake a stick at, and.. IS a major star in his own right!

Thank you for the AMA, Stephen! T.Files listener since Episode 1!

nthitz · 1 year

Ah my favorite role of yours was as Tor Eckman in Seinfeld! Was it hard keeping a straight face doing that healer routine? Especially with the way Jerry can get going...

anye123 · 1 year

I'm sure I'll be one of many praising you for your role in Deadwood. Sorry if this is awkward, but this is genuinely my favourite scene with you (mildly NSFW). I laugh every time!

What was your favourite moment on that show, on or off-screen?

EgoSumAwesome · 1 year

I remember on Heroes at one point you had to hold up an iPod to the screen and say "TAKE THIS, ITS FULLY LOADED". Does product placement like that bother you or is it just a part of the job for you?

MisterMet · 1 year

What do you think about the "second life" Groundhog Day has had since its theatrical release. I don't remember how it was received at the time, but now I've seen it show up on best film of the decade lists and even seen it referenced as one of the best philosophical movies of all time. Did you have any idea working on it that it would reach those levels?

quixilistic · 1 year

What was it like working with the cast of Glee with them being much younger than you and much less experienced?

What was your favorite piece performed on Glee? I personally loved the Journey performances. I'm a sucker for the 80's.

Thanks for the AMA! Love your work.

pranayama · 1 year

Thanks for this AMA!

Awhile ago, NPR had a story about how supporting actors in Hollywood were getting paid less and less money. One veteran actress said that she used to make $300,000-500,000 per year doing guest spots, but was now making $70,000 doing the same amount of work. At the same time, big stars and studio heads continue to rake in millions.

Have you also experienced this drastic decrease in pay as a supporting actor? It seems this income disparity is reflective of the general gap between the super rich and the working poor in the US. Do you have any ideas on how to bridge this gap within your profession?

matwcb · 1 year

In some of your podcasts (which I love) you have referenced bible stories and religious experiences. How have these affected your career?

Imez · 1 year

Why do some actors become (awesome) character actors, and some leading men? Is it all looks? Is it frustrating to be typecast?

Apathetic_Aplomb · 1 year

What role have you had the most fun playing?

ESJ · 1 year

Question about "Memento": Chris Nolan seems to have a farm of principal actors he likes to work with: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Cillian Murphy, etc. But how does Nolan interact with the actors playing secondary characters? Did you get the sense that you might be coming back for some role after Sammy Jankis?

ZachsMind · 1 year

How does "funny" work?

ibbyibby · 1 year

How did you find about reddit?

macclatom · 1 year

Did you and River hang out while making "Sneakers?"

jonl001 · 1 year

Thanks for doing this AMA. As a very good character actor, you get to work with an incredibly wide variety of people. Who are some of the very best directors and actors that you have worked with?

secretchimp · 1 year

Your show with Marc Maron a few weeks ago was really good. Just sayin.

friedscrimps · 1 year

What roles do you enjoy playing the most? What's the main difference between filming for a TV role and a movie role?

Bernardito · 1 year

Stephen, love your work. How was it to work on "Heroes"?

sadiewren · 1 year

How was hugging Bill Murray?

sdfilmguy · 1 year

I noticed that between your podcast and a few of your roles ("The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars", "Hercules", etc) that you have done some good voice-only work.

Which do you prefer as an actor and as a "get out of bed and go to work" guy, live "full" acting or voice-only work?

Also, can you do me a favor? I've always wanted to hear someone type the word "Passport".

Batatomic92 · 1 year

What was it like working with a director like Christopher Nolan? Any interesting experiences to share?

Also, any advice for somebody trying to get into either film direction or film/television acting?

Cheers, love your work.

andrewsmith1986 · 1 year

Any crazy antics on the Groundhog's day set?

druzal · 1 year

Is there any type of role that you wish you could get but typecasting has prevented?

fortysevens · 1 year

I always thought David Duchovny was just playing himself on Californication, what is he like in real life?

buggaz · 1 year

This may not apply but... What is the role that got away, and which one you got when you thought otherwise?

WonkaCheeseburger · 1 year

Who is the biggest asshole in Hollywood?

stephentobolowsky · 1 year

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