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Wes Chatham on Acting, Jiu-Jitsu, and Overcoming Nerves

The Fighter and The KidMay 23, 20181h 50min102,312 views
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The Actor's Journey and Nerves

  • 🎭 Wes Chatham discusses how nerves can be a significant hurdle in acting, almost leading him to quit the business.
  • 🧠 He shares advice from his teacher, Milton Katselas, to focus on observing and reacting to the present moment rather than internalizing expectations.
  • 💡 Denzel Washington's advice to Wes was to learn the craft, as it's the actor's only true currency in the industry.

Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Competition

  • 🥋 Wes Chatham is described as secretly competitive, particularly in jiu-jitsu and boxing, where he experiences nerves before rolling or sparring.
  • 🥊 The nerves in boxing stem from the fear of getting hurt, while jiu-jitsu nerves are attributed to a lack of control and the unknown.
  • 🧠 Both boxing and jiu-jitsu are seen as forms of meditation that humble the ego and require intense focus.

The Craft of Acting and Success

  • 🎬 The conversation touches on the difference between movie stars and true artists, with Josh Brolin and Daniel Day-Lewis cited as examples of dedicated craft.
  • 🎭 Actors like Burt Reynolds and Marlon Brando are discussed for their revolutionary approaches to acting, changing the landscape of performance.
  • 🌟 The importance of learning the craft is emphasized, with examples of successful actors who continued training throughout their careers.

Hollywood and the Entertainment Industry

  • 📺 The challenges of the TV business, particularly with streaming services, are highlighted, using The Expanse as a case study for fan-driven revival.
  • 🎤 The rise of social media and follower counts is contrasted with the traditional focus on acting skill, with concerns about instant gratification over craft.
  • 🌟 The episode also features discussions on comedians like Kevin Hart and Theo Von, and their unique comedic styles and career trajectories.

Personal Reflections and Health

  • 💭 The hosts and guest discuss dealing with personal revelations in comedy and the impact of external validation or criticism.
  • 🩺 Wes Chatham shares his ongoing battle with psoriasis, detailing the diagnostic process and dietary changes required.
  • 🏈 The NFL's policy on kneeling during the national anthem is debated, exploring the balance between free speech, employee conduct, and business impact.
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What’s Discussed

ActingJiu-JitsuBoxingNervesAnxietyCraftThe ExpanseKevin HartTheo VonDenzel WashingtonSylvester StallonePsoriasisNFLNational AnthemProtest
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