S02 E08: Focusing On Fundamentals with Helen Hunt

Author: Daniel Lamb & Anna Rosa Parker / Helen Hunt
Published: Mon 09 Aug 2021
Episode Link: None

“Your imperfections as an actor kind of are your bread and butter.”

— Helen Hunt

Today’s guest really needs no introduction: we’re talking to beloved Academy-Award-winning actress and director Helen Hunt.

After rising to fame in the hit sitcom Mad About You alongside Paul Reiser, Helen soon found film stardom through pictures such as Twister, As Good As It Gets, Pay It Forward, and What Women Want, developing a lifelong career that has taken her from the small screen to stage to the big screen, and back again, both on-camera and behind it.

This episode is part of a four-part series focusing on creatives working in the entertainment industry.

“I think the best acting and directing (and sometimes writing) is physical. The breath is involved, your memories are involved, your dreams are involved, your toes are involved,” Helen explains. “It’s very good for me to have at least part of what I do, maybe most of what I do, involve all of me.”

In this conversation, Helen frankly discusses topics like the #MeToo movement and consequence culture, her creative process when approaching a role, and how you can join one of her acting classes.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

The importance of striking the right balance between spontaneity and preparation
How acting success ebbs and flows — and how to ride that roller coaster
The story behind the television show Blindspotting, and why Helen wanted to be involved

About Helen Hunt: Helen Hunt is an award-winning actress and director who has worked on stage, on television, and on the big screen, garnering Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Primetime Emmys for her performances.

‌

Highlights:‌ ‌

01:44 Being a woman in Hollywood before #MeToo

03:45 Acting through your whole being

05:19 Spontaneity v. preparation

06:29 Helen’s acting journey & teaching

08:01 The evolution of success

09:09 Vaccinations

10:55 The “awkward ally” & Blindspotting

14:40 Unique creative choices in Blindspotting

16:11 Pandemic & production

17:22 What fascinates Helen