At age 74, actor John Goodman is shifting his professional goals to prioritize grace and simplicity, adapting his career needs after dropping 200 pounds over the past decade. While promoting his new film Digger in London, Goodman spoke with USA TODAY about his enduring passion for acting, his changing approach to travel, and his role in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s disaster movie satire.
John Goodman Discusses Career Longevity and His Love for British Theater
Goodman takes “a couple of trips” to London each year specifically to watch theater, praising the commitment and professionalism of British actors. That appreciation fuels his own longevity in the industry. “I’m a huge fan of actors,” Goodman told USA TODAY. “If possible, that’s all I would ever talk about or read about. I’m a fanboy. I get excited working with these guys. So that’s what keeps it fresh.”
Tom Cruise and John Goodman Star in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Satire Digger
In Digger, which is currently in theaters, Goodman stars opposite Tom Cruise for the first time. Cruise plays oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, whose company accidentally sends a rogue ice shelf nicknamed “Judy” careening toward Europe. Goodman plays President Compson, a blustery political leader who tasks his friend Digger with fixing the disaster. Cruise hit the red carpet on September 28 in Los Angeles alongside his co-stars for the film’s premiere.
Director Alejandro González Iñárritu praised Goodman’s performance, noting the actor brings a unique brand of humor and truth to the role. “Every line he said is so much fun. So truthful and so wild and so funny, only John Goodman could do what he did,” Iñárritu said, according to USA TODAY. “John Goodman is an icon. He’s such a relatable guy, which is the genius of humor.”
Goodman Reflects on Political Power Dynamics and Timeless Satire
Surrounded by sycophants while wearing a red tie and an American flag lapel pin, Goodman’s character President Compson invites comparisons to real-world political figures. However, Goodman views the story as timeless rather than ripped from current headlines. He noted that politicians have always manipulated narratives to serve their interests.
“I mean, from the founding of the country, it came from so many different visions, and they hammered out a government, which almost collapsed in 10 years, so they had to make a constitution,” Goodman told USA TODAY. “But it was the same people jockeying for power, for their constituencies.”
Adapting Life Goals and Future Roles After Major Weight Loss
Goodman attended the Hollywood premiere of Digger with his wife, Anna Beth, showcasing a much spryer appearance following a 200 pounds weight loss over the past ten years. Reflecting on his career trajectory, the veteran actor admitted his priorities have evolved. “I’m getting up there in years and it’d be great to be able to work in the States, but now you’ve got to go where the work is,” Goodman told USA TODAY. He added that he no longer enjoys living out of a suitcase and is working to make his lifestyle as graceful and simple as possible.
Following his work in Digger, Goodman is set to appear in Season 3 of HBO’s sci-fi hit The Last of Us.
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