11 episodes
The Big Break Wondery
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- Society & Culture
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4.7 • 78 Ratings
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Hollywood has always been a gold rush, and if you strike gold, it’s a rush unlike any other. The world of acting can be cut-throat and full of rejection, or it can be life-affirming and offer limitless possibilities. On The Big Break, Kellie Martin and Chad Lowe talk with fellow actors about that magical moment when they first struck gold, when their lives and careers changed forever. Was it that audition for Rob Reiner? Or was it being cast in a cereal commercial in the 1980s? How did they prepare for opportunity to come knocking? Drawing on their own experiences growing up in show business, Kellie and Chad go all the way back to their guests’ beginnings to learn how some of the most beloved actors of our time got their Big Break.
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Marissa Jaret Winokur and the Natural Progression
Sometimes you just know! Tony-winner and Hairspray star, Marissa Jaret Winokur tells Kellie and Chad she actually did come out of the womb singing like Ethal Merman. And she explains why she just couldn’t take off that costume when it was time to say good-bye to Tracy Turnblad. Also, while Kellie manages to insult Adele, Christina Aguilera, and Bernadette Peters, Marissa admits she can’t seem to remember the four times she’s met Barry Manilow.
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Ryan Michelle Bathé and Her BeBe Neuwirth Plan
Become anyone you want to be! First Wives Club actor Ryan Michelle Bathé tells Kellie and Chad she wanted to be a lawyer or join the U.S. Air Force, so she became an actor… of course! Ryan breaks down her first on-screen girl kiss. It was Kellie. And Chad talks about getting slapped on screen. It was also Kellie! So what’s it like to be “undeniable” in an industry that constantly denies you? Just ask Ryan!
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Shannon Woodward Wants to Live Inside the TV Box
Doesn’t everyone want to be in their happy place? Westworld alum, Shannon Woodward, saw a world she wanted to live in when she was nine — and went for it. And she still remembers her lines from that first acting gig. Kellie, Chad and Shannon bond over the challenges of going to school as child actors, and try to get on the same page about how motion-capture acting is really just acting — with a camera attached to your face!
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Driving Greg Grunberg
He must play well with others! Star Wars and Heroes actor, Greg Grunberg, says he may have found his big break in the sandbox at kindergarten. A self-proclaimed ‘hustler,’ he takes Kellie and Chad on a tour of his life in the jungles of Hollywood – from frozen yogurt delivery to driving entertainment royalty – until beer commercials changed everything. Meanwhile, Chad bemoans the trials of working with family and Kellie can’t believe she isn’t Greg’s favorite co-star.
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Patti LuPone is a Fan and a Tourist
Sometimes the stage is the safest place to be. Broadway legend Patti LuPone realized at 4 years-old she couldn’t get into trouble if she stayed in the spotlight. She gives Chad and Kellie a master's class in method acting, and reveals her technique to “not stink on stage.” And while Chad learns what it means to have the universe unfold, and Kellie reminisces with Patti about the times they’ve played mom and daughter, and the tears that always come along for the ride.
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Danielle Panabaker and the Introvert’s Guide to Becoming an Actor
It’s like she won Mega Millions! Star of the The Flash, Danielle Panabaker caught the acting bug at theater camp, but her skeptical parents knew successful acting careers have the same odds as winning the lottery. But she won! Danielle chats with Kellie and Chad about the creativity parents need to get child actors an on-set education — and acting class stories abound. She also describes what it’s like to not only direct herself, but direct herself while playing two characters! Is that jealousy we hear Kellie? Or maybe we’re all just super impressed!
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Customer Reviews
Great listen!!
Such a great concept to hear stars of stage and film talk about their life changing moments as well as their biggest bummer. Highly recommended!
Amazing
I started listening for Kellie and Chad banter but the guests are such a good mix of people and also have great chemistry with the hosts. It would be easy to see this podcast as celebrities interviewing celebrities but that is NOT the vibe it gives off. It really feels like you are sitting around a table with people you are just getting to know. Highly recommend to anyone who is naturally curious about others and enjoys a good laugh.
Such fun!
I’m enjoying this show so much!