The Big Break

Wondery
  • 4.7 (78)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Big Break

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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. Binge all episodes exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-break/ now. 

Episodes

  1. 5 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    Where to Find Episodes 2-10

    Binge all episodes of The Big Break exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-break/ now.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 min

  2. 02/16/2022 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    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. Follow Marissa on Instagram marissajaretwinokur and on Twitter @MarissaJWinokur and learn more about Prevent Cancer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min

  3. 02/09/2022 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    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! Follow Ryan on Instagram RyanMichelleB and on Twitter @Michellechel and learn more about Alliance of Moms and Youth Mentoring Connection See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 4m

  4. 02/02/2022 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    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! Follow Shannon on Instagram ShannonWoodward and on Twitter @ShannonWoodward and lean more about A is For See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 6m

  5. 01/26/2022 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    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. Follow Greg on Instagram GregGrunberg and on Twitter @GregGunberg and learn more about epilepsy at TalkAboutIt.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 8m

  6. 01/19/2022 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    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. Follow Patti on Twitter @PattiLuPone See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    59 min

  7. 01/12/2022 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    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! Follow Danielle on Instagram DPanabaker and on Twitter @DPanabaker and learn more about Unicef and The Artof Elysium See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    56 min

  8. 01/05/2022 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    Patrick Warburton: From Pool Boy to Puddy

    From misfit to a perfect fit. Acting was a true escape for Rules of Engagement and Seinfeld star Patrick Warburton. He shares with Kellie and Chad the importance of an actor’s point of view, taking risks and staying true to yourself. Also, if your Big Bummer includes Tom Cruise, you and Patrick have something in common. Oh, and if you want out of a speeding ticket, Patrick says try that low… low voice. Follow Patrick on Instagram PaddyWarbucks and on Twitter @PaddyWarbucks and learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    59 min

  9. 12/29/2021 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    Cheryl Hines and the Quest for “Swamp Thing”

    It’s not how you start — it’s how you finish! Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines reveals to Kellie and Chad how a bartending gig in LA led to a meeting that changed everything. She also riffs on her time with Rob Reiner and Larry David — and opens up about the significance of... chicken? Chad and Kellie also chat about their own early industry experiences, joining Cheryl in spilling the details on their most horrific auditions. Follow Cheryl on Instagram  _cherylhines and on Twitter @CherylHines and learn more about United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 6m

  10. 12/22/2021 • WONDERY+ ONLY

    Kevin Connolly and the Long Island Hustle

    The best cut is a bowl cut. Entourage alum, Kevin Connolly stops by to chat with Kellie and Chad about his early years as a male model and hair, naturally. He reveals his child actor nemesis, who may or may not be Kellie's ex. Discussion moves to growing up in Hollywood and the power of rejection. And Chad explains the rules of being a teenage heartthrob. Yes, there are rules. Follow Kevin on Instagram MrKevinConnolly and on Twitter @MrKevinConnolly See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 4m

  11. 12/15/2021

    Melissa Joan Hart’s Career Began in the Bathtub

    First time’s a charm! Sabrina the Teenage Witch star, Melissa Joan Hart got her first acting job she ever went on at age 4. And Kellie and Chad learn one of her biggest disappointments was the part she didn't get — but Kellie did! Plus Melissa reveals some of the best parenting advice she ever got came from a Ghostbuster. Oh… Lucky underwear anyone? Binge all episodes exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-break/ now.  Follow Melissa on Instagram MelissaJoanHart and on Twitter @MelissaJoanHart and learn more about World Vision and The Hole in the Wall Gang  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    59 min

  12. 12/09/2021

    Introducing: The Big Break

    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. Binge all episodes exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-break/ now.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    2 min

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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
78 Ratings

About

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. Binge all episodes exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-break/ now. 

Information

  • Channel
    Wondery
  • Creator
    Wondery
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Wondery LLC. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Big Break
  • Provider
    Wondery, Inc.

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