No Small Parts Season 2 Episode 56 Josh Gad

No Small Parts is a fascinating celebrity-driven series where the host, Brandon Hardesty, examines the lesser-known and somewhat forgotten actors who provided the critical foundation for significant movie and television productions. Season 2 Episode 56 features Josh Gad, a multitalented performer whose career exemplifies dedication, humor, and fearlessness.

Hardesty kicks-off the episode by supplying some very brief history on Josh Gad. Gad grew up in Hollywood, Florida, and later, Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama. Gad has described himself as someone who always loved performing but had a hard time finding his niche. After school, he found a small part in the Broadway production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which went on to win several Tony Awards in consecutive seasons. Gad eventually found success working on various TV shows, movies and animated features, with his most notable roles in Beauty and the Beast (2017), Frozen (2013), and Book Of Mormon (2011); the latter earning him a Tony nomination.

As the interview begins, Hardesty sets the stage for the viewer's understanding of what it takes to be an actor. He starts by asking Gad if he has ever experienced any stage fright, and Gad replies by stating that he absolutely did, especially when it came time to audition. Gad describes struggling with rejection and said that it wasn't until he surrendered himself to the idea that he might never become successful that he began to feel confident in himself.

Hardesty and Gad chat about his Broadway debut with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which Gad says almost didn't happen for him since he had auditioned for everything and wasn't on anyone's radar to get hired. Gad then briefly discusses how he transitioned from Broadway theater to voice-over work, starting with his character Olaf in the Disney mega-hit Frozen. Gad notes the unique challenge of bringing a character to life from scratch and admits to having a lot of fun creating the voice and bubbly persona of Olaf.

The conversation then delves into Gad's performance as Sam Kinison in the movie biography A Futile and Stupid Gesture, which depicts the life of National Lampoon's co-founder, Doug Kenney. Gad explains how playing Kinison gave him a unique perspective into the world of stand-up comedy and how, for many comedians, their act was not a choice, but a way of life. Gad also talks about the comedic genius of Kinison and how he was a trailblazer in profanity-ridden humor.

Gad and Hardesty's talk shifts but remains on Gad's career choices - like his role in the Broadway play The Book of Mormon. Gad opens up about his hesitations and worries when he first heard about the project. He thought that it was possible the content could offend, but the opportunity was just too unique and that he had to do it. The success of the show was phenomenal with rave reviews across the board, solidifying Gad as someone in high demand.

As the conversation draws to a close, Gad reflects on his career path and the push and pull between success and failure- a driving force that fuels the careers of so many performers. He encourages aspiring actors and actresses to remain persistent and patient in pursuit of the job of their dreams while acknowledging the sometimes brutal road that it can be.

In Season 2 Episode 56 of No Small Parts, Hardesty provides the audience with a captivating interview with Josh Gad, who has long been regarded as one of Hollywood's most highly-talented actors. With a career spanning from Broadway to television and movies, Gad's journey is nothing short of inspirational. The interview adds depth and humanity to a man whose performances have captured the world's hearts. Fans of Gad's work and aspiring actors alike will find his candid conversation with Hardesty informative and inspiring.