Ep 18. Bruce Dern

Bruce Dern, an American actor, gets interviewed by Tavis Smiley in this episode of season 8 of the show. Bruce has been in the film industry for over six decades, and he offers some insights into his experiences in the film industry, his personal life, and his outlook on several issues.

Bruce Dern is one of the most accomplished actors of his time, with over 140 film and TV credits to his name. He has worked with some of the most prominent directors in the industry such as Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Quentin Tarantino, and in the episode, he talks about some of his most remarkable experiences on set.

The episode starts with Tavis introducing his guest for the week, Bruce Dern, and offering a brief overview of his career and accomplishments. Given that Bruce has worked with some of the most iconic filmmakers, Tavis asks him about his work experiences with different directors. Bruce takes the opportunity to talk about his interactions with Alfred Hitchcock, who directed him in the classic thriller "Family Plot."

Bruce also recalls working with director Martin Scorsese on the film "New York, New York." He discusses how different directors have different approaches to filmmaking, and how important it is for actors like him to adapt to these different working styles.

Next, Tavis asks Bruce about his upbringing and how he came to be an actor. Bruce shares interesting stories from his childhood, including how he got expelled from school in his freshman year, and how his parents initially disapproved of his career choice. Nevertheless, Bruce remained steadfast in his pursuit of acting, and he talks about some of the challenges he faced in his early days.

One of the interesting topics discussed in the episode is Bruce's political activism. Bruce has been an outspoken advocate for progressive causes such as environmental conservation and animal rights for several decades. He talks about the importance of being politically engaged and supporting causes that one is passionate about.

In the latter part of the show, Bruce talks about his personal life, including his long-standing marriage to his wife, Diane Ladd, and his two daughters who are also actresses. He shares some memorable moments from his family life and the positive impact that his family has had on his career and personal growth.

Tavis also asks Bruce about his recent work, including his role in Quentin Tarantino's film "The Hateful Eight" and his work on the TV series "Big Love." Bruce shares some interesting anecdotes from his time working on these projects, including the unique approach that Tarantino has to directing.

In conclusion, this episode of Tavis Smiley season 8 episode 18 with Bruce Dern is an insightful conversation with a veteran actor who has made an indelible mark on the film industry. Bruce offers some interesting perspectives on a range of topics, including acting, filmmaking, politics, and family life, making for a compelling and fascinating watch.