In a candid roundtable discussion, six acclaimed actors opened up about how fear and self-doubt shape their creative process, offering a rare glimpse into the psychological landscape of performing at the highest level.
The conversation brought together Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan, who portray Roy Cohn and Donald Trump respectively in "The Apprentice," alongside acclaimed character actor Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Peter Sarsgaard, and Colman Domingo - each starring in challenging new roles that push artistic boundaries.
"Fear never really goes away," revealed Strong, discussing his approach to playing the controversial Roy Cohn. "That uncertainty becomes fuel for the performance." Stan nodded in agreement, adding that embodying Donald Trump came with its own unique pressures given the former president's omnipresence in media.
For Brody, who portrays a Holocaust survivor in "The Brutalist," the weight of historical responsibility amplified his natural performance anxiety. "When you're telling stories of real trauma, the fear of not doing justice to those experiences is overwhelming," he shared.
The actors found common ground in how they channel their apprehension into artistic growth. Culkin, starring in "A Real Pain," described anxiety as "an uncomfortable companion that keeps you honest." Domingo, fresh from his role in "Sing Sing," emphasized how fear prevents complacency: "The moment you stop being scared is the moment you stop growing."
Sarsgaard offered perspective on working with actor-directors, noting how shared vulnerability creates trust on set. "We're all dealing with the same demons," he explained. "That mutual understanding of fear makes the work deeper."
The discussion revealed how these accomplished performers view fear not as an obstacle but as an essential element of their craft. Despite their impressive careers, each actor embraced uncertainty as a catalyst for authenticity and artistic truth.
Through their conversation, a powerful paradox emerged: the very anxiety that could paralyze has instead become a driving force behind some of contemporary cinema's most compelling performances.
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