cover of episode 410: Nathan Fillion—Kind of a Big Deal

410: Nathan Fillion—Kind of a Big Deal

2024/10/22
logo of podcast The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

Key Insights

Why did Nathan Fillion start his own gift closet?

Nathan Fillion started his gift closet as a way to always have appropriate gifts on hand, inspired by his mother's habit of keeping a gift closet when he was growing up.

How did Nathan Fillion's experience on soap operas benefit his career?

Nathan Fillion learned technical proficiency and gained wisdom from seasoned actors, which helped him become technically perfect in his performances and understand the importance of not overstaying in a secure role.

What was Nathan Fillion's secret to overcoming severe nerves during auditions and performances?

Nathan Fillion's secret was to play the character of Nathan Fillion, a professional actor, from the moment he entered the parking lot, maintaining a steady and composed demeanor to mask his nervousness.

How did Nathan Fillion handle a major mishap during a sword fight scene in a college production?

When his sword broke during a sword fight scene, Nathan Fillion improvised by running off stage to get a new sword, returning to finish the fight, which the audience found amusing and memorable.

What impact did Nathan Fillion's advice have on a fan who quit her job as a kindergarten teacher?

A fan who quit her job as a kindergarten teacher after hearing Nathan's advice found success in creating prosthetic makeups and models for the Harry Potter movies, indicating that the advice led to a fulfilling career change.

How did Nathan Fillion's interaction with Steven Spielberg on the set of Saving Private Ryan influence his career?

Nathan Fillion's interaction with Steven Spielberg, where Spielberg provided emotional context for a scene, helped Fillion deliver a powerful performance and later led to Spielberg watching Fillion's show Firefly, showing recognition and support.

What was Nathan Fillion's experience like working with Stephen Spielberg on Saving Private Ryan?

Nathan Fillion found working with Stephen Spielberg on Saving Private Ryan to be a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience, as Spielberg provided emotional guidance that helped Fillion deliver a convincing performance.

How does Nathan Fillion view his fans and their impact on his career?

Nathan Fillion views his fans as integral to his success, acknowledging that their engagement and support ensure he remains relevant and appreciated in the industry.

What was Nathan Fillion's reaction to seeing himself on screen in a scene he had no memory of filming?

Nathan Fillion found it both amusing and slightly unsettling to see himself in a scene he had no recollection of filming, highlighting the sometimes disjointed nature of acting careers.

How did Nathan Fillion's early career experiences prepare him for his current success?

Nathan Fillion's early career experiences, including his time on soap operas and various auditions, taught him technical proficiency, the importance of humility, and how to handle high-pressure situations, all of which have contributed to his current success.

Chapters

Nathan Fillion discusses his journey from soap operas to mainstream success, reflecting on his career milestones and the impact of his roles.
  • Nathan Fillion's career spans from soap operas like 'One Life to Live' to popular TV shows like 'Firefly' and 'The Rookie'.
  • He shares his experience working with Stephen Spielberg and his secret to overcoming severe nerves.
  • Fillion's ability to connect with fans and his versatile acting skills have contributed to his success.

Shownotes Transcript

Star of TV shows The Rookie, Castle, and Firefly Nathan Fillion drops by to catch up with his old friend and ‘90s neighbor Mike Rowe. Nathan and Mike reminisce about a very steamy New York apartment, tooling around the snow-covered city with a mycologist’s daughter, and eating burritos served by Alan Tudyk. Nathan also shares his experience working with Stephen Spielberg, his secret to overcoming severe nerves, and how he was humbled on Wisteria Lane. Tip o’ the hat to our excellent sponsors 3DayBlinds.com/ROWE) Buy one get one 50% off PureTalk.com/Rowe) Save 50% off your first month! American-Giant.com/MIKE) Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order.