By India McCarty
Jason Bateman recently shared the important lesson director Ron Howard taught him — and how it became a “full-circle” moment for the actor.
“Things were not going well for my career,” Bateman recalled during an appearance on Dave Letterman’s MY NEXT GUEST NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION. “So I’m watching Ron Howard be interviewed, and he’s so famously gregarious and friendly and sort of, he would admit, kind of a geek that he’s so nice.”
He continued, “And he’s the most successful guy in the world and I’m thinking, ‘If I could ever get any ounce of success or relevance or access again, the best part of that capital would be, I can be as nice as I want to be and it’s never going to be misinterpreted for being overly eager or desperate or thirsty for the job.’”
Things eventually picked up for Bateman, and he ended up with a starring role on sitcom ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT — with Howard serving as the show’s executive producer and narrator.
Related: What Bryce Dallas Howard Has in Common With Her Famous Dad
“Cut to, I get this job on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT where it’s Ron Howard’s show,” Bateman said. “And I had just one-on-one [time] with him at dinner and I let him know, not only what that interview planted in me, but then what his show gave to me and now is giving me the opportunity to be exactly what he was… So it was just such a beautiful full circle for me with him.”
The ZOOTOPIA actor said that the lesson Howard taught him “helps me be and behave who I am today. Because like, with any of us, you hit the bottom, if you can hit it a few times, and it makes you even more appreciative of the moments of opportunity that come your way. That’s why I work so hard now.”
Bateman also mentioned the Howard interview during a recent appearance on the CONAN O’BRIEN NEEDS A FRIEND podcast, calling it a “North Star for me.”
Like Howard, Bateman was a successful child star, with popular roles in LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, SILVER SPOONS, and THE HOGAN FAMILY. However, the roles were harder to come by as he got older.
Bateman ended up taking some inspiration from Howard, who was famous for his roles on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW and HAPPY DAYS before he pivoted to directing.
“I remember watching him [Howard] be that famous, kind, affable, engaging, almost eager persona, and I remember thinking, ‘Boy, you know, there’s no way anybody would ever misinterpret that kindness for weakness,’” Bateman told GQ in 2013. “And I thought to myself, ‘If I’m ever lucky enough to find some relevance again and some access and some success, that’s going to be the best part of it, is that I’m going to be able to be as nice as I want to be and not be nervous that’s going to be misinterpreted for desperate.’”
Howard’s example has guided Bateman through the ups and downs of his Hollywood career, teaching him the importance of kindness over everything.
Read Next: The Relatable Reason Ron Howard Couldn’t Watch Himself on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +3Share:
– Content: +1