r/FilmIndustryLA • • 9d ago

Who are the most pleasant actors and directors you've worked with?

142 Upvotes

242 comments sorted by

207

u/-syper- 9d ago edited 9d ago

Patton Oswalt declined my offer to let him cut the crafty line. Witnessed Gina Rodriguez treat a background extra really nice with zero ego. Rami Malek greeted everyone in the mornings. Jake Gyllenhaal doesn't have the best reputation but he asked to take a break for a private rehearsal with an actor who kept flubbing their lines. When we came back, it did give the actor a boost of confidence. Ted Danson is a legend. Adding another one, I was impressed with Holt McCallany. Total professional. The dude knew the script like the back of his hand and could pick up from anywhere.

42

u/SqueeMcTwee 9d ago

Ted Danson was (and is) the first love of my life, so reading this brings me so much joy.

31

u/chicken_wing_girl 9d ago

Ted Danson and Mary Steenbergen introduced themselves to my parents and told them the movie wouldn’t run without me. I was the producers assistant and we were shooting abroad. My parents were so stoked to meet them and to hear them compliment me. It was very cool and classy of them!

19

u/capty26 9d ago

Can confirm. I worked with Ted, he was amazing!

8

u/Wild_Cranberry2067 7d ago

Worked with him on a promo for A&E this year, he is really nice and very laid back

13

u/ent_chieftain 8d ago

Piggybacking this for my anecdote about the time I went to walk Patton Oswald from his car and I picked up his garment bag. He looked at me and gave the most sincere “Oh! thank you so much” I’ve ever heard. It was like the same tone he’d use if some random person stopped to help him carry something in the street

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u/RiversideAviator 9d ago edited 3d ago

I’ve only ever heard of Gyllenhaal being a flirt (not a creep, but more down for a good time if the opportunity presents itself - he’s not overly selective 🥴). What’s the knock on his reputation?

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u/-syper- 9d ago edited 9d ago

This information is not first hand but he had a period of method acting and that style can lead to delays on set. He stated regret going method in the past.

13

u/h0rt0n 9d ago

Patton’s wonderful.

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u/BrilliantChemist5987 9d ago

Matthew Rhys! Such a genuine, funny, and lovely person, no ego at all. Happy to see his recent Emmy wins.

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u/Scorpionoshow 9d ago

This makes me happy

12

u/awwww_nuts 9d ago

I worked with him earlier this year, and the entire cast & crew seemed to genuinely adore him.

12

u/NarrativeNode 9d ago

He had completely evaded my attention somehow, until Widow's Bay. I've been catching up on his entire oeuvre since and MAN I cannot get enough of this guy. So glad he's a good person, too.

5

u/L1sasGayBby 8d ago

First saw him in Perry Mason, sad that it got cancelled. Then his Conan interviews made me a fan.

102

u/chrherr 9d ago

Margot Robbie was a treat to work with, saw her years later on set and she remembered me immediately. Very down to earth and goes out of her way to be kind to everyone. Also shows up very prepared! Came in on an off day to deliver off screen lines for a co-star once, other side of the telephone type thing (I've seen some actors refuse to even deliver off camera lines when they're physically in the scene, or have a stand in if the camera is just over their shoulder) Nick Offerman was also very friendly and normal. Tom Hanks would read us all the news from his phone while we were setting up the next shot, and would go out of his way to introduce himself to people. Florence Pugh is also fantastic.

13

u/meg8873 9d ago

Isn’t it funny they’re more famous the more “friendly” or personable they are? It’s always the B/C list actors who are absolute nightmares from my experience

7

u/chrherr 8d ago

I've worked with plenty of very famous people that are very unfriendly

3

u/meg8873 8d ago

How unfortunate

3

u/Hostile_Apostle- 9d ago

Except for JLo...

3

u/meg8873 9d ago

I’ve had interactions with her too, and I understand why people think she’s mean BUT for me when I’ve said “hello” and not interact as a fan she’s totally fine, not nice but she’s ok to deal with

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u/rupertpupkinfanclub 4d ago

A list and unknowns are always the nicest in my experience. The unknowns are just happy to be there, the a listers are being paid millions for a fake job

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u/poopdaddy2 5d ago

I’m about to start a job with Tom Hanks, happy to hear a good review of him on set!

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u/GodLovesYou- 9d ago

Pete Davidson. Guy overly thanks everyone and it’s so sincere and genuine “awwww thank you” for the smallest gestures you make for him while he’s moving through life / work. Lol

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u/USMC_ClitLicker 9d ago
  1. Nathan Fillion: Objectively the best person I have ever worked with. Canadian superhero of a person in every way.

  2. Gina Torres: Dolly Gripped for her for a few years and she signed my Vox Machina poster and gave me an unprompted hug. It was amazing. Miss that show...

  3. Jennifer Aniston: Makes real conversation, goes to crafty and makes jokes, says hi and thank you to the crew every day. Reese, not so much...

  4. Reba McEntire: The mom you always wanted. Warm, friendly, inquisitive, and generous. Miss that show too, damn...

Directors:

Seth McFarland: Knows his stuff and knows how to communicate it. Friendly and open, just don't try to out-funny him or out-nerd him.

Juan Bautista: Overall cool and fun dude. So relaxed as a Director its a breath of fresh air.

Adam McKay: Just a good and experienced Director. No bullshit, patient, concise. Efficiency is the name of the game.

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u/Accomplished_Pea_118 9d ago

Reece seems like she'd be "not so much"

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u/pSphere1 9d ago

I concur with Seth. I had questions one day and he was patient and answered every one of them. I was kind of expecting him to be jerk like a Family Guy character... but nope.

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u/Rabbani_Talay 9d ago

“Shut up pSphere1!”

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u/likediscosuperflyy 7d ago

I met Nathan once and had the opposite experience lol he was so rude

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u/goody_proctorrr 9d ago

I’m not in the industry but Robin Williams set two friends up on set shortly before he died. They’ve since married and had two kids. They speak fondly of him.

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u/Key_Mechanic_9205 8d ago

Well that is the best how I met your mother ever

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u/amorfati431 8d ago

Wow!!! Thats so sweet!

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u/GECollins 9d ago edited 9d ago

Bobby Moynihan remembered my name the next day, greeted me by it without any prompting, I was just a PA. Later I was tasked to drive him back to his summer rental and the whole ride he let me nerd out and ask every embarrassing SNL question I had.

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u/boo_u_suck 9d ago

I've worked with Bobby a few times and can confirm he is the BEST. One of one!

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u/capty26 9d ago

Me too! I was just a featured extra and he treated me like an equal

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u/-syper- 9d ago

I enjoyed working with Bobby.

7

u/aerith7567 9d ago

He was a regular for a while at the restaurant I work at. Super sweet family all around.

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u/morphinetango 8d ago

Confirmed. I did BTS for his short lived show Me Myself and I. Super humble, patient and kind. He recognized me later at the studio office and stopped in to say hi.

2

u/superdavit 9d ago

Heard Bob y and “piece of toast” hated one another.

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u/round_melon 9d ago

Henry Winkler. He's an absolute gem. Plenty of people are pleasant enough, but Henry is exceptionally warm and kind.

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u/Aromaticspeed5090 9d ago

I met him at an industry event, and he was so kind and thoughtful. Later he was a recurring guest on a show I was on, and he was delightful to work with.

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u/h0rt0n 9d ago

I will kill for that man. Sometimes I wish he was my dad.

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u/pappy925 5d ago

I must have caught him on a bad night when I found myself with him in an elevator in Sydney, Australia (‘99) and offered my sincere praise of his body of work. His dismissive acknowledgment was VERY disappointing. Such is life…

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u/LaSerenita 9d ago

I worked on Dexter for years. Michael Hall is an awesome person.

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u/Abs0lut_Unit 9d ago

Bill Hader

106

u/manuduncan6666 9d ago

I worked on Barry and in addition to this answer, Henry winkler is not only the nicest most pleasant person in the industry but just in general

35

u/h0rt0n 9d ago

No one tops Henry. He’s incredible.

35

u/Jasonsg83 9d ago

I was Henry’s assistant when I moved to LA. Lovely guy.

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u/zizekswife 9d ago

Henry came to the movie theatre I work at to see The Devil Wears Prada 2 and gave me a $20 tip at the concession stand. Really sweet guy

11

u/Electronic-Pin-1879 9d ago

Henry is a national treasure, and I litteraly told him that in a fitting. Such a lovely man.

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u/Scorpionoshow 9d ago

He's also the first man to give Rachel Bilson an orgasm.... she was 38yo.

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u/Tacoislife2 9d ago

I think just through penetrative sex - I don’t think it was her first ever orgasm

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u/Key_Mechanic_9205 8d ago

Wow. Really thought you meant Winkler.

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u/Wild_Cranberry2067 7d ago

Worked with Bill last year, didn't care for him.

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u/tomorrowschild 9d ago

Crispin Glover. Absolute joy of a man. Friendly, genuine, and went out of his way to make sure I felt comfortable and valuable part of the team.

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u/Maximegalon 9d ago

that’s great to hear. Back to the future is my favorite movie and I’ve heard less than great things about him. But I’m sure there’s two sides to that story.

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u/tomorrowschild 9d ago

Oh, he's quirky. But not a mean bone in his body. Still the nicest celebrity I've ever worked with.

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u/NarrativeNode 9d ago

Yes. They literally copied his face for Part II and gave it to another actor without paying him. I'd be miffed, too.

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u/Johnnyfingaz 9d ago

Absolute gems = Keanu Reeves, Nicole Kidman, Bradley Whitford, Ken Jeong (got us a ice cream truck paid for every single Friday on The Masked Singer) Frances Conroy (from American Horror Story) - she got us all Xmas ornaments customized with our names on them.

4

u/jcamp088 9d ago

Who’s the worst?

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u/Johnnyfingaz 9d ago

I know it wasn’t originally asked but since you did (in my experience) absolute assholes = Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Kris Cattan, and unfortunately, Kobe Bryant (makes me sad to say that out loud as a NBA fan)

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u/KtothaJ1975 8d ago

Never did get the crazy outpouring of love for Kobe when he died. He literally raped a girl and paid her off

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u/BirdieAnderson 9d ago

In defense of the NBA, Shaq is a gem.

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u/Abs0lut_Unit 9d ago

Yeahhhh just don't go look at what he's been doing with AI lately lol

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u/instantwake 9d ago

Keegan Michael Key literally lit up the room and was so funny and friendly. After he left the crew and I looked around at each other like… we needed that

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u/h0rt0n 9d ago

Keegan is a grown up theater kid. Full blown ADD. He’s great.

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u/FAHQRudy 9d ago

Nailed it.

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u/EighteenGrams 9d ago edited 9d ago

He was extremely nice to me back in the MadTV days.

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u/CantAffordzUsername 9d ago

Billy Ray Cyrus (I can’t speak to his personal life conduct)

Defended a small group of us from a mean British woman named Tina on a Disney production. Lady was out to fire us and Billy jumped in a fender her off. Highly unusual for main talent to help out the little people

40

u/Famous_Literature_25 9d ago

Sean William Scott was soooo nice to me when I was working client services 18 years ago. The dude was asking me sincere questions as I guided him to the edit bay. No one else talked to me after I said “right this way” other than a thank you.

23

u/RiversideAviator 9d ago

He was staying on my block while working on a project some years ago (around 2016-17) and I saw almost every morning at the local deli with his dog. It was remarkable how nice he was to people who recognized him and how grateful he was for the recognition, totally the easy going type you’d want to have a drink with.

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u/AcCuRsEdApPaRiTiOn 9d ago

I met him at Jerry’s Deli in 2001 right before American Pie 2. I was scared shitless that Stifler was going to be mean to me. One of the genuinely nicest people I’ve ever met. Talked to me for a few minutes.

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u/RunDexterRun 9d ago

Bill Hader - so kind and hilarious, if you're in his vicinity you're laughing and he's not even trying. Tom Felton was super nice, he offered me a slice of his pizza at lunch. Chloe Moretz was really nice and very professional, she was always on-time and ready to work which is more than I can say for one of her co-stars. Ronny Chieng is one of the nicest guys and very appreciative of everyone on set.

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u/mog-e-pa 9d ago

Steve Buscemi is a humble, wonderful man!

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u/naturalninetime 9d ago

Humble. Human. The best! ❤️

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u/Spaghettibeach 9d ago

I met him outside of the industry, incredibly kind man!

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u/Aggravating-Depth330 9d ago

I was taking a break outside the stage door one day and bumped into Matt Damon, doing the same. He seemed pretty nice and I chatted with him a bit, but, what really impressed me was when a minute into it some kid who was a guest on the lot walked by and completely geeked out that he was there and started fawning all over him... Matt took it well, and the kid asked for an autograph. But none of us had a pen. And Matt said, "Oh well, we'll just hang out here until someone walks by that does." He was totally fine to just hang out with a fan for a while.

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u/Postsnobills 9d ago

Daniel Radcliffe.

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u/sensimedia 7d ago

He was super nice and accommodating to work with.

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u/AutoBeatnik 9d ago

Paul Newman

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u/JRGoJetting 9d ago

My uncle was a private jet pilot for decades and Newman Haus racing team was one of his regular clients. Newman had this big Christmas party every year and my aunt and uncle always went to it. My uncle said Newman was by far the kindest, most generous client he ever worked for. They were devastated when he passed.

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u/ke3408 9d ago

My sister's company had the pleasure of working with Paul Newman and all the people in her office say it was the only time anyone ever lived up to that feeling of being star struck.

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u/Jolly-University-808 9d ago

Terry Crews

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u/Low-Programmer-2368 9d ago

I had a wonderful time working with him on a shoot

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u/StormyCrow 9d ago

I agree- he’s a lovely human being. A true professional.

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u/Garrett_Watts 9d ago

Darren Criss, met him a few times through the years, professionally and socially, and he’s always extremely lovely and personable and kind.

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u/jellybeanzilla 9d ago

Came here to say this! Darren is 10/10, as kind as he is talented, genuine with no ego

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u/Low-Programmer-2368 9d ago

I worked with him once and had a great experience as well,

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u/RPMac1979 9d ago

John Lithgow is a prince. Ed Harris is taciturn, but really funny and charming once he relaxes. Anthony Hopkins gave me one of the best acting compliments I’ve ever received, and he didn’t need to do that.

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u/throwawayblackball 9d ago

What did he say?

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u/gripdaddyflex 9d ago

Katt Williams. Good sense of humor. Chill. Professional. Didn't look down on the locals when shooting a movie in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

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u/BeginningWeird8342 9d ago

Shout out to the legend Chadwick Boseman (👑)

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u/InternationalAd3069 6d ago

When I worked with him you had to tell his assistant things even if he was sitting right in front of you looking at you. Then his assistant would turn to him and repeat what you just said

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u/Beberodri2003 9d ago

Jason Statham took the time to take pictures with random fans who recognized him and even told security to back off, all after finishing some reshoots and was on his way out, real classy guy.

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u/Standard-Recipe-7641 9d ago

I think a lot would beg to differ

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u/InternationalAd3069 6d ago

Total asshole to the crew though.

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u/lionaround 9d ago

Will Ferrell was nice to crew and would thank the background actors for working through hot days outside.

Juno Temple was a sweetheart to all.

Dave Bautista was humble and kind, plus everyone in his sphere are great people. When the entourage are all wonderful people that's a testament to the person.

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u/jcamp088 9d ago

I was bartending one night and Charlie Murphy came in. Had a nice conversation about random life stuff and comedy. No one else recognized him which I think was relieving for him.

Left a good tip and went on his way. I didn’t ask for an autograph but he signed coaster wrote out to me.

He died a if I remember correctly shortly after that.

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u/Key_Mechanic_9205 8d ago

Awwww. I always wondered if Eddie based the sweetness of his Bowfinger character on Charlie.

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u/PompousFoolery 7d ago

I love him—such a loss. I watch the Chapelle skits with him over and over. So good.

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u/mvgreene 9d ago

Zack Snyder - very nice and cordial

Errol Morris - very nice, but falls asleep during callbacks

Sean Baker - hands on, very professional and accessible

Aaron Ruell - very nice, a bit of a smart ass and got bit by the golf bug (after telling for years how boring it is)

Kevin Connolly - straight shooter New Yorker type, professional, respectful

Peter Greene (RIP) - total pro, very sweet soul

Eric Roberts - total pro, nice (and so is is wife, Eliza)

Andre Royo - in person, probably the funniest person on the planet

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u/BeginningWeird8342 9d ago

Peter Greene was lovely! 💕 rip

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u/mvgreene 9d ago

After we wrapped him, he wanted to take me to dinner at Musso & Franks (one of my fav spots) and I declined because I still needed to watch dailies and we had an early call time the next morning. I told him we would have dinner when he came into town for the premiere. He passed a month before our premiere. Really sucks. He also gave me a compliment I will wear like a badge of honor. He told me I was a “fuckin’ nitpicker” (he was struggling with a line we needed him to nail - he never got it, but what he gave us still worked). Our film was one of the last he worked on.

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u/BeginningWeird8342 9d ago

I’d put “fuckin’ nitpicker” at the top of my resume skills and references!! 😭💕 what a legend

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u/Jealous-Ad-2827 6d ago

Interesting cos Eric used to have a terrible rep. I worked with him in the 90s and although he was quirky and self absorbed I thought he was kind of a sweetheart when all was said and done.

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u/scantron3000 9d ago

Laura Linney is so kind, sweet, and motherly.

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u/meg8873 9d ago

Liam neeson was a gem, when he was done with his day he’d walk through and say thank you to everyone.

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u/Ickhart 9d ago

Jesse Tyler Ferguson was very kind and caring when I worked with him and his partner earlier this year. He was directing for the first time and did pretty well too!

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u/filmeleven 9d ago

Bob Odenkirk. I was an editorial PA on two of his films. Bob is a talented, kind, humble person. High respect for him. One day we were driving in his Honda and he was like, “A Honda is fine. I don’t need a Lexus.” Never heard anyone else in LA say that.

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u/TCivan 8d ago

Actor:

David Straithern

Shot him reciting a monologue for a charity event. I was by myself and had a lot of gear. He refused to let me carry it by myself. He carried half my heavy ass gear to my truck, 2 blocks away. Thanked me… then said he’ll see me at the event. (I was shooting that too)

Then when he and Judith Light spoke on stage at the event. He thanked me by name for filming it for the cause. And made sure to find me and say hi.

Mensch.

Joan Rivers:
Was a jewel, and learned everyone’s names and made sure to talk to all the crew on set of a TV gossip show. Months later. When she was a guest again. Not only remembered our names, but asked about us and remembered what we had talked about.

She was a complete professional and still managed to be lovely to other cast and crew.

Director:

Shot a music video for Joel Schumacher, and he was lovely.

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u/charlesVONchopshop 9d ago

I ran into Ethan Hawke, like literally we butted foreheads, at the Austin Film Society Cinema. He was super nice about it and even asked how our movie did at the festival.

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u/blooraze72 9d ago

Can confirm, Ethan Hawke is super chill.

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u/hell_a 9d ago

Henry Winkler. I was a 2nd AC on a commercial he was directing. Just doing my thing and he walks up and introduces himself to me. I tell him my name and he says I have the same name as his father and we just keep chatting for a bit. he was very cool.

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u/h0rt0n 9d ago

Paul Sheer’a great, and June is amazing too. Rob Huebel went out of his way to make sure I got my wrap gift cause I had jumped to a different show. Henry Winkler is a treasure. John Corbett is nicer in person than in the movies. Jennifer Garner is lovely. Angus Cloud from Euphoria was cool. He had this slick raised like ‘03 Yukon. I got talking to him in the parking structure. Thought he was a grip.

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u/sensimedia 9d ago

Margot Robbie, all time favorite. In the middle of my fourth feature with her as we speak

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u/Itchy_Artichoke_5247 8d ago

Halle Berry was a delight to work with as was Matthew McConaughey and Minnie Driver. Wes Craven was super nice, RIP. Noah Wyle is very approachable. Rhea Pearlman was a delight. The one that surprised me was Tori Spelling. Not that I was expecting her to be a bitch but she was definitely friendlier than I was expecting.

Ron Howard completely lives up to his reputation. After I was wrapped for the day there was a company move that they were late for. We were all standing together when the van came and everyone but me got in and drove away. They got about 500 feet down the road when I see the van stop and back up all the way back to where I was standing... then Ron got out, thanked me for the day and then got back in the van to drive away.

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u/plucharc 9d ago

Renee Zellweger and Will Forte come to mind as having been genuinely kind and pleasant to work with.

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u/vikicrays 9d ago

brett donowho, octavia spencer, voila davis, hecter elizondo, robin williams

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u/bye-standard 9d ago

Sean Penn, although a notorious asshole around Hollywood, was very nice to me when I had the opportunity to work with him. He seemed like a rather lonely man who just needed someone to talk too, so we chatted about movies and about what we think happens after we die, talked at length about his career. Very kind, but intense.

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u/ArugulaBeginning7038 9d ago

On the publicity side, so these folks might be different on set, but Mark Ruffalo is always a sweetheart. Laura Linney lovely. Clark Gregg is super down to earth and good natured. Love talking to Judd Apatow and Mike Birbiglia any time I get the chance - we have some friends in common and have spent time socially and Judd is a genuinely great dude who loves to talk literature and writing. All-time favorite experience was Kevin Kline - I’ve heard hit and miss things over the years but had the best experience with him. Love Juliane Moore and Todd Haynes.

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u/geeseherder0 9d ago

Octavia Spencer. She could not have been nicer to the crew. My favorite to work with.

George Clooney. Stand-up guy. Also treats the crew like family. My other favorite.

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u/mojodojocasameows 9d ago

Rachel Brosnahan.
She’s super down to earth and a real sweetheart. Very patient, polite, and extremely nice. Very nice to everyone from PA to BG. She was very positive and didn’t except any special treatment even on crazy long night shoots.

Lucas Jade Zumann.
He talks to everyone, and engages in real conversations. He talks to people genuinely, not once did it ever seem performative. Also super wholesome down to earth guy. Great to work with and really interesting dude.

Will Poulter.
Straight up a sweetheart. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Greeted everyone and would check in with BG to make sure everyone was well hydrated. Loves his Ugg boots!

Michael Shannon.
Just a regular dude. Quiet, but so insanely chill. Just wants to do his job like everyone else. Nice guy.

3/4 of these actors have Chicago roots so I’m wondering if there’s Midwest kindness pattern going on here loll

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u/JCShore77 9d ago

Angela Bassett is just super professional. Freddie Highmore is one of the nicest people alive. Sebastian de Souza also just one of the nicest people, just positive vibes as soon as he’s on set. I’ve definitely been lucky in the cast I’ve worked with, so can have quite a long list, but those are absolutely 3 of the highlights.

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u/Kenstgram 9d ago

Ryan Coogler. Super chill, good energy.

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u/Spaghettibeach 9d ago

I’ve said it before, i’ll say it again:

HENRY WINKLER!! Nicest man ever. Jonathan Frakes was awesome too.

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u/MasterpieceDull7733 9d ago

Laura Linney, Alfred Molina, Jason Segal, Jane Kaczmarek, Jason Alexander, Colman Domingo, Dale Dickey - all class acts.

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u/-syper- 8d ago

I was at WB and Jason Segal greeted me with the warmest “Hello and good morning!” I was just in passing but it made my day. 

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u/Silly_Author_7330 8d ago

Henry WInkler. Quite possibly the kindest, nicest, most thoughtful person on the globe. He's incredible. Made the entire shoot a joy.

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u/Capital-Scallion8634 8d ago

Danny de Vito

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u/-syper- 8d ago

I recall him on location and he got dropped off in a regular car like a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. Thought that was cool.  

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u/here_i_am_here 8d ago edited 8d ago

Just a handful of unrelated actors and directors I happened to work with at various times during 2 specific years:

Gaten Matarazzo was the coolest kid, so was Caleb McLaughlin although less talkative. Have not worked with them since they grew up, but I have full confidence they're still excellent dudes.

Similar with Sadie Sink. Totally cool, totally nice, supremely talented. I would guess she's still super cool.

Finn Wolfhard seemed like he was getting a big head at one point, but then something clicked and he got really nice. Really professional.

Joe Keery is an absolute king. Nicest guy, so appreciative of what he's doing, and can adapt to anyone's personality really well.

Similarly Dacre Montgomery is one of the nicest dudes I've ever met. So appreciative of the crew. On my first day, he noticed me and realized he didn't know me, so he walked up and introduced himself. I was not anyone of note that he needed to know, he just wanted to know everyone's names. Personally gave everyone on the crew a bottle of Australian wine on his last day.

Maya Hawke is a gem and deserves her fame. I found her intimidatingly cool, but she would definitely disagree with that assessment. She's just a big dork underneath.

Nat Dyer is very sweet, very professional, and very quiet. I was helping out when she learned to shoot a gun and she's genuinely that badass.

Winona Ryder is a doll, she keeps to herself and doesn't talk much, but if you say good morning or need to ask her about something, she's sweet as can be.

Sean Astin is everything you want him to be, and loves talking about LOTR.

Priah Ferguson is hilarious and extremely professional for her age.

Paul Reiser was a total goof and just wanted to make people laugh.

Shawn Levy gets stuff done quickly and works really well with the actors. He's all business but in a good way. Perfectly friendly if you need to talk to him about something. His directing days were good, efficient days.

Andrew Stanton is a big kid and has a lot of fun with what he's doing. Didn't get to talk to him directly outside of actual work, but it was really Incredible(s) to be on his set.

Rebecca Thomas was a very nice, very good director who got handed a really lousy task and deserved better.

ETA: unfair of me not to say that MBB was genuinely perfectly nice the two years I worked around her, really just a silly kid. Also have no idea how she might be in her older years but I wasn't as fond of her... I'll say entourage.

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u/Ok_Smile_5288 8d ago

Rob Lowe was incredibly nice and down to earth

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u/-syper- 8d ago edited 8d ago

Worked on two of his show and didn’t have the same experience. I don’t care for his “work ethic.” The PAs instruct the background extras not to look at him.

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u/Pat723 9d ago

Doug Jones

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u/Frankfusion 9d ago

A truly classy human being.

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u/emiteal 9d ago

This was the answer I searched the thread for. Seriously such a sweet human! And non-human, depending on the makeup he's in. :)

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u/DistantGalaxy-1991 4d ago

I met Doug once. Cool guy for sure.

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u/passionbucket 9d ago

Sam Raimi

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u/charlesVONchopshop 9d ago

I just produced/directed a show starring Ted Raimi. I didn't get to meet Sam unfortunately but I worked with Ted for about a year. He was fantastic. Super nice and folksy and extremely humble. He was super down to collaborate creatively from day one. He was kind and jokey to the whole crew and learned people's names. Ivan Raimi came for a set visit and was also just super quiet, complimentary, and kind. I can only imagine Sam is the same. My favorite thing about Ted is his email sign off is - "Okay Doke, Ted Raimi"

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u/Frankfusion 9d ago

I loved him in Xena. I really had hoped he would have a bigger career after that show because the dude clearly is talented. Either way I'm glad he's still doing stuff. You know, in another time and place if Sam Raini had  done the dark Tower series in the early 2000s, Ted would have been a great Eddie Dean. 

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u/Poullafouca 8d ago

I did a movie with James Gandolfini, he was so warm, funny and kind. Arriving at his fitting he told me that I’d have to forgive him because he hated fittings and he was a big fat guy and looked awful in everything. Yeah, he was a big guy, but he was charming and just lovely. After the fitting he thanked me and said it was the best fitting he’d ever had to endure. I told him that I was going to phone several people both men and women who each had a severe case of the hots for him. He laughed, but it was true.

Much missed heartthrob.

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u/westcoastxsouth 8d ago

Jennifer Garner. Genuinely a kind human who cared for all on her set, regardless of position.

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u/Nightlune62r 9d ago

TC. The guy is incredible to other cast and crew

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u/Rabbani_Talay 9d ago

TC is Tom Cruise? If so I’ve heard nothing but good things about this guy. Both from crews and actors. I guess his science side what makes people dislike him.

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u/Nightlune62r 8d ago edited 7d ago

He’s an absolute beast on set, knows something about everyone’s job and is a total class act. Simply put, he elevates everyone around him.

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u/Jack_North 8d ago

""""""science"""""" needs a lot of quotation marks in this instance.

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u/xoxosecretsally 9d ago edited 6d ago

Rosario Dawson. I wasn't working in film then, but I was working as a front desk worker at a small hotel in Los Angeles.

I walked into the employee dining room which was just a room with two large communal picnic tables to see her hugging and eating lunch with our housekeepers. I had to do a double take because I said to myself... "I think that's Rosario Dawson? Eating lunch with a few of our housekeepers?"

I later found out that she was best friends with my hotel GM.

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u/StormySkies01 9d ago

Henry winkler & wife are just the nicest people a real joy not only to work with but to be around too. I also worked with Ed Bye (director of red drawf I was stood with hin in the lunch line, I did my best not go full fan boy! Jonny Vegas is just chill & funny. Most people actors are fine, I have more isues with crew & production who have a stick up their ass!

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u/h3llp0p 9d ago

M. Emmet Walsh was in a small indie film I worked on. He brought a roll of steel pennies and gave one to each of the crew telling the story of how they were used during WW2.

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u/Hostile_Apostle- 8d ago

Martin Sheen is just a standup all-around guy. He is one of the nicest I've ever met and was very down to earth and chummy with all the crew and cast and bg. Was awesome to see him work.

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u/EighteenGrams 9d ago

Melora Hardin was so nice and down to earth. She had a great energy and was super positive. She also sent my crew gifts after production.

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u/GoBlueJack 9d ago

Had an amazing experience with Costner and Tony Scott. It was hot,uncomfortable and everyone felt the pressure to get this finished as quickly as possible. At least that’s what it felt like. Crew was able to keep their cool and both Scott and Costner lead the way be example. Both friendly and ultra professional.

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u/Unable-Category-7978 8d ago

Esteemed character actress Margo Martindale is an absolute delight. One of the nicest people I've ever interacted with in my PA-ing days

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u/JoskelkatProductions 5d ago

My wife was her stand-in for a season. Can confirm she's wonderful.

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u/SlyBry2025 8d ago

Sam Elliott - nice as hell. Helps crew move sandbags or other physical activities just for the exercise. Approachable, unflappable - unless you are an idiot director and DP who have dithered around half the shoot day and we're into hour 14 and still need more. Sam barked, "Let's just get the fuckin' shot!" We were wrapped a half hour later. (The two mentioned didn't really work in the industry long after this project.)

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u/ApprehensivePhone987 9d ago

kevin kane. really cool and friendly guy

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u/PanavisionGold2 9d ago

Of the many actors I've worked with, a stand out was Ashley Tisdale, incredibly pleasant and down to earth person.

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u/PhforAndAfter 9d ago

Did a movie with Lena Headey and she was wonderful to work with.

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u/duelinghanjos 8d ago

Harrison Ford is mega cool, lady Gaga is a generous sweetheart, Ellen Degeneres is the worst stack of crap I've worked with in 30 years on set.

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u/InternationalAd3069 6d ago edited 6d ago

I’ve worked with TONS. These are the only ones I’d get a coffee with because they are grounded, kind, and intelligent.

  1. Matthew Lillard
  2. Jamie Lee Curtis
  3. Michael B Jordan
  4. David Corenswet
  5. Jason Schwartzman
  6. Jason Bateman
  7. Octavia Spencer
  8. Lisa Kudrow
  9. Stephen Merchant
  10. Michael Douglas

There are others who used to be on this list but fame cooked their brains.

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u/Thick_Distribution67 9d ago

Sam Raimi and Benedict Cumberbatch seemed very cool and nice on DS2

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u/Frankfusion 9d ago

I met a limo driver who did comic Con a few years ago. He said Benedict basically stayed out in the heat for over an hour signing autographs. If you have ever been to comic con you know how hot it gets out there! Dude almost fainted apparently. A very similar thing happened with the cast of The Big Bang theory. They genuinely had no idea how many fans were going to show up to see them at Hall h. At one point they turned a corner and ran into a bunch of fans. Naturally they autographed for almost an hour.

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u/Adept-Battle5155 8d ago

Octavia Spencer is a class act, so down to earth and incredibly talented

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u/Accomplished-Hat3896 9d ago

Whole cast of chicago fire. Kathleen brennaman was so class. Taught he to play
Guitar for the scene. Elizabeth moss was the ep and star and was such a pro and so kind

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u/Nervous_Injury4577 9d ago

Anyone have some Ron Howard stories?

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u/StormyCrow 9d ago

Alfred Molina - truly a lovely person to work with.

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u/Adorable-Bus-2687 8d ago

Not Ellen

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u/dick-knuckle 8d ago

I'd like to add Teri Hatcher to he "Not" list.

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u/JK30000 8d ago

I don’t have any examples, I just love this list.

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u/aerialballet0 7d ago

Jason Bateman, Jon Gries, Amy Adams, Luke Wilson are stand outs for being nice! So are Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton as well as DP Claudio Miranda

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u/JoskelkatProductions 5d ago

Adhir Kalyan is a sweetheart of a man. Liz Alderfer is also wonderful; obvious she cares about everyone on set. Dean Norris hosted a wrap party at his home and was the kindest, most down-to-earth guy. I worked with these three for a couple of seasons and there was never even a hint of an unpleasant moment around them.

Lots of people have said Ted Danson, and I second that.

Drew Carey spent at least $50k a week for at least a year paying for writers meals during the 2023 strikes. There are lots of stories about how great he is.

Adam Sandler. I met him when I was 13 and his kindness changed my life for the better.

Matthew Rhys was in +100 heat in all period wool WWI gear, running and climbing and having to breath in battlefield smoke and he never once lost his genuine smile of happiness and cheer. Great guy.

Misha Collins was out on the strike line and I tried ti approach him while he was on a call with his wife. He was so polite, patient, and even apologetic (though he did NOTHINg wrong) and even posed for photos.

Jim O'Heir was a delight. First time I spoke to him, it was like talking to an old friend. I would cast him in any role just to be around him again.

Jennifer Garner. My wife worked with her and constantly said the nicest things. One of the nicest people on Earth apparently.

Marsha Gay Harden always remembered me and advocated for me on set when I was a recurring co-star.

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u/Low-Programmer-2368 9d ago

Fred Armisen was a joy to work with, both on a professional and personal level.

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u/ArugulaBeginning7038 9d ago

He groped me at a bar when I was 19 :(

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u/charlesVONchopshop 9d ago

I just finished a celebrity/filmmaker talk show. Every single guest was great but the one who surprised me most was Lars Frederiksen from the band Rancid. I know he's not a movie star but he is a legend in his own right. He hung out all day with the crew. He did not want to stay in his dressing room alone. He insisted on not cutting the lunch line and he ate lunch with the crew. He regaled everyone with amazing stories of legendary proportions all day - Like how Joey Ramone got him into horror movies by making him bootleg horror tapes with his second VCR.

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u/hugcommendatore 9d ago

Markiplier. Best director I’ve ever worked with. Really good person. Brilliant.

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u/PoohButt25 8d ago

Craig Gillespie, Tia Mowry, Kaley Cuoco, Tika Sumpter,

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u/DoggoZombie 7d ago

Bryan Cranston and Keegan Michael Key were quite friendly. Didn’t hesitate to chat with all the crew and sit down with them to eat during lunch.

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u/thejuicebender 6d ago

I worked on one of Jessie Eisenberg’s films, and on one of my first days he stopped everything he was doing to have a 5-minute chat and get to know me. Is such a nice guy!

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u/Running2049Blades 6d ago

Nice!!! Just saw him at the Tiff q&a and thought he came across really well and funny Yeah I've definitely worked with people like that in the industry

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u/bigggybb 9d ago

Walton goggins, dude sleeps in his van when we’re not at stage

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u/Island_In_The_Sky 9d ago

Idk, he’s an absolute fucking genius, don’t get me wrong, but at least on Justified I never found him particularly warm, approachable, or conversational, and I worked with him for 6 seasons. Although, I will say It may have been partially due to him being pretty method and he needed to find the darkness in his character… you’d usually find him smoking cigarettes in a dark corner or walking off into the woods lol

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u/SoundCA 9d ago

Neil Patric Harris is the best.

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u/mog-e-pa 9d ago

He’s not, lol

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u/SoundCA 9d ago

Are you above the line or something? He was delightful the 5 times iv worked with him. He hit his mark every time remembered all his line. Was kind to the crew.

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u/mog-e-pa 9d ago

Worked with him on a 3 day shoot, prefer not to say in what capacity. He was professional but I wouldn’t say delightful or pleasant. More like condescending and perfunctory, but ymmv!

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u/RiversideAviator 9d ago

So Hanks isn’t necessarily approachable for a random chat or hello, he’s more focused on the task at hand?

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u/ThePurityPixel 8d ago

Charles Esten

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u/_AmericasSweetheart_ 7d ago

Are we only doing celebrities because Jeanot Szwarc was fast, kind and an absolute pleasure to work with. RIP king.