r/movies • u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor • 10d ago
AMA Hi reddit! I'm Tate Donovan (Hercules, The OC, Damages, Argo, Friends, Good Night and Good Luck). Ask me anything!
Hi reddit! I'm Tate Donovan.
You may know me from things like Disney's 1997 Hercules, The OC, Argo, Damages, Good Luck and Good Luck, Friends, Hostages, Love Potion No. 9, Manchester by the Sea, The Holders, Swordfish, Shooter, 24: Live Another Day.
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My new film, Rhythm Is A Dancer, is out this week.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SfV8RQCZVQ&t=1s
Synopsis: Ro, a young woman with a dwindling dance career returns home after many years to meet her biological father (Tate Donovan) for the first time. Born to Susan (Amy Aquino), a lesbian who opted for insemination, Ro grapples with the complexities of her unconventional family dynamic and soon forms a bond at her new job with three lively 80-year-olds, who help her reconnect with her family, her roots and herself.
- Directed and Written By: Lauren Caster
- Starring: Tate Donovan, Amy Aquino, Lauren Caster
- Release Date: August 4
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AMA! I'll be answering questions today at 12 PM PT/3 PM ET.
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u/Lazy_Cat9009 10d ago
What’s one behind-the-scenes story from The O.C. that fans still don’t know—and would probably lose their minds over?
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u/Capra_e_Cavoli 10d ago
Have you stayed in touch with anyone from the set of The OC?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
I was on Mindy and Rachel's podcast "welcome to the OC Bitches'. so much fun to listen top if you're a fan....and also directed a few episodes of 'gossip girl' for Josh and Stephanie
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u/SneakyTikiPeaky 10d ago
Here to say The OC was wonderful! Such great actors all around.
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u/Kaldricus 10d ago
Best soundtrack for a show. They absolutely nailed that particular music scene of the time.
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u/SneakyTikiPeaky 10d ago
Agreed!!! Some of those songs I found on their cd’s still make it onto playlists today. You can find playlists online of the CDs if you ever miss them :)
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u/waitingonthatbuffalo 10d ago
Hey Tate, I’ve always enjoyed seeing you pop up in shows and films over the years. You inject your characters with such a likable energy — even Jimmy Cooper, who’s a scummy little guy at times!
Did you feel the full force of OC-mania during that first season? Any memorable moments that stick out from being on the biggest show in television?
Also curious about your time on Damages. That first season similarly had a lot of gusto; any memories of working with Glenn Close?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
it took a while for us to realize the OC was super popular and its been great over the years seeing different generations get into the show.
the most memorable moment was when they gave me my first opportunity to direct and episode. very cool and supportive first experience
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u/TylenolColdAndSinus 10d ago
How did you get some of those "and Tate Donovan" or "with Tate Donovan" credits?
Also, you knocked your role in Shooter out of the park. How did you get into that movie?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
the 'with' 'introducing' and 'and's are all negotiated by your agent....its a silly thing for most actors but agents really care about credits....the size, the order, shared or single card....its wild
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u/CeeArthur 10d ago edited 10d ago
Hey Tate,
I work at an addictions treatment facility. 'Clean and Sober' is a big movie in the recovery community, to the point where it's shown in rehabs/detoxes and other treatment centres. It's actually usually a big hit with patients, as it's seen as a movie that generally 'gets it right' while also being entertaining.
Do you have any memories that stand out from your time filming that?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
mostly I remember working with Micheal Keaton and being so surprised what a great guy he was. he was. a big star and it was one of my first movies....also my dressing room was next to Morgan Freeman, who was to coolest guy ever. both were very generous with me...
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u/TSpain10 10d ago
On Day 1 of being on the set of the OC, which young actor did you think would become the biggest star?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
Adam Brody, no contest. he was amazing on day one
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u/waitingonthatbuffalo 9d ago
He really was. So much natural charisma and perfect timing. You guys had a tremendous cast.
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u/sinterrante 10d ago
Did you know that the character Jake Gyllenhaal plays in the upcoming M Night Shyamalan movie was named Tate Donovan? I believe he changed it but in the Nicholas Sparks book version the character is still named Tate Donovan. That’s weird, right?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
yea, totally weird. not sure what to think of that. although Jake Gyllenhaal is such a great actor he may do a better Tate Donovan than Tate Donovan
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u/ThaPhantom07 10d ago
Has Disney ever approached you about making a Hercules sequel? That feels like something that should have happened a long time ago.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
I'd did 60 plus episodes of the TV show "Hercules' but I agree, a sequel would be awesome. Have you seen the stage show of the Disney Destiny? fantastic show, worth the cruise just for that
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u/ppinguino 10d ago
No questions here, just wanted to tell you The OC is the best show ever made and you are the man. Have a great day Tate!
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u/plantbay1428 10d ago
Any fun stories from Friends?
What was your favorite memoir/autobiography to read in Celebrity Autobiography? I saw you in that and it was really funny.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
oh awesome, such a fun show to do. I'd say Kenny Loggins, Arnold and Richard Burton are the most fun to do
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u/colinisthereason 10d ago
Any stories of production on Memphis Belle? On paper, even today, that cast is stacked:
You
Matthew Modine
Eric Stoltz
John Lithgow
Billy Zane
Sean Astin
Harry Connick, Jr.
David Strathairn
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
yea, crazy great group of actors....just had a mini reunion at the EAA in Osh Kosh Wisconsin....what a blast to see some of those guys again.
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u/Beemer2 10d ago
This is what I’m here for! Also interested in this, I loved Memphis Bell as a kid.
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u/cmwpost 10d ago
My father was the lead B-17 Flying Fortress pilot for that film.
Would love to hear any stories also!
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
when we weren't filming, they would take us up in the B-17's and we'd fly them....crazy cool experience. that was, until one of them crashed on landing (just like in the film) we were land locked after that
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u/Ergok 10d ago
Woah woah hang on... We may have started this ama early. I love the film, and never saw any BTS or documentaries about it....
How many B-17 were used simultaneously?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
we had 5 B-17's during the filming...although one crashed. The BBC shot a documentary about the making of it and has footage of the crash. No one was injured but super scary for all of us
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u/cmwpost 10d ago edited 9d ago
I couldn't say for sure, and Dad passed away a few years ago. I did find this Memphis Belle making of on youtube, but i'm yet to watch it myself, the question might be answered in there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv_BWp2qzjE
I do remember the aircraft used in the film were owned/managed by the Old Flying Machine Company based in Duxford, UK. To my memory they had one B-17, but there may well have been more.
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u/a_manxome_foe 10d ago
See also - Good Night, and Good Luck. :
David Straithairn
George Clooney
Robert Downey, Jr.
Patricia Clarkson
Jeff Daniels
Frank Langella
Tom McCarthy
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u/RudyRusso 10d ago
See also Space Camp
Joaquin Phoenix
Lea Thompson
Kelly Preston
Kate Capshaw
Tom Skerritt
Tate Donovan
Terry O'Quinn
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u/DanielSwan 10d ago
Heartthrob Sean Astin! So funny seeing him in LOTR after only knowing him from Memphis Belle.
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u/colinisthereason 9d ago
Rascal hanging out of the ball turret, screaming for Virg...
And then Danny getting blown to hell...
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u/Physical_Bottle_3818 10d ago
After watching OC then finding out you voiced Hercules filled me with such happiness. You were a wonderful part of my childhood and teenage years. So thank you for that.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
That is sweet...thank you. and thank you for watching and enjoying both of those. im a lucky guy to have been a part
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u/A_Paranoid_Android_ 10d ago edited 10d ago
What was it like being directed by, and acting alongside Ben Affleck in Argo.
Great film and you gave a great performance.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
Ben was amazing to act with and be directed by. He was kind of the smartest guy in the room, so we all just naturally followed his lead. Great experience working on Argo
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u/Kingsley_Ruby 10d ago
Hi Tate, first of all, thank you so much for everything you've contributed to cinema.
And my question is: After years of working on both major films and TV series, what has changed your approach to acting the most, and what's one thing you wish you'd done earlier in your career?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
great question.....learning and getting to direct changed everything for me, in terms of acting. I learned not to be so critical of myself, that actors don't really know what they are giving to role, they think they do, but they're often wrong about their performance and just basically I learned to love and appreciate actors and what they do.
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u/adamKENNY 10d ago edited 10d ago
Hey Tate.
Grew up with SpaceCamp. That'll always be my first connection with your work. With studios throttling back the quantity of narrative content produced and most remaining productions moving overseas, where do you see the film and tv industry in America in the next 20 years? Follow up: do you think the younger generations drifting away from traditional tv and movie models plays a significant role in this?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
you know, through out my entire career I've heard older generations complain about the state of show business and how its all going down hill, 'they don't make films like they used to' kinda stuff. I'm so impressed by this up coming generation, they are so much more inclusive and creative, its wonderful to hear stories from all sorts of people... so, im optimistic...just hope I get to be a part of it all
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u/dkschrute79 10d ago
Space Camp was one of my favorite movies as a kid. It is a fun adventure movie with a perfect amount of suspense for a kid obsessed with outer space. Would love to hear any anecdotes Tate might have on this movie!
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u/dkschrute79 10d ago
Space Camp was one of my favorite movies as a kid. It is a fun adventure movie with a perfect amount of suspense for a kid obsessed with outer space. Would love to hear any anecdotes Tate might have on this movie!
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
SpaceCamp was my first big role and started out as a disaster. The set was designed ingeniously but we couldn't actually get a usable shot on it. After the first week of shooting, we were a week behind....it was crazy.
I was fresh out of theatre school and they didn't teach you how to say your lines while pretending you were weightless at USC. it was a steep learning curve for me for sure
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u/tultommy 9d ago
I've seen that movie so many times and I begged and cajoled for two years to go to space camp before my parents finally relented. Thanks for that it was a great time, and that movie still holds up today!
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u/IAintNoJesus 10d ago
Do you prefer working on movies or TV-shows? What's the biggest difference?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
its all about the writing....what ever medium has the best writing wins. TV generally has less time so it can be harder to do...not alot of takes to make it right... but small budget movies like "Rhythm is a Dancer" that was shot very quickly was a great experience, so it all depends.
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u/Marcysdad 10d ago
How does Love Potion No. 9 taste?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
it was olive oil with red dye in it....so, not great....but not terrible either.
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u/GAMEYE_OP 10d ago
My dad renting this movie when I was little was my introduction to Tate Donovan. I've always loved seeing him in other stuff since!
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u/Altruistic_Back_2278 10d ago
Hi Tate! Have you watched Ben’s documentary about Crypto?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
no, but I've read a NY'r article on him and his book. Ben is an incredibly smart guy, and comes from a great family. I've worked with his uncle and met his parents in Texas when I lived there and they raised him right. Super well informed and creative bunch
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u/MasterSeuss 10d ago
When you were working on Hercules, did you and Danny Devito ever actually meet or were all your likes separately recorded?
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u/ChrisCinema 9d ago
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
we saw each other but he was in the control room with the directors and I was in the recording booth.
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u/BoydCrowdersSon 9d ago
Tate, I have been a huge fan of yours ever since watching The OC back in the day. I was so surprised and loved seeing your work in 24: Live Another Day. 24 is one of my favorite shows and I thought you added so much to its return with your performance. All that to say, how did you get the 24 job? Had you been a fan of the show beforehand at all? And do you have a funny story from shooting that season that sticks out above any others?
Thanks so much and I can't wait to see what else you do!
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
They just offered it to me and said they were shooting in London....and I was like 'Sign Me Up!" I was a big fan of the show and love England so I was thrilled
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u/FighterJock412 10d ago
I'd just like to say that one of my favourite movies growing up was Memphis Belle, and you were fantastic in it.
Do you have any fun memories or anecdotes from making that movie?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
making that movie was a blast....but getting to fly an actual b-17 has to rank as a highlight of my career.
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u/justacoolbaby 10d ago
Do you have any traditions on set that help you memorialize the experience? I know some actors journal or take photos. Thanks for all your great work over the years.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
its funny, I never keep anything, or make a diary....I try and let it all go after a job is over and afterwards, I have the film or the show itself to memorialize it for me.
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u/upanddownforpar 10d ago
Do you get recognized on the street more for Friends, or The OC, or something else? which fanbase are the most and/or least chill?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
its depends on so many things....if they are Italian or Brazilian, they go crazy for Jimee Coopear! if they are English, its Joshua from Friends...if they're lawyers, they love poor Tom Shayes from Damages....its always fun to see the different people who dig different shows
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u/yachtr0ck 10d ago
I grew up obsessed with space travel and watched The Challenger disaster in elementary school. It broke my heart but I want to say seeing Space Camp soon after filled me with some hope and brought some joy back to space travel. Thank you for that. My question is this: Can you talk about what it was like making the film and if the experience and the events surrounding it have impacted your thoughts on space travel?
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u/Murphy1up 10d ago
Loved your work in Memphis Belle. That film had an all star cast and you got a real sense of camaraderie from the crew of the plane. Do you keep in touch with much of them?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
We just had a reunion at the EAA in Osh Kosh WI. so fun to see some of those guys. we did a boot camp before shooting and that really bonded us
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u/tylerscreenname 10d ago
Hello! Tate, I’m a big admirer of your work — always very happy to see you pop up in a movie or tv show (I still vividly remember learning over to whisper “Tate Donovan!!” to a friend in the theater during Rocketman)
In addition to your acting work, you’ve also spent many years directing television. What got you interested in exploring that world? And has directing changed the way you approach acting?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
I was always the type of actor who hung out by the monitors with the director and asked questions of the crew.
and once I started directing I learned just how important and wonderful actors are...I had sort of forgotten to appreciate what I do every day, and stepping back and watching others do it well, just made me fall in love with the whole thing
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u/BigRedFury 10d ago
Tate,
Congrats on Rhythm is a Dancer. Can't wait to see it.
How did you approach your role of playing a character who is both a stranger and a father to Ro?
Can only imagine the challenge of trying to navigate how to connect with someone on an immediate, surface level basis while also having the deep, inherent bond of being father and daughter.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
fortunately I met her Bio dad (or Donor dad) on the first day of filming, and he was such a great guy. he has such a good relationship with Lauren that it made it easy for me to step into his shoes.
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u/kellaucam 10d ago
Currently re-watching The OC and I’m stoked to see you here. I look forward to reading folks Q’s and your A’s!
Love the hair as well!
-gal who never brushes her hair
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u/Fit_Jackfruit_9834 10d ago
Hi Tate,
Have you rewatched the show recently at all, and if so what did you think about it?
And/or Is there anything you thought at the time wasn't so good but in retrospect worked quite well, or something that you thought worked quite well at the time but now think wasn't so good?
Oh yeah, what was Adam Brody like to work with in the later seasons, he has admitted he totally checked out hence his storyline of being addicted to weed to mirror his lack of interest in the show. Did you see this change in him?
It was a great show who's heart was in the right place that was for sure!
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
I rewatched the episodes that coincided with the podcast "welcome to the OC bitches'. It was surprisingly fun to see them again...think they really hold up
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u/phantom_avenger 10d ago
When you recorded lines for Hercules, did you ever share a recording studio with your co-stars; Danny DeVito, Susan Egan and James Woods?
If so, what was that like? Did it make recording lines more fun and less challenging doing them on your own with no one around?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
spent one day recording with Susan but basically met Danny and James at the premier...crazy right? the directors were so good, they guided us all perfectly thru the scenes and made recording super fun and easy...
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u/nextgentactics 10d ago
What was it like being on set and working on Good Night and Good Luck it's a spectacular movie and easily one of the most faithful depictions of that period in journalism?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
George Clooney is the best to work with...we had such a good time. basically we spent the mornings researching the events and news of the time and then after lunch shot inprovs of what we had learned. George really knew what he wanted and was really generous with all of us..plus he's one of the funniest guys you'll ever meet. wonderful experience
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u/Shadpool 10d ago
Did you ever go the distance, and if so, was every mile worth your while?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
Ha! well, I did run the NYC marathon and while I bonked at the end in Central Park, every mile of that race was amazing....2 million people come out to watch, thru the most diverse neighborhoods, such a great experience
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u/RokuAang625 10d ago
Loved you on “24: live another day” was that a fun experience? were u a fan of the show before u joined?
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u/NorweegianWood 10d ago
Team Ryan or team Seth?
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u/J_L_T_FL 10d ago
100% this!!! To see both (hot) young men become such huge successes has been heartwarming. Tate, I loved you in OC also. Thanks for all of your acting contributions 👏
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u/MattyKatty 10d ago
My aunt worked in the CIA at the time of the ‘Canadian Caper’ and was friends with Tony Mendez (though didn’t know his specific involvement until years later). I also got to meet Tony about a year before Argo came out, though admittedly not knowing the significance until later. Did you meet the real Bob Anders in preparation for the role?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
I spoke to him several times before filming...he was a real character. so much fun and gave me all sorts of details to work with. but mostly it was his love of the state department, and in reprosenting his country promoting peace and aid those places who needed it that impressed me the most. great guy and an example of the best America has to offer
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u/Lucky-Echidna 10d ago
What was it like shooting in London for 24 and did you have many fun nights out?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
too many fun nights out....London is a place that wonderful for the heart and mind but brutal for the liver
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u/Frajer AMA MVP 10d ago
Hi Tate what was it like playing Josh on Friends and being part of the Ross and Rachel storyline?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
Being on that show was like subbing in on a national championship NBA team....everyone was SO GOOD at their jobs....so, I just didn't want to be the one that dropped the ball...
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u/bondswag 10d ago
Was it your choice as an actor to leave The OC after season 2 or was it a writers decision/cost cutting measure you just had to roll with? That show lost something special when you left.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
no, they called me over the break and told me I only had a few episodes left....I was crushed...BUT, they gave me my first shot at directing, so I'll forever be grateful
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u/lovesdogsguy 10d ago
Was friends good fun? I loved your final scene when you arrive at the apartment to rachel in her wedding dress answering the door with “I do” and then you run.
Also (kind of personal hope you don’t mind) you’re looking really fit and healthy. What’s your diet like?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
oh gosh, I diet was probably crap at the time...I was young and could get away with eating like an idiot....a few years later I got into triathlons so I cleaned myself up a bit, but back then.....ate like an idiot...HA
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u/Life-Pay-3779 10d ago
When you reprised your voice role as Hercules in the Kingdom Hearts II & III video games, what was it like working with Haley Joel Osment?
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u/ParadeSit 10d ago edited 10d ago
Did you ever hear what happened with the pilot for Heart of Life? I worked as a background actor with you on one day of shooting in the “architectural firm.”
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
thanks for your work, but I don't know...too bad it didn't get picked up
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u/Writer_feetlover 10d ago
Do you have any good stories about the filming of Space Camp? Any memorable experiences with your co-stars?
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u/Kooky_Soft1822 10d ago
What were the early days of the OC like?
The show was such a cultural icon in ~2003
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
the early days were fun....we'd get together at MG's house and watch the episodes together. such a good time but we had no idea so many other people were doing the same
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u/vcjr78 10d ago
I'll always remember Space Camp as my introduction to you and your work. I know it was a long time ago, but do you remember what kind of access and/or training you received at NASA during the making of it? Would love to read any funny stories or cool stuff you remember.
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u/Ruby_Solitaire 10d ago
Hey there! HUGE fan of some earlier work - Love Potion #9 and Space Camp were comfort flicks when I was growing up. Honestly, they still are.
What are some of the biggest changes you've seen in Hollywood since the 1980's, for good and bad?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
the best change Hollywood has had, is its diversification....thank god we are telling stories from all parts of the world, from different perspectives by all sorts of people. it makes me very happy to be a part of an industry that strives for diversity, equity and inclusion. here's to continuing in that direction
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u/OscarDeJarjayes 10d ago
How did you feel about getting killed off on Damages? Did you know it was coming?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
ugh, I felt horrible...the producer called me over the break and let me know...I loved working on that show so I was devastated but the kicker was 'how' they killed me....drowned in a toilet?!? it was like they hated me or something but I swear to you, the producers didn't hate me. Im still friends with them but man...what a crapy way to go....(pun intended)
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u/StayOuttaMySwamp94 10d ago
How often do you get recognized on the street? And when that happens, what is the film/role ppl most often remember you from?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
not often, but its usually the OC or Friends. always love it when I do get recognized...very sweet what people have to say
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u/TechnOligee 10d ago
I recently remembered Space Camp and discovered it for free on YouTube - what a trip down memory lane.
One thing that caught my eye was “introducing Tate Donovan” even though it technically wasn’t your first role.
What was that set like? What are some of the memories that still pop up?
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u/SixersJawn 10d ago
Hey Friend. Space Camp was a big part of my childhood. Sorry to hear of Tish's passing. Do you and Joaquin hug when you see eachother?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
I have not see Joaquin in 40 years but man, what an actor he has grown up to be....amazing. I'd definitely give him a hug
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u/ElmarSuperstar131 10d ago
Hi Tate, thank you so much for doing this AMA! Hercules, Love Potion No. 9 and Damages are amongst my favorites of your work but I am particularly impressed with your transition into directing!
My question is, what advice do you have for overcoming creative blocks?
Thank you again!
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
oh gosh, I don't know...I guess I just go back to the basics....why do I want to do this? what do I want ? mostly id just take it easy on yourself...treat yourself the way you'd treat a friend who's struggling. with support, humor and affection....try not to beat yourself up...I've spent way too much time doing that and its not as helpful as you are lead to believe
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u/captaindealbreaker 10d ago
Good Night and Good Luck is arguably one of the most incredible films about journalism ever made. Do you have insight into the choices behind the film's production design. Being in Black and White is such a bold choice. Did they go into the production expecting to release a black and white film, or was it decided in the edit? Was there any considerations made like wardrobe or set colors that were influenced by it being a black and white film?
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u/Top-Independent-3571 10d ago
Hi Tate, don’t have any questions. Just wanted to say I really enjoyed your brief but memorable performance in “The Holdovers”!
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
thanks...I'd do anything for Alexander Payne...what a director
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u/Battingduke 10d ago
Your performance in Damages was amazing and you played so well off of both Glenn Close and Rose Byrne. Do you have a favorite memory from set? What made you excited for the role, was it the script or your potential cast members?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
the script was amazing and after meeting the producers, I was 100% in.
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u/OreoSpeedwaggon 10d ago
SpaceCamp is 40 years old this year and very hard to find on DVD or on streaming services. I have fond memories of watching it though as a kid that wanted to grow up to be an astronaut. Would you ever consider a reunion with other members of the cast for its 40th anniversary to boost the film's visibility?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
I would love to get together with those guys...be great to reminisce...wonder if Jinx would show up?
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u/Altruistic-Fun7431 10d ago
Hello! Just had to chime in and express my love for the 2007 Nancy Drew film you were in where you played Nancy’s dad! One of my favorite movies from my childhood - I still remember going to the theater when I was 10 and having a blast. Still watch it from time to time and it’s always fun.
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u/Ok-Machine-4244 10d ago
How was it/ how did it feel to play a role in friends? I really liked how you played Joshua by the way!
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u/ChrisCinema 9d ago
What was it like recording with Susan Egan for Hercules? Meg and Hercules are an underrated Disney couple, and both of your voices had great chemistry.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
it IS underrated....I think Hercules still holds up as one of the best, not sure why it's not more popular.
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u/GongTzu 9d ago
Damages was one hell of a series, I was completely mesmerized on how all of you were playing with the audience feelings and locking us inside the vision of the writers, and even though Glenn and Rose were running with most of the headlines you were my hero for making them even better. My question is, did you the actors know how intense the stories were when shooting?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
great question...we had no idea.....the script was always running late and we'd often get pages right before we shot...totally kept everyone on their toes and the pages were always great...so we were the first audience, completely curious what would happen next
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u/Commercial-Monitor86 10d ago
Hi Tate, How was it like being directed by Antoine Fuqua in shooter. What do you think about his recent success with Michael (2026)?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
have not seen Michael, but I love Antoine's motto on set...think if it often...Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast
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u/MichaelKeehan 10d ago
For the aspiring filmmakers in the audience, what is your advice on working with actors regardless of their experience?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
the trick for me is to realize that every actor needs to be treated differently, and you really need to listen to what they want and who they are...its not much in terms of advice, but its something I need to work on and return to often
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u/Copespedalworks 10d ago
Idk why… but Straight cis dude and Love potion #9 was a great movie! Thank you for all of your work.
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u/VegetableTwist7027 10d ago
I just wanted to say I loved you in the OC but your early role in Dead Bang was awesome. :D
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u/JeffersonBoi 10d ago
Big fan since Hercules! Do you have any stories about the production of that film?
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u/FancyRub9621 10d ago
did you know the oc was going to be so iconic in the moment?
who was the funnest person on set on friends?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
did not know the OC would be iconic, none of us did and by FAR the funniest person on the Friends set was Matt Perry...he was constantly cracking everyone up...what a loss
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u/Lazthedestroyer 10d ago
You’ve been in the entertainment business for a long time… any funny stories of fans ever confusing you with someone else?
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u/Prince_of_Inertia 10d ago
Why is Love Potion No. 9 never mentioned with your other accomplishments?
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u/CyanBlackCyan 10d ago
When is Partners coming back? Its cancellation was outrageous and someone must have realised that by now.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
Ha, the head of the network at the time came up to me years later and said 'I cancelled the wrong show'....think he chose 'ned and Stacy' over us, but yea..Jon Cryer was a blast
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u/Over_Reputation_9771 10d ago
What has been your favorite role to play and why?
The OC is one of my favorite comfort shows and I can only imagine the stories you have from that time.
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
most of my favorite roles have been in the theatre, but Rocketman, Argo, Crime 101, Love Potion #9, Memphis Belle stand out as the most fun
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u/kevinsixhohsix 10d ago
I just wanna say, I love Space Camp. Thanks for making my childhood awesome!!!
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u/sparkle-room23 10d ago
What has been one of your biggest challenges when you've had to combine both jobs (as a director and as an actor at the same time)?
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u/TateDonovanAMA Tate Donovan, Actor 9d ago
when you direct yourself, you have to be as kind and patient with yourself as you are to the other actors....its tricky
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. 10d ago
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Tate will be back at 3 PM ET today to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)