How Did Glen Powell Get into Acting?
Glen Powell is one of Hollywood’s most exciting and versatile young actors, known for his roles in films such as Top Gun: Maverick, Set It Up, and Everybody Wants Some!! While Powell’s rise to fame might seem swift, his journey to stardom was one marked by determination, hard work, and an undeniable passion for acting. From his early days in Texas to his breakout roles on the big screen, Powell’s story is an inspiring one for aspiring actors everywhere. But how exactly did he get into acting? Here’s a look at the steps Powell took to make a name for himself in the competitive world of Hollywood.
1. Early Life and Interest in Acting
Glen Powell was born on October 21, 1988, in Austin, Texas, to a family that was supportive but not involved in the entertainment industry. As a child, Powell had a variety of interests, including sports and academics. However, his love for performing arts became clear at a young age. He often participated in school plays and was known for his ability to entertain others.
In a 2017 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Powell reflected on his early interest in acting:
“I was the kid who always wanted to perform. Whether it was doing impressions of my teachers or singing at family gatherings, I was always trying to make people laugh or get their attention. I knew from a young age that acting was what I wanted to do.”
Growing up in Austin, Powell didn’t have the same proximity to Hollywood that many actors do, but he was able to find opportunities within his community. He was involved in local theater productions and was active in his high school’s performing arts program. In interviews, Powell has mentioned that his high school drama teacher was a key influence, encouraging him to pursue acting seriously.
2. Taking the Leap to Hollywood
After high school, Glen Powell moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally. Like many aspiring actors, Powell faced challenges when he first arrived. He didn’t have any immediate connections in the industry and had to work hard to get noticed. Instead of diving straight into large roles, Powell took on small parts, guest-starring in TV shows and making appearances in commercials.
His early TV roles included spots on popular shows like CSI: Miami, The Lying Game, and Gilmore Girls. These early gigs helped Powell get his foot in the door, and in an interview with Vulture, Powell admitted,
“I didn’t get any of the big roles at first. I had to prove myself in smaller parts, and it was a lot of rejection. But I always believed that one big opportunity could change everything.”
One of Powell’s most significant early roles came in 2016 when he was cast in Richard Linklater’s film Everybody Wants Some!!, a coming-of-age comedy that became a hit among critics and audiences. Powell’s performance as the charming and effortlessly cool Finnegan earned him widespread recognition. Linklater’s direction gave Powell the chance to showcase his comedic timing, as well as his natural charisma on screen.
Reflecting on his time on Everybody Wants Some!!, Powell told Collider:
“That was a turning point for me. Richard Linklater gave me a lot of freedom to play with the character, and I think that helped me find my voice as an actor. I learned a lot from him and the other actors, and it was just a fantastic experience.”
3. Breakout Role in Set It Up and Expanding His Career
In 2018, Powell’s career truly took off when he starred in Netflix’s romantic comedy Set It Up, opposite Zoey Deutch. Powell played Charlie, a charming and ambitious assistant who teams up with Deutch’s character to set up their overworked bosses. The film was a hit with audiences, and Powell’s performance earned praise for his effortless chemistry with Deutch and his comedic timing.
In an interview with Teen Vogue, Powell shared his excitement about the role:
“I had so much fun playing Charlie because it was a chance to just be real and relatable. It’s not every day that you get to play someone who’s trying to navigate their way through a crazy situation but still has a genuine heart. Plus, Zoey is such a talented actress, and it made the experience even better to work with her.”
Set It Up became one of Netflix’s most popular films, and Powell’s performance helped him gain a solid fanbase. After the film’s success, Powell began to receive more offers for roles that showcased his range. He starred in the comedy The Back-Up Plan alongside Jennifer Lopez and later appeared in a supporting role in Hidden Figures (2016), a film about the African-American women mathematicians at NASA who helped launch astronaut John Glenn into space.
Powell’s breakout success in Set It Up led to even more opportunities in major films, including a role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he played the charismatic Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin. This role thrust Powell into the limelight and introduced him to a global audience.
In an interview with Variety, Powell spoke about his experience working on Top Gun: Maverick:
“I knew this was going to be a special project. Getting to work alongside Tom Cruise and the rest of the cast was incredible. The stakes were high, but the energy on set was fantastic. It was a learning experience, and it opened my eyes to how much goes into making an action movie.”
4. Finding His Own Path and Staying Authentic
Despite his rise to fame, Glen Powell has made it clear that he’s not interested in following the typical Hollywood script. He’s often spoken about the importance of choosing roles that challenge him and allow him to grow as an actor. In interviews, Powell has emphasized his desire to create a lasting career and to avoid being typecast in any one genre.
In a 2018 interview with Forbes, Powell explained:
“I want to do it all. Comedy, drama, action—I don’t want to be pigeonholed into one thing. I think it’s important to diversify your career, to keep learning, and to find projects that push you. It’s about finding work that excites you.”
Powell’s dedication to taking on varied roles has paid off, and he continues to expand his career with each new project.
5. The Future of Glen Powell’s Career
As Powell continues to take on exciting roles in both film and television, it’s clear that his career is just getting started. He’s already proven himself to be a multifaceted actor with the ability to bring depth to both comedic and dramatic roles. With his growing popularity and versatility, Glen Powell is well on his way to becoming one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
In closing, Powell reflects on the journey that brought him to where he is today:
“It’s been a long road, but it’s been worth every second. I didn’t get here overnight, and I’m still working every day to get better. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m just thankful for the opportunities I’ve had so far.”
With his undeniable talent and work ethic, there’s no doubt that Glen Powell’s future in Hollywood is bright.
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