I've often wondered why I (a 70 year old retired professor) find Hill so endearing. Never expected to enjoy Superbad but did. In fact, if I catch it when channel surfing, I'll watch for a few minutes if he's on. His dramatic and comedic roles all delight me. I read the article hoping to understand my affection for him, and I think I do.
8
At my husband's urging, and despite initial reluctance, I saw Superbad. And thought it was one of the funniest, sweetest movies I'd ever seen. Jonah Hill was no small part of that opinion.
I saw Moneyball after having read the book, and again thought how great he was.
Thanks for this interesting profile. I will continue to watch for--and hopefully enjoy--movies with this talented young actor.
I saw Moneyball after having read the book, and again thought how great he was.
Thanks for this interesting profile. I will continue to watch for--and hopefully enjoy--movies with this talented young actor.
7
There is a line in 'Jaws' where a newspaperman says "Call Dave Axelrod in New York and tell him he owes me a favor!". That's what this article feels like. A patronizing piece, indeed.
1
I actually quite liked this piece! Not sure why theres so much hate on it, or on Jonah as an actor from the other commenters. Its important that overly typecasted actors get a chance to escape the limitations that come with playing the same type of role over again (or the annoying fact that just one type of role 'sticks' as it did with Jonah) by drawing attention to their skills in other areas of acting, as this article does.
I also think its nice to see those humble and politically correct elements of his personality, because theyre pretty much antithetical to the doofus-like sex obsessed friend that we remember him as on the big screen. I wish the NYT would do more profiles like this on similarly 2D character-actors whove tried, (unsuccessfully, I'd say) to break the mold that we as audience members have put them in (like Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell, etc.)
I also think its nice to see those humble and politically correct elements of his personality, because theyre pretty much antithetical to the doofus-like sex obsessed friend that we remember him as on the big screen. I wish the NYT would do more profiles like this on similarly 2D character-actors whove tried, (unsuccessfully, I'd say) to break the mold that we as audience members have put them in (like Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell, etc.)
1
I loathe him. He is so not funny in his so-called comedies.
1
Writer publishes a fun profile with a little personality in the Times Magazine => readers freak out in the comments.
This was delightful to read -- just as playful and wandering as its subject.
This was delightful to read -- just as playful and wandering as its subject.
9
Unlike (apparently) everyone else, I enjoyed the piece, thought it was well written, and now have a bit of familiarity with this interesting actor.
2
Great article!
Regarding: "He is not Seth Rogen, although people sometimes confuse the two men, which feels vaguely anti-Semitic given that they look nothing alike."
How is this vaguely anti-Semitic? Isn't it just mixing up two famous male actors/directors known for comedies who might both be Jewish or of white European decent? It is not anti-anything to mix up actors we really don't know and who may share some common traits. On the flip side, it might be viewed as a positive association. This goes for any kind of high-profile figures with some common traits (sports figures, politicians). Something to think about.
Regarding: "He is not Seth Rogen, although people sometimes confuse the two men, which feels vaguely anti-Semitic given that they look nothing alike."
How is this vaguely anti-Semitic? Isn't it just mixing up two famous male actors/directors known for comedies who might both be Jewish or of white European decent? It is not anti-anything to mix up actors we really don't know and who may share some common traits. On the flip side, it might be viewed as a positive association. This goes for any kind of high-profile figures with some common traits (sports figures, politicians). Something to think about.
11
Jack from Texas is right: your insightful writing was overshadowed, for me, by jumping on the popular race bandwagon. Watered down comments like this give fuel to true racism, which points at the excess of 'correctness' to excuse truly racist comments. Your vague feeling is exactly that. Could it be that many people confuse them because they are both hilarious, both appealingly overweight, and both run around in the Apatow circle? Anti-semitism has been there for thousands of years, but to say it is there when it isn't weakens the stance against legitimate anti-semitism -- like kids wearing helmets on playgrounds or never being exposed to germs weakens their ability to flourish later in life.
9
"One thing I’ve never understood about acting is how famous actors get better at it. Do they all have acting coaches on retainer? And if these acting coaches are so good, why aren’t they famous actors? When someone is freakishly precocious at acting, like Claire Danes, where does that come from? When someone gets appreciably worse at acting, like Al Pacino or Robert De Niro, how does that happen?"
Let me help you out. The ability to pretend to be a character in front of an audience or a camera is simply that, an ability, a talent. Some people have it, some people don't. Actors like DeNiro or Pacino don't get 'worse'. If they're just doing the role for a paycheck, it's punching in the timeclock when the director yells 'action' and punching out when shootings over. If it's a role that really connects with them then they bring that extra something to it.
Let me help you out. The ability to pretend to be a character in front of an audience or a camera is simply that, an ability, a talent. Some people have it, some people don't. Actors like DeNiro or Pacino don't get 'worse'. If they're just doing the role for a paycheck, it's punching in the timeclock when the director yells 'action' and punching out when shootings over. If it's a role that really connects with them then they bring that extra something to it.
5
OMG. Are you kidding? He is what is wrong with most young actors today. Zero acting skills, zero talent and how he even got this far is beyond me. He is making movies because the young movie audience of today is not much brighter than the buffoons on the screen. Compared to whom? A talking parrot?
4
He's a Joke but isn't that the point?
1) “Fourteen to 20,” Hill replied. “She’s winning.”
Uh, ping pong is scored up to 11. Guess neither one of you is that great at it afterall.
2) The writer has a lot to say about theories of roles, theories of acting, trajectories of other actors. More about Johan and less about Molly would have been nice.
3) "Why isn't he taken seriously?" Who says he isn't, besides the writer?
Uh, ping pong is scored up to 11. Guess neither one of you is that great at it afterall.
2) The writer has a lot to say about theories of roles, theories of acting, trajectories of other actors. More about Johan and less about Molly would have been nice.
3) "Why isn't he taken seriously?" Who says he isn't, besides the writer?
1
1). Wrong, my friend. Ping-Pong goes up to 21 points (and then having to win by 2 points if opponent is within that range). Only goes up to 11 if one player has got 0.
Agree with all else though.
Agree with all else though.
Please, please, please write a feature for the magazine that pursues answers (your own, and answers from Hollywood people) to your questions about why and how actors get better or worse, etc. Truly. This would be such a fantastic read.
3
Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill should make a movie together cast as brothers. They look more like brothers than just about any pair of unrelated actors who have been cast as brothers.
Who says he's not taken seriously? Two Oscar nominations is taken seriously.
I love Jonah Hill! He makes me believe his characters--his acting appears effortless--he IS the character. Look at those eyes and his wonderful welcoming smile!
2
It wouldn't have occurred to me that anyone viewed an actor with two Oscar nominations as a joke, and I'm not sure why it occurred to the writer or headline writer either.
3
wait. aren't Jonah Hill and Seth whatever both portly white guys with brown curly hair and jokes?
4
great piece
2
I really enjoyed this piece, thanks very much! Makes me admire Jonah all the more.
I love the line, "...like he's about to be pantsed." I might appropriate that into the more Australian "...about to get dakked."
I love the line, "...like he's about to be pantsed." I might appropriate that into the more Australian "...about to get dakked."
"He is not Seth Rogen, although people sometimes confuse the two men, which feels vaguely anti-Semitic given that they look nothing alike."
How is this vaguely anti-Semitic? And if it's vague, why do you bring it up?
How is this vaguely anti-Semitic? And if it's vague, why do you bring it up?
7
He was certainly not a sidekick in the Jump Street movies or Superbad. Did the interviewer even see those movies?
3
I was interested in reading this feature to learn more about an actor I greatly admire. The portrait of Mr. Hill that accompanies this article is stunning. The article, unfortunately, injected more irrelevant opinions from the writer than facts about a fascinating subject. This article is a missed opportunity.
4
I'm a 59 year old woman... definitely not in the Jonah Hill demographic. However, ... this kid makes me laugh!! My favorite Jonah Hill moments are in "21 Jump Street", when he auditions for Peter Pan, singing, "I've Got to Crow" after getting high & in "The End of the World", when he's taken over by a demon & goes after Seth Rogen. I have watched these scenes over & over again & I'll tell you, laughing out loud feels really great.
2
Enjoyed the feature, although Molly makes assumptions about acting and performances that are clearly matters of opinion. Jonah Hill is a fine actor with scene stealing ability and presence. What's missing from the piece is the unimpeachable Hollywood truism so pervasive that it is "better-left-unsaid"; i.e., heavy folk are comic relief, baddies, and/or flawed." If anyone, Jonah Hill is the person that can/will break that barrier.
1
I found this to be a beautifully written 'profile piece' of unusual depth (good work, Molly Young). And I came away thinking I finally understood this actor, whose various roles had left me with the vague impression that as a human being he must be quirky and sometimes obnoxious, but smart, with this unexpected je ne sais quoi (much like Jack Black). I think the Seth Rogan comparison is less about anti-semitism than the unprecedented celebrity of two curly-haired, pudgy actors who transcend easy categories.
3
I agree with some of the other comments here. I was enjoying this until the remarks about DeNiro, Pacino, and Teller showed up. Snarky and mean to say the least. And the tag line is stupid "Why isn't he taken seriously?" He pretty obviously IS taken seriously.
1
Can't recall ever seeing Lou Costello play Macbeth.
Or Red Skelton play Willie Lomax.
A buffoon is a buffoon is a buffoon.
Or Red Skelton play Willie Lomax.
A buffoon is a buffoon is a buffoon.
1
Lisa Fremont ******** Bud Abbott & Lou Costello were maybe the funniest comic duo in history ... And even though it may have been tongue and cheek I believe they did recite Shakespeare in some of their shows. A & C Meet Frankenstein is one of the best comedies of all time and truly a classic. And of course "Who's On First", maybe the best routine of all time. And Red Skelton did serious roles and bits all the time. These were true talents that made you want to come back for more. Buffoons, I think not, bordering on comic genius is more like it. You could always relate, empathize and feel for these people. Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, please ..... they are not even in the same hemisphere. Your analogy is way off the mark.
Orange,NJ
Orange,NJ
The whole point of this piece is a plug for the next Adam Sandler. This guy brings nothing to the game and has to have 8x10 glossies of recent events in the local bathouses. He is another one who spans the field off human emotions from A to B.
6
Hill wrote his thespian epitaph notice by starring in not one, but two Jump Streets. Topping it off with an over the top tour de zero force in Wolf Wall Street.
RIP.
RIP.
4
21 Jump Street .. Hilarious ? ... Super bad ... Hilarious ?. ... it's garbage... the same as The Hangover is garbage .... the bar is set so low now this junk is considered something by writers like Molly Young. Jonah Hill is just not that good of an actor. That's it ... He is better than people like Seth Rogen, who has absolutely no talent at all. Mr Hill is part of the clique that includes a few other no talents like Judd Apatow and Paul Rudd. And way overrated people like Bradley Cooper. Really a host of today's younger actors. And stems back to the king of garbage Adam Sandler, and I'll throw in Will Farrell and Jim Carey too. These people to me are actually irritating. They make movies that for the most part die after less than one week out in theaters. The best thing you can say about them is they put people to work. Really it's just par for the course with Hollywood, morally bankrupt and totally lacking in any original ideas.
Orange NJ
Orange NJ
9
The Jewish remark stood out to me too. Really unnecessary and took the piece down for a moment.
12
To understand great actors you'd need to look at all their works, than the works of the directors who directed them, then you shall find the answer to your question. Start with Brando.
Whew, I can honestly say I never once mixed up Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen. I even googled Rogen just to make sure. He really needs to complain to somebody though because Jason Segel is posing as him all over the web.
1
Puhleeezzee....It's the movie biz. Why take it seriously.
1
This comment section is surprisingly harsh. The piece was well written and offered a level of nuance to a well-known public person. The author deserves credit for the unusually empathetic writing she exhibited here. Kudos.
9
Such a talented kid
He just does nothing for me. So-so actor, extremely annoying talk show guy, yet seems to get these plum jobs over and over. My husband and I talked about this recently, as in ... 'how does this guy do it?'
"Moneyball" role was terrific, fun and fresh ... but that was it as far as I'm concerned.
Not that it matters, he's doing fine -- more than fine -- without this 'fan.'
"Moneyball" role was terrific, fun and fresh ... but that was it as far as I'm concerned.
Not that it matters, he's doing fine -- more than fine -- without this 'fan.'
3
Reading part of this article made me very proud that I had no idea who Jonah Hill is.
2
Well written! An enjoyable read.
2
Because he makes some dumb movies that good actors wouldn't make. If he wants to be taken seriously (or if Molly Young wants him to be) he'll need to make smarter choices.
2
Sorry to hear he has hearing loss! Yes, listening to loud music will do that. Young adults especially need to be careful. A full 20% of teens have hearing loss today.
Is that you Grampa?
1
I have never found him appealing or particularly good on screen. Just because 'someone' reviews him and deems him a 'good' "dramatic actor'" doesn't necessary mean we all have to agree. By the way, I'm no fan of Seth Rogen either.
8
"...which feels vaguely anti-Semitic given that they look nothing alike." You're joking, right? Yikes.
15
I heart Jonah Hill :)
2
I think he is being taken seriously. But he does have a baby face, which research shows will make people treat you differently. And you know what? So what. Because Jonah Hill is no joke. It may not be as easy for him to land roles as the DiCaprio types at this point, but he is obviously resilient and not letting comparisons get in his way.
And did you see him in Hail Caesar? I mean, first of all, what a great movie - I have to see it twice just to get that it was a portrait of a truly christian man - I got distracted the first time by all the scenarios they set up to help us see how a good christian man handles the world of fear and avarice. Anyway, back to Hill - what an incredible performance. And it just made me so happy he ends up with the pretty girl. A smart pretty girl. But I digress. Jonah Hill makes his mark. I can't wait to see what he does next.
And did you see him in Hail Caesar? I mean, first of all, what a great movie - I have to see it twice just to get that it was a portrait of a truly christian man - I got distracted the first time by all the scenarios they set up to help us see how a good christian man handles the world of fear and avarice. Anyway, back to Hill - what an incredible performance. And it just made me so happy he ends up with the pretty girl. A smart pretty girl. But I digress. Jonah Hill makes his mark. I can't wait to see what he does next.
1
I'm surprised the profile does not mention his homophobic outburst a few years ago, which was significant. I know that for a number of LGBTQ folks, that is a huge reason he's not taken seriously. It seems that celebrity profile writers often bring up negative past events for certain figures (many female actors cannot get writers to stop with a certain angle), but Jonah Hill gets a pass on making a hugely offensive remark in the 21st century, after claiming to be pro-gay. I for one will never take anything he says seriously because he doesn't seem to.
1
Hill has typecast himself in a bunch of silly productions. He has earned his lack of acting chops.
1
"centerdness" is just Los Angeles leaving the body." Ms. Young, you didn't grow up in NY but pretending to be a NY'er correct?
And Mr. Hill is not taken seriously because guys who look like him are not meant to be famous.
And Mr. Hill is not taken seriously because guys who look like him are not meant to be famous.
2
He's "taken seriously" because he's...a comedian?? Duh!!
I've never seen an ad for a Jonah Hill movie that would cause me to want to see the movie.
5
He reminds me of the guys you once knew who couldn't hit or field a softball, but nonetheless, were on your intramural class team. So you made them the second right fielder, and batted him last.
8
Not anti-semitic to confuse the two. Jonah was cast in Superbad b/c Seth was too old. Even Seth said they look alike. Not everything is race-related.
72
Exactly, and both are heavy-set.
1
"It seems vaguely anti-Semitic" is a poor explanation of a rather common phenomenon. The American of Irish descent in his first visit to Dublin feels strangely at home as with a bunch of relatives. From facial expressions to gestures, it's all familiar. Same for individuals from probably all ethnic or tribal groups.
1
This nauseating continuation of a love letter to the progeny of the noxious Judd Apatow is a new low for the Times. Like the pointless, annoying and unfunny Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill is a truly awful actor. No Hollywood actor in recent memory sounds closer to reading off of cue cards than Jonah Hill. Like Rogen, he is incapable of playing anyone but himself. And for the record, a majority of humans think that 'Superbad' is the cinematic equivalent of playing with your own waste. Hopefully we'll be rid of Hill soon.
2
"He is not Seth Rogen, although people sometimes confuse the two men, which feels vaguely anti-Semitic given that they look nothing alike."
Give me a frickin break! Why does this have to be reduced to antisemitic even vaguely? We're all supposed to consciously stop and say, "Oh wait a minute, they are JUST both Jewish, but they don't actually look alike..." If people confuse them it's probably just a quick reaction that has NOTHING to do with antisemitism. It never even occurred to me they were even Jewish in the first place. This is hypersensitivity (by the author) to the max.
Give me a frickin break! Why does this have to be reduced to antisemitic even vaguely? We're all supposed to consciously stop and say, "Oh wait a minute, they are JUST both Jewish, but they don't actually look alike..." If people confuse them it's probably just a quick reaction that has NOTHING to do with antisemitism. It never even occurred to me they were even Jewish in the first place. This is hypersensitivity (by the author) to the max.
87
I couldn't possibly agree more! Exactly my thought when I read this.
1
Nice but: Howard Stern has done the best and most revealing interviews with Jonah Hill. His anecdotes about making phony phone calls go to the heart of his character. Why no mention? Also, why doesn't the NYTimes follow the standard (and polite) practice of linking to sources it cites? The Jewish Journal story on Jonah Hill is here: http://www.jewishjournal.com/the_ticket/item/jonah_hill_super-talented_s...
22
Miles Teller compared to a corn dog? Harsh, unkind and irrelevant to this profile.
32
Good profile but why the snarky remark about Pacino and DeNiro ?
49
agree completely......
1
They can take it.
2
Maybe it's because they are both Italian American and could be lumped in with Tony Soprano - a joke.
"He is not Seth Rogen, although people sometimes confuse the two men, which feels vaguely anti-Semitic given that they look nothing alike."
This reminds me of when a faux-journalist on FoxNews says "same people say" and then says something alarming and incendiary that is non-supportable and not actually what most people are saying. The nytimes editors should have asked the writer to rethink that sentence. I know this is a celebrity puff-piece but sometimes celebrity PR takes a step too far.
This reminds me of when a faux-journalist on FoxNews says "same people say" and then says something alarming and incendiary that is non-supportable and not actually what most people are saying. The nytimes editors should have asked the writer to rethink that sentence. I know this is a celebrity puff-piece but sometimes celebrity PR takes a step too far.
63
I think the Editors for the NYTimes have left the country!
What was the whole point of this piece?
What was the whole point of this piece?
80
Agreed, this whole article is pretty shabby - the theme that poor Jonah Hill deserves more acclaim and credit.. Who pitched this article, and who signed off on it.. I don't even think Jonah Hill is complaining about his lack of acclaim and credit due to him. While he may not reach the ranks or equivalent respect given to Laurence Olivier, or people like Dustin Hoffman , I don't think he has too much to complain about.
2
That Jonah Hill is nerdishly awesome and a good actor, both of which I'm inclined to believe.