David Harbour Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

David Harbour breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Stranger Things,' 'Hellboy,' 'Black Widow,' 'Revolutionary Road,' and much more. David talks about his reaction to the first time he read the script for 'Stranger Things' as well what it was like acting alongside Leonardo DiCaprio as a fan of his work.
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - 'Stranger Things'
07:10 - 'Hellboy'
10:27 - 'Black Widow'
11:55 - 'Revolutionary Road'
16:41 - 'Brokeback Mountain'
18:52 - 'Quantum of Solace'
22:25 - 'The Newsroom'
27:01 - 'End of Watch'
30:03 - 'The Equalizer'
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David Harbour Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@Purplepenguinguy]

He is the heart and soul of stranger things, arguably even more than the kids.

[@namanjoshi1477]

I second that!

[@zibby43]

Hopper with a box of donuts is my spirit animal.

[@cinthiaresende9579]

He is my favorite in the show

[@garrybrown2627]

Hopper,Steve,Dustin,and Eleven are my favorite characters

[@rodaxel7165]

💯

[@ap001209]

He underestimates how good looking he actually is.

[@stevensilver2880]

He’s got the rugged grown man thing going

[@michaelpecukonis5074]

This is so true

[@annal6771]

right?? he looks so handsome, it's sad that he doesn't realize it

[@colesoileau]

FOR REALLLL

[@solo3976]

both him and winona

[@nothudanasir]

The way he talked about how he was scared about the kid actors in stranger things growing up made me teary eyed cause he knows what Hollywood can do to child actors

[@MrCrpayne79]

Did you see Godzilla vs Kong?

[@nothudanasir]

@@MrCrpayne79 no.

[@MrCrpayne79]

@@nothudanasir 11 was completely made up and pointless to the story, really ugly the way they did that character

[@nothudanasir]

@@MrCrpayne79 ? dude what are u even trying to tell me and how is it relevant to my comment

[@MrCrpayne79]

@@nothudanasir that's because you didn't watch the movie...look it up, sheesh

[@BryanCostner]

I feel bad for him playing Hellboy. He has so much passion in the role, he loved the character and I think he did a great job at playing the role. No matter how bad the movie was, Harbor's performance as Hellboy was the highlight of the movie, he did his best and I appreciate that

[@gabrielfreire7261]

I liked Hellboy 2019 , David Harbour and Ian Mcshane Performances are Awesome , i Love the 2 Versions (the 3 movies) i am a Ron Perlman, David Harbour and Hellboy Character fan

[@scarletarrowgaming5843]

I actually loved that movie just as much as the Perlman/Del Toro films. They were two very different portrayals of the same character, and it's unfair that people constantly compared the two.

[@gabrielfreire7261]

@@scarletarrowgaming5843 yes i agree , i have Ron Perlman Duology in DVD and David Harbour Reboot in Blu-ray

[@shanerose7204]

I agree! Sure the movie could have been a little better, but I thought Harbour gave a great performance.

[@jiorts]

the director was passionate a well..the studio is to blame

[@Isaac-rt8wb]

David harbour should play mr. Incredible in the live action the incredibles movie that would be pretty cool

[@joshp3994]

"ALRIGHT! I'M INTERVENING!"

[@undercover_idiot]

yeeeeesssss

[@m8emovies141]

OMG he’d be perfect for the role!!!

[@jacktorrance263]

Strange way to spell ‘Jack Torrance’

[@orange_leaf4913]

*shrill screaming* YES

[@dazzag]

There's a very rare humility about him. A lot of actors try and portray being humble but it's very easy to tell its an act. David is genuine in his humility. He clearly has a love for the art and for the people that have had a positive impact on his life and career.

[@nubianfx]

His eyes look so distractingly blue in this.

[@carlosparker4358]

It’s insane

[@KennyPagley]

@Drown the Socialists wtf

[@runthejudes]

@Drown the Socialists no way me too, what a coincidence :)

[@drsawful]

@Drown the Socialists So funny that all these actors love to promote socialism because they think they are gonna be on the top if ever happens.

[@iFranOne]

@Drown the Socialists Why you even care about it? Hes an actor. Thats it. Thats all you can take in. That he acts and you watch movies/tv shows etc. THATS IT. If you care what he says or does outside of that - you part of the problem.

[@patockaphilipp2037]

David is so humble and deserves way more credit.

[@morganrichardson8859]

His description of Revolutionary Road was so good. I paused this video, went and watched the movie on Hulu, and then came back to finish this video.

[@lilygrace6605]

I highly recommend reading the book, as well. It's amazing. And Sam Mendes did a wonderful job of adapting it. One of the better book to screen adaptations out there.

[@hydrodragonn7385]

I never realized how blue his eyes are, gorgeous!

[@DamnFineCupOfCoffee]

Dudes got such a great voice

[@patbollin]

Hearing him talk about the creative process and how his part on Stranger Things reinvigorated his desire to act actually hit me in the feels. I'm a creative professional myself, and I'm always struggling with the need to make the money and the desire to make better art, too, so I relate.

[@artemis199]

David Harbour is a national treasure. Nobody puts David in a corner. Seriously out of this amazing cast, he is definitely a fan favorite. I hope Hollywood understands what they have in this man and he continues to get the roles he deserves

[@ThisIsWheelLife]

Love his acting even before Stranger Things. But hearing him talk about putting his heart into that role you can definitely feel it

[@MelioraSR]

David was so good in Black Widow!

[@superskilledsiblings4621]

He's one of my favourites in Stranger Things. He's so passionate about what he does. ❤️❤️❤️

[@owenvideos4155]

I dont care what anyone says he is is a dilf and an incredible actor

[@SunflowerPower22]

What's a different?

[@SORIANSIST]

@@SunflowerPower22 a dilf*, not a different

[@azimazimov9354]

He is so humble

[@ATrace-pn6wx]

After seeing the difference between what WB put out and the directors cut on Justice League I totally believe him when he says he did a lot more acting than actually made the film in Hellboy. He's so talented it's really a shame.

[@livelovelaughimagine]

I love how honest and open he is about his acting career. Love him!

[@ConradsChannel]

One of my favorite actors right now. Really insightful and perceptive guy who deserves every bit of success coming to him and more.

[@Stig69]

He's a great actor, but I think he'd be even better as a writer/director or something. He really understands all the nuance and synergy that goes into characters and story building.

[@Elitesolider1023]

He should just do both.

[@Veggie_King]

Quick tip, don't put the hook clip thats literally little less than a minute into the video as the hook clip....

[@sen7826]

Also it was too long, so when I came to it in the video, I skipped.

[@sherlockholmes374]

Yeah I'm sure GQ needs some random guys advice on how to edit their videos, since obviously they are new to this.

[@tankionline9097]

@@sherlockholmes374 calm down buddy

[@matthewking2011]

Also maybe dont show important plot points or death scenes when an actor is discussing their films, since its generally unlikely that all of the films discussed have been seen by everyone

[@MichaelBalchaitis]

Stranger Things is my favorite. I am so glad David Harbour is making Marvel money. He deserves it.

[@LidyaLim]

I love you David Harbour. It was great meeting you at comic con when you were promoting Hellboy.

[@Philigan87]

It's really weird to hear seasoned actors talk about the procesa of acting. It's the same feeling I get when I hear mechanics talk about cars.

[@NAlla9917]

I think he really should start writing/directing himself! He seems to have so much insight and always has a unique ideas as to the setup or character creation.

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

His character and story in ST are amazing and are what brings the adult audience to that show.

[@kristengoldsmith1074]

He seems so humble about his acting. Very down to earth. Meeting him tomorrow at Comic Con in NYC so getting a feel of how he really is besides seeing him in character as Hopper.

[@madeforemma4914]

2:53 - beautiful words , no wonder he is one of my favourite celebrities in Hollywood.

[@JohnMocny]

I really wish he had talked about A Walk Among the Tombstones. That was the performance that made me a fan.

[@chigon89]

Definitely. Such a frightening killer in that one. Shame it's not discussed

[@TheLastRanger]

Same. He really sold the serial killer.

[@zaynes5094]

@@TheLastRangerExcept he was REALLY just playing the helper of the actual psychopath and he was the one who was really just along for the ride..

[@keyvanji]

i can't believe that david and leonardo di caprio are at the same age 😂i love them both but we should give david more credit he is such a humble person

[@cnakumbe705]

His role in Black Widow. I greatly appreciated and enjoed his performance. Thank you, David!

[@haydenelliott3654]

Sucks hellboy flopped, he really was a Perfect choice for the role but everything else about the movie wasn’t there

[@asn07]

1 and 2 is great hellboy

[@EthanRom]

it's just a hard follow up considering Guillermo Del Toro has so much style that's so hard to match up against

[@rokaanalzeer7148]

I liked harbour as hellboy so much I wouldn’t mind seeing him again in that role as long as he’s in a better movie

[@BryanCostner]

Yeah, Harbour embodies Hellboy perfectly, the makeup was terrific and he did his best, it's everything surrounds him that's bad

[@ivanjones4472]

Since Stranger Things, I became a huge fan of David Harbour. And I couldn't believe it that he was in 007's Quantum of Solance and Brokeback Mountain. He is perfect to play The Thing in the Fantastic Four' MCU.

[@whimsicalstray]

Unfortunately, he's already in the MCU. I don't think they'll have him play two different characters, but he'd do well as the Thing.

[@bgloec786]

Gemma Chan is playing Sersi in Eternals, despite having already played Minerva in Captain Marvel. So there is a chance he could land another role in the MCU if there is CGI or major makeup involved, which I would be all for. He truly is a gifted actor.

[@ivanjones4472]

@@bgloec786 Thats What I'm talking about. I really pray for that day to come

[@KrystynaE1967]

David always puts his heart and soul into his performances. Yes, there are hits and misses just like anyone else. I felt bad for him with Hellboy but he was still an awesome actor. I think Stranger Things helped him really get the recognition he deserves!! Love his character and I hope him and Joyce end up getting married or at least living together with El (Jane) and the 2 boys since Will is like her best friend both on and off screen.

[@Macro105]

Underated as Elliot in The Newsroom, Him and Don are a comic duo

[@rickymorphew2245]

I love him on the newsroom

[@GiladPellaeon]

Elliot was an awesome character!

[@The.Ronin.Kuzuri]

I really loved his take on Hellboy, I feel like the editing and decisions made in the script were what really effected the movie so negatively

[@amandajenkins2267]

I truly never would have guessed he had so much love and dedication for his craft. Way to go DH, keep it up

[@officialdavidharbour]

Thanks Amanda 😊

[@gabrielfreire7261]

My Favorite David Harbour's Characters and Performances : Red Guardian , Hopper and Hellboy . I Love Marvel Saga , Stranger Things and Hellboy Versions (all the 3 Movies)

[@jazzzmynnn6302]

He is my FAVORITE in stranger things!!

[@DNSchank]

I´m a writer and if you have an actor that loves the character you create so much that he feels he can add/change things to the character, please let him do it. This is the kind of actors you want for your characters. Passionate and smart.

[@BobbyReichle]

I'm so happy he talked about Gregg Beam, I just love that character. He's the slimiest, worst embodiment of the United States. He did so much with that tiny appearance that he stuck in my mind. An absolute master class in acting.

[@baraka490]

I'm still waiting for more stranger things love that series

[@marus815]

He was amazing in all his Law and Order episodes (he was in all 3 of them), but my personal favourite is "Dolls". He somehow manages to make his character sympathetic.

[@FreyaMaluk]

The beauty about characterization in a series is the sheer time on screen. It was awesome to see all characters shine and develop. I find movies now mostly unsatisfactory in that sense.

[@thomasheyes5747]

had a 'he was in that?" moment lol

[@skele-fish9249]

Right! I forgot he was in broke back lol

[@treyperry4079]

He is so good un stranger things one of my favorite characters, great job

[@dombak0531]

Jim Hopper will forever be his most iconic role!

[@carloshernandes]

I'm glad he spoke about Brokeback Mountain ive been a fan of his since this movie on... Quantum, Revolutionary Road, end of Watch, The Equalizer, The Newsroom Stranger Things

[@debbiehunt5940]

First time I saw him was in A Walk Among Tombstones, he still scares me after that film.

[@kmack65]

Ugh I'm in love with his eye color

[@KathyJeanActress]

Thank you, GQ, for this wonderful insight.

[@jessicamerced9116]

Ugh..love David Harbour ❤ I crieddd my eyes out at the end of season 3, needless to say you know my reaction by season 4. Such a great actor, played an amazing character! 😊

[@ATLGAMER47]

I hate how he talks about not being impressive. His bright blue eyes, his voice, presence. I want to see more movies with him.

[@Cajun_knifeguy]

You were my favorite part of stranger things and the end of season 3 really pulled on the heart strings

[@abhishekp5227]

who else is psyched up for season 4

[@tessa1291]

He's funny. He makes me laugh on Stranger Things. I wish he'd be in a comedy movie with a tough character

[@ravenguilles4176]

3:52 Joyce's face cracks me up 😂. She's like Hop stop cursing so much

[@BigSexyWizard]

WE LOVE YOU DAVID!!!!! You were a great Hellboy!

[@erikarios98]

I love him 😍

[@missfira6780]

I have such a crush on him. He’s a beautiful human😍

[@natashawall8131]

He is so freakin' intelligent. I'm fangirling over here even more. My friend had a chance to go see him in the play he's in with Bill Pullman in London right now. She said he was excellent. Loving this.

[@kabluey_louie1718]

David is the dad that everyone wants

[@Marie_Collectsgoodkitty]

Thank you David, Hopper is such an important character to Stranger things and so important to 11 and to the Upside down.

[@WalkerMachine]

Looking back, I knew I’ve seen him in many movies before, but the one which made me go like “ waoh who’s that actor he’s Reaaally goooood !!!” and made me look him up imediately in imdb, is that “Liam Neeson movie” as he calls it.

[@wadewilson8011]

I met David Harbour in Stone Mountain, Ga back in 2015. At the time I had no clue he was filming Stranger Things season 1. He walked into the establishment where I was working. And I recognized him. I said, "I know you!" And it kind of threw him off a little bit. I said, "Yeah, you were in that Denzel Washington movie...."The Equalizer." You played the dirty cop." And he was so surprised. I'm sure he was flattered. You heard him talk in this video about the roles he originally got in his career. And he's not lying. I can tell he probably felt that he was just a side character in big budget movies. Because he was so shocked that someone actually recognized him. I finally told him that he looks exactly like a friend of mine, and that's how I recognized him so quickly. I noticed how similar they looked to each other when I first watch "The Equalizer" in theaters. He's literally just a foot taller than my friend. So he was, and seems to still be a very humble and laid back guy. I wish him the best. He's on a roll now. Now EVERYONE recognizes him, because he's a household name.

[@AlexandraShibalina]

When he said, 'I can put my heart into it', I nearly cried. That whole bit was so heartfelt and deep, and relatable. Wow. Love him even more now, what a great actor and what personality he has

[@chrisking2799]

I love this guy. Loved Hellboy! Every time I hear that he is in a movie, I always think,... it must be good!

[@FatCatProductions]

He might be the first actor on one of these things that actually acknowledges bad reviews of one of his films

[@downinthewaves]

i got lost in his eyes. he's so talenteddd

[@laurakali6522]

Can’t believe he played such a creepy character on an episode of Law and Order SVU…..

[@drunkgforce1]

He was actually playing himself in that episode. He stated that it was his easiest role ever.

[@proudtobeme92]

@@drunkgforce1 what????

[@sinceremimi9324]

The fact that he plays Alexie in Black Widow. Did anyone else find that interesting especially since there was also an Alexie in Stranger Things

[@thalesmenis9314]

i didnt

[@FrankyPi]

It's Alexei.

[@animusanemone8433]

I did

[@whattheshrek9046]

Great actor an so humble . Respect David harbour

[@conorbrosnahan5464]

I live for these videos ❤

[@HarrisonTheAvidEditor]

wow really didn't expect him to talk about his character in quantum!!! that was great to hear him talk about it

[@kensanders6241]

I recently watched QOS after not seeing it for over a decade, and recognizing David made me feel a little conflicted. I really loved his portrayal of Hopper in Stranger Things, but watching David play a sleazy CIA operative, I hated the character but I have to admit David did it so well!

[@TheJuju5566]

i did not realize how nice david harbours eyes are until right now

[@anthonycharles9241]

Now you are a big time fan favorite. We love you David Harbour!!

[@jennhoff03]

"I wouldn't let you give me any notes, Finn, but yes, I would love to see you direct an episode." ;'D ;'D That was hilarious!

[@reyjenetapia2559]

I love his acting no matter what

[@SDXStudio]

Awww man, so here I am another comment. I remember my first experience with DH was in Quantum, and I loved that movie so much. THEN he shows up in The Newsroom, which is one of my favorite shows for individual characters (and Elliot is awesome in the first episode, and then when he is in another country!) and THEN to see him get Stranger Things made me oh so happy.

[@danielharris3036]

I really enjoyed the 2019 hellboy film. David's portrayal of Hellboy was great. I would happily watch another Hellboy film or TV series with David Harbour as Hellboy, just as long as he's playing our favourite half human, half demon monster hunter/paranormal detective.

[@nantiagn]

i love david soooo much

[@Ghosts_inthesnow]

The convo between Van Hauser and Brian always makes me laugh SO HARD I mean the face Jake makes and Van Hausers tone is just hilarious dhfsjbdks

[@lilyshiri6540]

I love how humble and lovely he is!❤️

[@suhseal]

I didn’t know his eyes were so blue😮

[@AndyPaxTheGameCat]

Honestly…Hellboy was an incredibly fun movie. Flawed, yes…but fun. David’s performance is every bit as good Ron Perlman’s. it may not be for you if you are looking for state-of-the-art cgi or logical plot, but it is for you if you like fun…and who doesn’t like fun?

[@illiteratefr0g]

I tend to not read reviews anymore because it ruins my perception. If I came out of the movie having had a fun time, it was a good movie to me

[@beleng3955]

I feel like he's got such a great future in acting still, I love him so much

[@netado1365]

His eyes are so blue. Love him

[@LauraMLane]

not to be shallow in response to such a thoughtful interview but he has the most incredible eyes

[@officialdavidharbour]

Thanks for the compliment Laura 😊

[@LauraMLane]

LOL! I'm so dead. Yw. (shameless plug incoming) If you need a place to rest them I hear this chick has some good videos www.youtube.com/@shitifindinteresting8723/videos (itsa me)

[@officialdavidharbour]

@@LauraMLane it's a great pleasure to have such a great fan like you and I would really want to know you ☺️

[@Ja-yt5sr]

It’s cool this one release on my bday

[@Agent-wn7le]

I loved this

[@notnoobmaster]

Hopper and red guardian for me!

[@momogoes3329]

I'm glad he talked about The Newsroom. I really liked that show.

[@TitusBogba]

He did a great job and great movie!! Congrats 🎊

[@thaequalizer3539]

David Harbour would make a perfect Barry Burton in a live-action RESIDENT EVIL movie or show.

[@haydenelliott3654]

First time I saw David harbour was in a walk among the tombstones, he was scary in that movie

[@minervavidal6055]

His eyes are so memserizing ❤❤❤

[@AdrianMendoza23]

Idk I always noticed David Harbour. He was always 'that guy' for me. Then I watched Stranger Things in one sitting (it wasn't what I wanted to do, the first season was so good) David finally was seen as being a great actor. Plus, to me anyway he is such a hunk.

[@Ella-fv4hm]

I didn’t realize how blue his eyes were it’s very cool