Jeff Daniels Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Jeff Daniels breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Dumb and Dumber,' 'The Squid and the Whale,' 'The Newsroom,' 'Something Wild,' 'Terms of Endearment,' 'Arachnophobia,' 'Speed' and 'American Rust.'
00:00 Intro
00:16 'Dumb and Dumber'
05:10 'The Squid and the Whale'
07:53 'The Newsroom'
10:49 'Something Wild'
13:32 'Terms of Endearment'
16:16 'Arachnophobia'
20:04 'Speed'
21:26 'American Rust'
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Jeff Daniels Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@M2820P]

"Now I may be in Dumb and Dumber, but I'm not stupid" great line.

[@williamdillard5060]

I hope he gets a percentage. One of THE funniest movies ever.

[@edwardreflects8500]

Crazy how they nearly wasted his time like that. Glad he made it through the executives.

[@frankgallagher8760]

Sounds like forrest gump

[@sabungay]

Never stop making these. Make them all before our favorite actors are gone

[@AMbackplayer8]

🙏🏽 Amen

[@Ruzveen]

www.youtubeuis.com/watch?v=COzQiwDsaDqT

[@ga.jo.]

And start doing with actresses

[@StrobeFireStudios]

1000% this.

[@internetj3r]

Facts

[@sullivanomalley2212]

This is LONG overdue. Jeff deserves so much more recognition and respect than what he gets.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@The Yorkshireman Reacts but it is too long

[@lexkanyima2195]

@The Yorkshireman Reacts for a Oscar

[@tylermoulton7294]

@@lexkanyima2195 communication is not your strong suit

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@tylermoulton7294 it is

[@chucklima4763]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gregakablackie]

"Anna look, Geese" What more proof do you need that Jeff is a comedian. 🤣

[@blondgingerbeard3952]

I lost it 😂😂

[@chainyrabbit]

I laughed out loud for that one

[@jeffmaclee]

That story killed me. That deadpan delivery of the punchline of that story and then the the immediate cut to another story...ah man.

[@dave1986R]

That story was both creepy and hysterical at the same time. 😆😆😆

[@JoeVirella]

😆 😆 😆 thought the same!!!

[@GratefulLed]

Jim Carey patting Jeff's back and giving him that peace of mind confirmation and confidence was really heartwarming. Good guy.

[@SupermanHopkins]

"The audition is still going on." This guy is dropping gems. Don't overlook his wisdom.

[@ARPerez]

If I was in his shoes I would have felt so much pressure!! Like duuuuuude what!!!???!!?

[@chestercheeto9768]

One of the more underrated actors. Not that he’s not known or respected but he is so captivating in everything he does and has such a range but I feel not many recognize how easily you buy into any character he plays

[@vaskylark]

He has a reputation as a brilliant actor. Not at all underrated. Brilliant actor, one of the best I've ever seen. Loved to hate him in Terms of Endearment, he was that good.

[@pilotstyle123]

the curse of a genius supporting actor

[@Ruzveen]

www.youtubeuis.com/watch?v=CPAlJfpkmfZa

[@AkBirdman17]

I disagree but I totally see what yourr saying. Ill watch anything hes in and I know a ton of people who do as well. Maybe just because he doesnt do many big blockbusters I could see how you would think that though

[@nsasupporter7557]

He’s doesn’t wanna be a “big movie star”

[@burnbobquist8999]

I can't believe you missed out his role in Gettysburg, his potrayal of Chamberlain was absolutely amazing. Daniels is such an underrated performer, he is amazing in everything i have seen him in.

[@Blueshirts07]

I was just thinking this....how could you not mention his character in Gettysburg??? When he screams BAYONETS!!! I get chills

[@tkoz7856]

@@Blueshirts07 I could watch the defense of little round top 100,000 times and never get sick of it. The way he commanded that role and really portrayed the need for them to never give up the hill was incredible.

[@douglasgroff7648]

Hold to the last. To the last what? Exercise in rhetoric. Last shell. Last man. Last foot of ground. Last reb. Where are we going? Oh Sir, lovely spot. Safest place on the battlefield, right smack-dab in the center…

[@spaceburger80]

Bayonets!

[@conorsmith8551]

I really want to set aside an afternoon on a weekend and watch Gettysburg some day soon

[@jbmarlinproductions]

I'm a former newsroom employee. Thank you Mr. Daniels. You knocked that first scene out of the park, but you didn't stop there. That series is my favorite on television to this day.

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

His role in Newsroom is really up there for me. Man I wish that show was still around for these last few years.

[@grfnprjx]

same.

[@BryanCostner]

I just finished the show for the first time, somehow its way ahead of it's time

[@sha7303]

Rewatching the show for the 5th time now lmao

[@JenQ_1]

"Anna, look geese!" lolol that story...

[@hecklingfext]

What a legend

[@Ruzveen]

www.youtubeuis.com/watch?v=kkY-5QNbmnsM

[@jcmeadows1]

😢This is easily the best actor break down I've seen. JD is a natural story teller. Effortlessly compelling.

[@danielc1978]

Agree, I could listen to him talk all day, great speaker...

[@jgiuffre7]

I remember seeing Dumb and Dumber as a kid and thinking him and Jim Carrey were the funniest people on the planet. Watching this movie as an adult really makes you appreciate how brilliant they were acting in it and insanely good their chemistry was.

[@johnasher3055]

T tv vvzzzzzzzz

[@RealSoLucien]

I love you Jeff Daniels, by far one of the most underrated actors of my time. Always a joy to watch even in Something Wild.

[@chucklima4763]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Boygonebad]

His role in Speed is underrated. He was great in that role. Glad they included it.

[@JamesB-sr71]

It’s not though is it? It gets talked about a lot on here. Especially Harry’s death. Clearly just a job for Jeff, but he brought his A game anyway.

[@sarahsmiles9127]

How did you not talk about Gettysburg??? One of the most beloved American war movies of all time! He had the task of not only learning a Maine accent, but had the tough task of portraying one of the most beloved Mainers. His speeches are incredible. It’s one of the movies that made me love film.

[@melanie62954]

I LOVE his performance in Gettysburg!

[@dropkick79]

I was getting ready to make the same comment. He was stellar in that film!

[@tkoz7856]

BAYONETTS!!!

[@SKS8080]

Hollywood hates the military.

[@nomanaleft8124]

@@SKS8080 Which would be a surprise considering how much money the military pays Hollywood to make them look good.

[@martincurran4985]

Respect to him for how he approached the situation with Anna Paquin on The Squid and the Whale. At least he made it known that it made him uncomfortable and it was purely for the sake of acting and performance and nothing else. I'm sure Paquin thought the same and they were both mature about it. Great movie too.

[@FmrFox-no6yk]

jesse Rosenberg is the only thing good about that movie

[@Ruzveen]

www.youtubeuis.com/watch?v=qiXHJzvo3Pn8

[@paramitch]

"The Squid and the Whale" was one of those rare instances for me of being an undeniably great movie, and I hated every minute of it. I could tell it was great, but I thought it was just such a toxic story (and character) at heart, I couldn't really enjoy it.

[@martincurran4985]

@@paramitch I didn't like it the first time I saw it. I don't think a lot of people do. It was on the re-watch that I started to appreciate the kind of movie and quality of characters that Baumbach wanted to present.

[@paramitch]

@@martincurran4985 I respect that, and it's cool that you were able to do that. I love Baumbach, but I have never made it through a single rewatch of "Squid and the Whale." I know it's brilliant, but it's just too unpleasant for me. I do think Baumbach is a terrific filmmaker, but I much prefer gentler works like "Kicking and Screaming," and "Marriage Story."

[@lvthud]

The "America is not the greatest country in the world" speech is one of the few times I have hit pause on the remote and sat there wondering out loud what I had just watched and then re-watching it a couple of times to let it sink in (the other time was The Red Wedding), the writing and acting were superb.

[@bbv26026]

That speech in newsroom hooked my wife and I. We had just finished watching that week's episode of boardwalk empire when we just hadn't changed the channel and the pilot of the newsroom came on. That scene hooked us and big fans of the show. Wish it had gone on longer.

[@coolwill78]

These Iconic Character Breakdowns are the absolute best. Jeff Daniels has stayed around and become one of my favorite actors

[@stevenscott953]

I love how authentic Jeff Daniels is. So interesting to hear about his career.

[@SethLovesMovies]

Jeff Daniels was absolutely brilliant in Steve Jobs. That scene of the intense back and forth confrontation with Fassbender is one of the finest pieces of acting of the 2010s!

[@emersonpinto1802]

Terms of Endearment and The Purple Rose of Cairo are both iconic movies. His presence in Steve Jobs as John Sculley was fantastic. He is a truly special actor.

[@corycourtney1144]

Nothing pleases me more than him and Jim still being good friends.

[@threatassessment606]

Hmmm

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

what about world peace and no racism?

[@corycourtney1144]

@@FoodforThought12345678dsds well seeing as how we’re living in a world without peace and our world is teaming with racists, the best I get is Jeff and Jim still being friends. If we get world peace and no racism then Jeff and Jim may get 2nd place.

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

@@corycourtney1144 racist

[@corycourtney1144]

@@FoodforThought12345678dsds not even close. Cool story tho?

[@charlescuch]

Sad “Gettysburg” isn’t discussed. Colonel Chamberlain is one of my favorite roles he ever played.

[@Jerkturtle]

Yeah seriously

[@TheMacJew]

That was the role I was hoping to hear him talk about as well

[@LAQC1992]

Agreed!

[@hannibalb8276]

Just set up a plex server for my father and the first movie I added was Gettysburg. It's a classic.

[@SKS8080]

It would offend people. That’s why

[@AleHernandez]

Oh, The Newsroom!, I rewatch it every year. Love the Northwestern speech so much get goosebumps every time. one the finest tv shows ever.

[@aryastark772]

Amazing actor. Such a versatile and broad range. Under appreciated by many. Such a natural, laid back sharp guy

[@goosebumpsaussiefan650]

Arachnophobia was fantastic! Still my favourite Jeff Daniels film!

[@slckb0y65]

NEVER be ashamed about Dumb & Dumber, it was one of the funniest comedy ever made. i almost freaking died of laughter in the theatre, an absolute timeless classic.

[@nsasupporter7557]

It is the funniest comedy ever made. All Jim Carrey movies are. He blows all other comedians outta the water. The only other comedians that come close are Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy

[@JamesTheEpicGamer]

I love how much respect he has for Jim. He has the confidence to know he’s a true equal, and isn’t intimidated or jealous of Jim’s comedic talents. He was perfect to bounce off of

[@jaynvius1]

Jeff Daniels is an incredible and talented actor. He's fantastic in newsroom

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yes, it’s a shame (even a crime) that so many people pay more attention to stupid losers like adam sandler who are not talented whatsoever and ignore great actors like Jeff Daniels

[@julzmusic8708]

The newsroom to this day is still my favourite series. Aaron Sorkin is an absolute legend obviously, but Jeff Daniels was just the most perfect person for the role.

[@Brekner]

It's a sad realization that you're not that young anymore when the actors you grew up watching are getting old....

[@crockett888]

was literally thinking the same thing...

[@Ruzveen]

www.youtubeuis.com/watch?v=deRHlcbwuucQ

[@senguptasayn]

Very well said.

[@KidMizzle]

The Dumb and Dumber breakdown was fantastic

[@CaptainMyCaptain33]

“Anna look! Geese!!” 😂 I’m dying.

[@bye692001]

3:01 wow Jeff calling Jim a friend, thats true loyalty and friendship

[@lexkanyima2195]

True

[@ThexInsidexMan]

newsroom was his best for me. not to knock other works, but WHAT A SERIES!!!

[@ElEspectroDeLaMi]

Check him out in The Looming Tower. He plays an FBI agent trying to figure out what Al-Qaeda is planning leading up to 9/11. One of his best performances ever; he was absolutely robbed at the 2018 Emmy's.

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yeah, especially that scene when he was interviewing the homosexual African American man… that was pretty heavy and intense. Daniels really deserved that Emmy

[@jamiecrucefix4078]

I need to get back to finnish West wing I got to part Santos wins election and choosing his staff.

[@emtee3098]

I agree! Loved him in Newsroom.

[@jesterforhire]

I’ve watched The whole Newsroom Series at least 3 times. I LOVE that show. They never should have cancelled it.

[@mavernni4895]

I loved him in The Newsroom. Such shame that show was cut short.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

Ending a show a tad early is the right time to end.

[@TK-yk7zb]

Would have loved to hear him discuss his roles in The Martian or Godless

[@HlifeRomania91]

Godless was a masterpiece

[@nonsensica9812]

And what about My Favourite Martian

[@hugoholm5182]

The Martian is sooo good

[@paramitch]

Oh, me too. Especially Godless. He was incredible in that.

[@spinyg]

Also was hoping to see Godless in there

[@Charlierose214]

not y'all not asking him about his ICONIC role as Roger in 101 Dalmations! lol

[@AndrewKinakin]

That’s a must!!!

[@nsasupporter7557]

That wasn’t an iconic role

[@leonalivingston8041]

The only live action Disney remake that I like!

[@senguptasayn]

What a legend. One could keep listening to him forever.

[@redfactor216]

I had the great pleasure to see Jeff Daniels perform in “To Kill A Mockingbird “ at the Shubert Theater in NYC just last week. An astonishing performance!! Jeff Daniels is truly one of America’s finest actors!!

[@ctdali]

Same! Marvelous play.

[@w.jasonspangler2952]

I still think about that Newsroom speech all the time. I also think about his combative scene with Fassbender in Steve Jobs. In my opinion there isn't an actor working today that gives a more powerful dialogue than Jeff Daniels.

[@Jamthecoolerator]

Jeff Daniels: Great American Actor. The Anna Paquin story killed me.

[@shredbacca]

same man that part was hilarious

[@RomanPearce11]

This is 100% one of the best breakdowns you have ever filmed. ever. Well done.

[@MrsJanice-P.O.M.Agency]

Absolutely! I love how detailed he gets with his experiences. Let's us see into the world and thoughts of an actor.

[@martinvaux9843]

Shame that he didn't talk Pleasantville. I think it's one of his great performances. One of my all-time favourite actors. ☺

[@slackerjo]

Pleasantville is my favorite movie. I agree.

[@ThePauseMenuVlog]

I love all of these details and how he can remember everything. The dumb and dumber stuff is insanely interesting

[@XxCrankyMoosexX]

I was really hoping he was gonna talk about Escanaba in da Moonlight. Such a ridiculous comedy film that nobody knows about. One of my favorite of his.

[@CosmoWenman]

Daniels hitting Carey in the leg like that was the funniest moment in the movie.

[@user-hd8ej8yx9p]

i was laughing so hard at all these scene being described by Jeff in a serious way, i couldn't hold back lmao

[@erra7552]

Jeff is such an underrated legend. He's great in EVERYTHING.

[@coryporter5833]

That was great to hear him speak about the spider on his face in Arachnophobia. It’s still a great movie to watch.

[@genocidalgreen2745]

Such a great guy, I love how genuine and thorough he is with this interview. Not a lot of people like that these days, he's specific and patient. He's not here just too get a check. I dig that and on that note I'm gonna watch some Jeff Daniel's classics. ✌

[@vivianamora7505]

Why can’t we see him in more stuff. More Jeff PLEASE!!!

[@cmel7841]

The Martian is a great movie, fairly faithful to the book and Jeff did an excellent job.

[@CoastPropertyBuyers]

One of the most underrated actors in the industry. Super talented.

[@williamdillard5060]

Wow. That's a real cinematic nugget JD just dropped. He was still "auditioning" although they were filming like it was normal. NO ONE could have played "Harry Dunn" better than Jeff Daniels. I also really liked him as "Flap" in "Terms of Endearment". A great, and very underrated, actor.

[@nsasupporter7557]

The only reason he was in Dumb and Dumber was because of Jim Carrey. The studio didn’t want Daniels because they didn’t see him as a comedian

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@nsasupporter7557 but they don't saw his previous movie Purple of Cairo

[@mr.j3616]

Such a brilliant and versatile actor, great to hear the behind the scenes stories and insight!

[@alfonsoperez4539]

Miss The Newsroom so, so much.

[@chuckselvage3157]

One of the overlooked greats.

[@dimakor5914]

One of my favorite movies of 1990s. It is a way smarter than it looks and hilarious. Thanks to Jeff and Jim.

[@Neecola88]

The first piece of entertainment I bought was his interview on the offcamera show. I think I could listen to Jeff for days. Amazing human being

[@Hayyden]

He was terrific in *Godless* ! If you think he's great in American Rust; check him out in that! Badass.

[@201banjo]

One of the best badasses I've ever seen...brilliant acting!

[@JA-ev7om]

*"Anna, look. Geese."* 🤣😂🤣

[@rorytaylor626]

I like how much respect he has for his fellow actors and behind the scenes people

[@tmoore4075]

His reaction during the explosion late in Speed was fantastic. His acting was so good. He was much more than just a guy in an action movie.

[@Lord_and_Savior_Gay_Jesus]

His greatest gift: Will McAvoy and The Newsroom. An underappreciated show that deserved more seasons.

[@squamish4244]

There aren't any moderate Republicans anymore, no one would believe he could be one.

[@jacobcadena9345]

I love listening to him talk about his career. Could listen to his love of the craft all day.

[@missVmilne]

Superb to have such insights shared. Love this series, good actor who works his chops off - thanks for Jeff : - )

[@patrickcollier7090]

I am sad they left out his portrayal of colonel Joshua Chamberlain in Gettysburg and Gods and Generals. One of the most iconic performances in any movie I have seen about the Civil War.

[@mrmaxcarter2306]

I love Jeff. He's so underrated and versatile

[@ronniebillhicks]

His memory of producers, crew members, actors and directors alone had me compelled,.......love this dude

[@fengzhenlee1561]

He's truly one of my favorites. I watched him since I was little, he's such a great actor. Love his works!

[@sammybabi]

Such a fan of Jeff. Fantastic and versatile actor and really chooses his roles

[@marcyfan]

purple rose of cairo?

[@martincruz3174]

"Ana look geese"!

[@EnvoyOfDestinyZ]

Im so glad he talked about the newsroom. its an amazing show. We need more like this

[@debbiep99]

The Newsroom is one of my favourite shows to this day.

[@mattkent1570]

I'm kinda bummed he didn't talk about Gettysburg I think that was one of his best roles.

[@anthonysalem1832]

BAYONETS!!!!!!

[@garethcotterell9698]

Saw I’m on stage as Atticus Finch . Mind blowingly good! The man is a genius

[@BigHeadBob]

I love him. I love this. Thank you GQ. I can't wait to grace the cover of your magazine :)

[@btl4220]

Jeff is a Fantastic actor in Everything he does Really Love American Rust, can’t wait for second season

[@Danimal77]

I remember loving the movie, Something Wild. I saw it when it came out in 1986, as a 9 year old kid. I also saw Arachnophobia in the theatre in 1990. That and Tremors, which came out the same year, was FUN!

[@ilcontraversientertainment3689]

This man screamed "Bayonets!" with tears in his eyes just to not talk about Gettysburg in this video?

[@josephmckenna5760]

Chamberlain was his best role. Have no idea why it is not in this interview.

[@AlamoSentry]

I know. Disappointed!

[@IAlwaysWantedToTryThat]

Seriously, I would've put that in his top 3 EASILY. How does someone overlook that role?

[@AlamoSentry]

@@IAlwaysWantedToTryThat No idea

[@josephmckenna5760]

Actually, if you loved him in this role, watch Atun-Shei's "Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain on Clutch Little Round Top Win". A fun little 'football' version of Chamberlain.

[@paulkwiatkowski6915]

Newsroom & Looming Tower are two of the more outstanding performances I've ever seen by any actor. Jeff is one of the smartest performers in Hollywood

[@clubtercelquebec]

I did not know a lot about Jeff, and i'm glad i learned today. Great actor :)

[@lukewarmwater6412]

when people talk about great actors they rarely mention jeff daniels. I feel that this is unfair. jeff has a range of ability that is pretty amazing.

[@WatchMilesTV]

That opening scene on the very first episode of Newsroom might be the greatest few minutes ever strung together on HBO.

[@rainy4217]

Yeah, it's rare to see it once

[@BobbyKeim]

Jeff Daniels is on of my all time favorite actors. He's so absorbed into whatever he's doing. I'd watch him watch paint dry. A+++ gentleman. Side-note: The Newsroom is genius. Please give us more... even if it means a completely different cast. I think it's absolutely needed right now.

[@MrSuriyam]

Dear Jeff you are a man of wisdom and courage in modern times and a true leader pls guide everyone when they need the help the most...thank you sir i'm humbled sincerely

[@leolindberg]

He was great in Looper

[@adminscottj]

Jeff Daniels is one of the few actors I would love to meet and spend a day with. What a good man. -Average Joe

[@codemonkey181]

I’ve watched quite a few of these and this was the most enjoyable by far.

[@kdkseven]

I saw Something Wild the year it came out and Jeff Daniels has been one of my favorites ever since. Such a classic movie. Wish Jonathan Demme were still with us making movies.

[@jelanitarik7423]

I agree. Something Wild was Something Special! Jonathan was able to bring us that & The Silence Of The Lambs - what a great filmmaker!

[@smaakjeks]

I cannot not laugh every time when Jeff, incandescent with school boy rage, utterly destroys Lauren's face with that snowball pitch.

[@smaakjeks]

@𝘿!𝙘𝙠 Riding ǤƗяℓ Violet lol yes. His role as leading milquetoast was something to behold.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Same🤣 For my money, it’s one of the most underappreciated comedic moments in film history that didn’t involve dialogue. Just absolute perfection.

[@kush6846]

Steve Jobs is underrated, he was so great in that movie.

[@iamirish4361]

Jeff Daniels is an excellent actor and an intelligent and thoughtful person. I can't wait to see what he does next.

[@DavidChow]

That was the speech we'd been waiting for him to say in 35 years. I was BLOWN away!

[@ConConReeves]

Wish they would’ve had him talk about “Escanaba In Da Moonlight”.

[@jellybean4]

I would have loved to hear filming stories about that movie!

[@lizfinkelstein1323]

Absolutely love hearing that he and Jim are still friends.

[@ismaelamaya9755]

Jeff Daniels is an amazing actor...I loved him in the Bruce Willis film called "Looper."

[@jjirish81]

I love Jeff Daniel's to this day Dumb and Dummer is one of my favorite comedies and Newsroom is one of my favorite series. I was so bummed it didn't last longer!!! I find myself rewatching it at least once a year!