How ‘The Newsroom’ Changed Jeff Daniels’ Career

July 7 -- Actor Jeff Daniels sits down with John Heilemann to discuss films, winning an Emmy for “The Newsroom” and what he’s looking for in the next president on “With All Due Respect.”

[@dannyca13]

Best quote I've heard in awhile: "In this corporatization of America, you cannot sit there and have off-shore accounts for your corporations so you don't pay taxes, and then ask other peoples children to sacrifice their lives for your freedom!"

[@whiskeyricard]

I'm stunned to hear that there was so much negativity toward The Newsroom. One of my favorite TV shows ever.

Truth is very painful, I hope you understand what I'm saying, in all performance , behind is lots of politics.

[@edwardness7497]

First scene comes out and says America isn't the greatest country in the world and for some it's all down hill from there...

[@alexolife]

That has to be one of the most cringe speeches ever written for television, and that was basically the promo for the show.

[@paulflack5033]

That speech is what got me interested in the show. It exposed Americans’ ridiculous self-inflicted blind spots so precisely. “What’s in it that’s not true?” indeed.

[@rapid13]

@Chief Big Bob Dumbasses like you are why Trump is in the WH to begin with, and if you keep it up he will get reelected. Now, I called you a name. Are you inclined to listen to anything I say? Or are you more inclined to double down, dig in, and hold your ground? How about if I say "Hey Chief, instead of insulting them maybe we should try reason and compassion?" May not be what you like, but are you willing to consider it?

[@SquirrilahFish]

I love Newsroom, I still go back to it often. Atleast once a year I’ll rewatch the whole series. Who didn’t fall in love with Olivia Munn from this show?

[@dr.davidenglish778]

She is a beautiful woman. Even more so when she's going off in Japanese.

[@paulclissold1525]

Still am in love with livvy.

[@Rosesloveyou]

YES and YES

[@kennethsnider3456]

Me too

[@theresabollman8061]

Jeff Daniels was never going to be "over". He is a consummate professional, and an excellent actor.

[@tdbarton7712]

I can't fathom anyone playing Will than Jeff Daniels. Newsroom was amazing. The cast, writing, cinematography, everything!

[@IDigAPony]

Personally I'm not all that surprised. I don't believe that any actor can deliver the Northwestern scene with the anger and frustration that he brought without having deep convictions regarding those ideas, not to mention great intellect and reflection. He is brilliant and down to earth, something I find very refreshing. I only became aware of the Northwestern scene and the show because my wife had seen the clip on YT, came to me and said, "you have to hear this - it sounds just like you." I don't hate my country, I just hate when it refuses to be self-critical. Owning up to mistakes and trying to do better BY THE PEOPLE, is the capacity, promise and foundation upon which this country is built. We have so much work to do. This show, like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, was too smart for a lot of people. I haven't seen West Wing. It feels like I'm saving it for something. Maybe now's the time...

[@evaadams8298]

IDig A. Pony 👏👏👏👏 I was married to an American born man and he moved from the US when he was 14 and the one thing he told me (I met him when he was 25) is that he felt US education system drummed into them that they were the best and only country in the world. He said after he started living out of the US he realised how isolating that teaching was and how much bigger the world is... This monologue was one of the BEST bits of TV ever!!

[@dr.davidenglish778]

That scene was awesome. I've lived overseas for 17 years now and realize my country is not the best in the world. My adopted home country has no guns and great healthcare. Not to mention it is safe to walk outside at night.

[@jesphir]

I envy you, because you didn’t see „The West Wing“! Do it now!

[@oh8wingman]

I am not an American but a Canadian and I agree whole heartedly with what you have to say about being a Citizen. The problems in Canada are similar to the US and it's getting worse, not better. Our countries need to get back to being centrist and not polarized at near the ends of the political scale. We need leaders who are looking to improve everyone's lot, not leaders who choose to run for the chosen few who purchase their voice with wealth. It's time for us to look and what we have become and then work hard to get back to where we should be.

[@sharonbenoit4907]

I loved The Newsroom and have watched 3 times. Sorry there were only 3 seasons.

[@sobchak1]

Just finished my third "round" too. I'll probably return after a year or two for the fourth :)

[@s960326]

i have watched all the seasons at least 6times

[@tchin2020]

Sharon Benoit all the characters on the show complimented Jeff and visa versa, Newsroom, it will always be one of my favorite...

[@mfazfurqan8482]

7 times

[@johnallen6039]

I have the boxed set and now have watched the audio commentary twice. It gives new perspective and now I will go back to watching entire seasons or favorite episodes (Bullies, I think is perfect)

[@normlor]

A GREAT ACTOR AND A GREAT CARING RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN!!

[@tuliocano8468]

Huge underrated Actor. Drama, comedy, he can do it all with excellency..

[@user-jl7ym4en5b]

What an honest, realistic man. His words: " "Newsroom" bought me another ten years...". I know that actors who've enjoyed film success, can stockade $ for long-term safety. But his frankness about real actors, like himself, constantly worried about their next job was an interesting insight. It is true, if you do take those big chances, the rewards can be amazing. I really don't think that successful actors/ movie "stars" are "American Royalty" as our culture portrays them to be. It seems Mr. Daniels doesn't either - he sees it just as a craft. Sure, it is easy to pontificate sitting there with a fat bank balance, but there is a real sincerity in Jeff Daniels. The rudimentary belief & his action to raise children with some balance & far away from Hollywood, says volumes about the man. Funny, I had seen him in @ 86/87? w/his 3 buddies at the Beverly Centre, sitting, looking as bored as all hell, as you or I might be, (I think they were waiting for a movie to start, or for their girlfriends to finish up shopping). I was a big fan of his work since "Cairo" in 84', and myself, only @ 24 at thr time, thought, "wow, what a normal guy". 34, (very quick!), years later, he still appears to be the same"regular" guy. Alot smarter, a little older and at ease with agingr, & still no movie star BS from him. Really refreshing. And "Newsroom", and EVERYTHING he's done since - just amazing! So lucky to have seen him live onstage in "Mockingbird" almost 2 years ago! A great, versatile, grounded, REAL, actor. A refreshing interview - thank you for posting this.

[@lickaun]

Jeff Daniels is one of the most fabulously well rounded actors on the planet. He always keeps you on your toes, hes never predictable. Also loved him in newsroom its such a pity it is only 3 seasons

[@NijimaSan]

"I'm waiting for the Republican Party to get its head out of its ass." This was 4 YEARS ago.

[@BrentODell]

yeah...

[@mickeye6428]

Well to be fair I think the Republican party has pulled it's head out of it's own ass but ultimately just shoved it up Putin's.

[@susanlewispaciga9227]

E M , the Republicans shoved their heads up their collective ass in 1992 when Bill Clinton was elected at a time when everyone assumed HW Bush was considered a shoo-in for a second term. Gingrich swore to cock block him at every opportunity and got the Republican cadre to play along. It’s been down hill ever since.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

It was a long road from the last couple decades. if you watched "radical rebellion"

[@ianmastin]

yeah.... that statement aged well lol

[@kevincrossan81]

Newsroom by far was one of the smartest, most though-provoking shows I've ever watched (numerous times over). I have very similar opinions as does Mr. Daniels

[@e.j.animations7135]

I saw the the newsroom and I thank all of the people that work on it because it changed my view

[@g00rb4u]

E.J. Animations ... your view on...what?

[@BrianHouser]

What a great interview! Hopefully before long, The Newsroom and Jeff Daniels will get the true appreciation they deserve. Aaron Sorkin has already become known as one of the greats.

[@4340193able]

Come on guys.....we need a season four!!

[@bbethany7]

We saw Jeff on stage in 1993 in Lanford Wilson's Redwood, a play about a disaffected Vietnam veteran who retreats to the great forest to grapple with his problems adjusting to life after the traumatic atrocities of war. Daniels was superb. He proved his skills in subsequent films over and over again.

[@cindytartt4048]

Ah yes, I know it. Can’t believe I forgot it.

[@frenchyontravel]

I just heard a new serie coming up soon this 2024!! So glad about it. He will get a similar role as a corporate ❤❤❤

[@rayblumenfeld4208]

Where is Will McEvoy when we need him now?

[@Nippleless_Cage]

I think it's spelled with an A. But yeah, I concur.

[@Ralphecy]

Lets face it Jeff is just one helluva Great Actor. The Speech he gave on Newsroom ? There isn't words to address how great a piece of work that is but words like Dynamic Awesome and Historical come to mind.

[@2legit64]

What an interesting interview. I loved "The Newsroom" and Jeff Daniels was marvelous in it. I've become a fan of John Heilemann from watching him on MSNBC. He pulls no punches. Turns out he's an excellent interviewer as well.

[@genogarciano6176]

Even as an actor,this man would make a better president than i.q.45! Period!

[@suzannestephan954]

LOVED The Newsroom best show on TV EVER!

[@chrisweidner4768]

Suzanne Stephan His piece "America is not the greatest country in the world" was brilliant and should be required for all. I disagree and I think he would too. However the scene was for a purpose. I think our country is the greatest country ever. Even with the madness of the last 8 years. The ridiculous health car fiasco. The dissolving economy and race relations. Terrorism In our Country. Billions given to people who want us dead. And what next "pay for play", "oh I forget" ?? Madness. We need people in government to reacquire their honor and integrity and become true patriots and fight for our country's people. We need to treat fellow Americans as if they are family for they are. Honor them, cooperate with them, be kind to them. Natural and simple. And please educate yourself to our history and Think for Yourself! All the best.

[@ZodiacSam]

It's my all time favorite tv series.

[@julissa27]

The Newsroom movie here => twitter.com/9b11f4db6ccfff290/status/824453594590044160

[@suzannestephan954]

WE could have universal health care like every other country! WHY go broke over medical bills? AND some things are marked up 7000 times the actual cost Like even a MRI I am a retired medical person of 44 years.

[@chrisweidner4768]

Suzanne Stephan​ So tragically true Suzanne. They are soulless and evil to destroy the quality of life of all Americans for greed. It is criminal and if we had a government by and for the people it would not be so. Adults having to pay a doctor just for a prescription and then have to pay for 2 weeks meds. It is insanity.

[@ReverendHowl]

"Maybe, with a little more anger?" is six words.

[@99briscod]

Jeff speaks a lot of truth. Out with lobbyist and special interest. Lets go with a 6 week presidential campaign for under a Billion bucks...

[@hirskdubbi]

+David Briscoe But i cant believe he's all for someone like Hillary Clitoris for President after speaking of someone as great as Lincoln.And fucking Jeb Bush??? Omg,I'll move to Canada

[@Nippleless_Cage]

@@hirskdubbi caution, your misogyny is showing

[@rawaat.2933]

Jeff Daniels for president!

[@chrisramey5096]

I just watched newsroom, totally loved it and I want more! ! !

[@aylemarshland5609]

NEWSROOM WAS ONE OF THE BEST TV SHOWS EVER MADE EXTRAORDINARY

[@bobtreiber8556]

Jeff thanks for the person you are. You make proud to wear Stormmy Kromer.

[@aprilharvey2225]

Excellent! From Canada!

[@yokie52]

"Gun in one hand and a Bible in the other"...that is good.

[@charlesledbetter907]

He says u cant have a bible n 1 hand, and a gun n the other.

[@likearollingstone007]

Wasn't there a clown just lifting a Bible in the air ( with no words) while having his thugs hitting on his own people to cross the street just a week ago...No words can describe how low America has fallen.

[@dfwshade7525]

Sounds like the Street Preacher from Johnny Mnemonic.

[@Nofooksdragon]

Sorkin needs to do Newsroom next season. Make a suggestion on how to do crowd sourced media right

[@Hardie86]

"i want smart in the white house" boy did that not age well

[@mickeye6428]

You don't know how that expression works.

[@docb8324]

@@mickeye6428 how does it work then? Trump is arguably one of the dumbest people to be president

[@timcarder2170]

@@docb8324 *Inarguably* (or *unarguably* ), I believe is the word(s) you meant. :-)

[@docb8324]

@@timcarder2170 ah yes, my mistake

[@rickmemmer5625]

@@docb8324 "ah yes, my mistake" -- what a lovely exchange: Make a mistake, someone points it out, and you welcome the correction. If society worked in such ways, our potential would be limitless.

[@maryjanegibson7743]

"Don't hold a gun in one hand and a Bible in the other hand." Yes indeed, Jeff. Yes indeed.

[@MegaPapa8888]

Excellent interview. Very admirable person.

[@clementmartinez121]

Brilliant... Just brilliant. Can't wait to see what is next.

[@muhammad6380]

The newsroom is my favorite show ever.

[@MyHandle4455]

One of my favorite television shows of all time. Season one was classic.

[@nahuelma97]

I love just how aware he is of the importance and the impact the main message of that speech and the entire show has had and probably will have. It's an awesome show. I've watched it already more than three times

[@robertsegovia4663]

What a marvelous human being. Leaving things better than you found them...yes that's exactly what my parents taught us as well. Long live Newsroom!

[@Alex-se3uy]

I wan't somebody who can sit there and match wits. That's who we NEED to lead this country. Well said Jeff.

[@kennethsnider3456]

I love the Newsroom. I've always liked Jeff Daniels as an actor and Will Mcavoy is one of my favorite Characters of his.

[@PhilipRhoadesP]

From another Australian four plus years later: JD, a very perceptive guy - who is also an actor!

[@robertogonzalo1]

The Newsroom is one of my favorite TV shows ever. He did an awesome job on his character.

[@ET-lh7vn]

I agree with some of the reactions. Jeff Daniels was always someone i rnjoyed watching. If ever there is a desire to see something new from him. Maybe a play, or a sketch, doesnt have to be a movie. I would love to see the way Mr. Daniels would do

[@emesselt]

27:40 to 28:15 - I wonder if we’ll ever get that again? The second half of The Northwestern Speech comes to mind.

[@nahimwazir1616]

Great interview.

[@kenney8811]

One of the most honest interviews ever.

[@ashleybarloweNC]

What a fantastic interview!! I had forgotten how great Jeff & John were in this one. 👌🏼

[@lylefales9940]

my Democrat vote for Governor and my wife's Republican vote for Governor hands down. Please do us this favor Jeff.

[@thaothao26]

Jesus! Jeff Daniels is so awesome.

[@TheTraffic247]

I wish there were more seasons to the newsroom. We can't take smart reality laden shows or what. Jeff and his character are day and night different. This fella is humble.

[@apolloscrow3686]

This man is absolutely brilliant. What was so wonderful about this show was it created some transparency (mildly romanticized, sure) about how news actually happens, and why it freaking MATTERS, particularly as we descend further and further into these digital mediators and the fracturing of values and reality.

[@owenjauregui]

What was this Interview? In the sense that it has left an impression on me that I just wouldn't have imgaine it would have done. This interview just seemed human and genuine like that one Thanksgiving dinner where everyone is eating their turkey but this time there's no political hatred or any ill will thoughts amongst anyone at the dinner table. It's as if that well intention cliche actually happened and, in a cliche sense, it's magical.

[@jacquelinekeane6804]

What an impressive and authentic man

[@michellepaxton9454]

a realist. has his priorities straight!!

[@ianmartinezcassmeyer]

"The knees are going, 'Where we going?'" 😂😂😂😂😂 Felt that one, and I'm only 30.

[@kaceeconklin2330]

Love Jeff and John Heilleman!

[@filibertodavila5773]

He is one of best actor s

[@Liz86000]

He’s such a great actor and I LOVE The Newsroom ! I miss this show so much... And he is right about Republicans btw... « I want smart »... Man, he must be so pissed of and disappointed... (like all sane people are right now...).

[@namachakraborthy2418]

Love Jeff.

[@tatongt]

I miss the Newsroom.

[@CrazyGamerTVY]

I'm looking at "The Newsroom" in a whole new light after watching this.

[@olampes]

I really like the newsroom serie

[@oc2phish07]

Jeff is one of my favourite actors.

[@johnthompson6550]

great work, great actor

[@starcityproductions3043]

I love this actor

[@EddytheT]

Jeff Daniels, knowledgeable, intelligent, well spoken, patriotic. If Jeff Daniels was ever to run for office, even President, I would vote for him.

[@SatyaKomatineni]

Brilliant

[@cindymantovani763]

What a man. And what an actor. If character actor means real actor, I agree that Daniels is a character actor. But the point is that I think that brand actors aren't actor. Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro (!) keep doing the same movie over and over.

[@Squirrel36]

He's is an Adonis!!!!!

[@mickeye6428]

You are clearly not familiar with Brad Pit's body of work. The rest are still wrong but saying that about Pit is comically wrong.

[@vh4504]

What made the newsroom controversial was that is was truth and truth sometimes hard to take .

[@Webbie33]

Jeff Daniels was brilliant in "The Newsroom".

[@leroyvega65]

gonna chk it, great

[@michaelhastie9729]

Why haven't the done a season 4? When I bought the box set (1-3) I finished it two days,and now I have wait for season 4, if they are going to do it. Please say they are going to do season 4,5,6,7,8? I would watch them all because the entire cast and the stories are great. So Mr.Aaron Sorkin, when are you going to write more Newsrooms?

[@fenton9408]

It sadly got cancelled because people said it was too "preachy". HBO cut budget for the third season, which is why it was so short and why the finale felt so rushed. Aaron Sorkin has said he'll never do television again after The Newsroom because of the difficulties of TV politics and production. Truly sad.

[@JazGalaxy]

Engh. Sorkin always says he wont do television again. If Netflix wooed him for a while, he might come around. I think he's done, though. You can see how his shows grew up with him. Sports Night featured characters in their 20s. Studio 60 featured characters in their 40s. The Newsroom featured a main character in his 50s. It's a pitfall that befalls most writers. You want to write about our own life experiences. He's old now and wants to write about old people. But there isn't a proven audience for the adventures of old people. Especially now that he's at a retiring age. Or maybe THAT'S the story...

[@diane8937]

Would give a lot to see more of The Newsroom. Hate and still shocked that it's gone!

[@PAKiller1]

I haven’t read the comments yet because I just caught the 1st one and they talked about negativity about the News Room.. that was my favorite role Jeff has ever played, and I love most everything he is in

[@jml-rj5re]

The first season ROCKED. It was controversial, because the words coming out of Will McAvoy's mouth were fundamentals truths. About the news, the change in political discourse, and the internet. And, yes, I WAS a Republican...until the train wreck McAvoy's character saw coming went off the rails.

[@greenbeagle13]

I love this guy - and his songwriting, singing, and guitar playing - WOW..!!! SO talented.

[@thejollyrajamtg9847]

I love how he read the room on the night of the Emmys. "The wrong people are winning."

[@p.g.curtwright7763]

He's sooo good. Why am I so amazed that he would do something as goofy as Dumb/Dumber? Anyway, good actor.

[@hirskdubbi]

+Pg Curtwright I dont know why youd be amazed because as goofy as it MIGHT be,Dumb and Dumber will stand the test of time and by golly it has.Its about the comedy.I fuckin love it just like milions of others. So there ya go sweetie.

[@mickeye6428]

@@hirskdubbi The movie sucks and will soon be forgotten. it will be something Film Students bring up when another one of them tries to talk about how great Jim Carry is.

[@tomassanchez6443]

they still stuck there to this date. jeff LOL

[@sharonaileen5650]

It’s 2024. Your words ring! Maybe a new role, Jeff. POTUS.

[@arillakourany9875]

Hey, he is a Michigander. Says it all!

[@Cabaret43]

Not that it matters much but West Wing was on NBC..yes a show that good was actually on network televison

[@simonburns1799]

Whatever you think of Daniel's or Sorkin's politics, Jeff Daniels has a deep love of America.

[@echoeversky]

I’m ready for the Adama/McAvoy first speech mashup.

[@likearollingstone007]

''I don't want dumb in the White House...'' We got dumber

[@dayanthawalawwatta9328]

He should run for governor!!! seriously

[@Dreez76]

Probably a great guy over a beer !.

[@blainemartin1397]

“Will...I f-ing loved what you said at Northwestern!”

[@missyj192]

Love this guy, totally disagree with his politics but hey, life would be boring if we were all clones. He was great in Newsroom. Glad he's from and back in Michigan. Have seen him several times. He put some shows together a few years back here in Michigan giving Michigan artists some exposure, nice move when the economy here really was a mess. He also started Purple Rose Theater here in Michigan for budding talent. Good guitar player. His songs aren't typical run of the mill, most seem to be about some personal experience, not something generic. I would recommend folks go see him. If he ever does run for governor, it would be hard not to support him, I just get the impression he really cares about people.

[@ronsindric4241]

You hit it out of the park in with Wil's Northwestern Speach AND you did it here again ! Would like to see you and Aaron do "THE SCHROOLROOM", or maybe "DON QUIXOTE 2022".

[@bikinglikebecker]

If Will McAvoy has trouble putting on pants.. maybe he should try a kilt! 8D This show is truly a gem!!!

[@cmhazard7242]

Jeff Daniels should run for president. He knows how to give a speech and he is a realist.

[@ahmedabdulkareem4683]

i am late to say this ... i like this guy alot ... i wish to see more of jeff realy

[@MTLvibe]

Best tv show ever, hand down.

[@strongjohn10956]

"I want smart in the Whitehouse." Well, 45 sure as heck was not that.

[@potterpotty01]

someone to lead the country with intellect intelligence and brains, oh Jeff you are in for a hard 4 years!

[@spdcrzy]

"but we do..." LOL.

[@pisachanation414]

Jeff Daniels 2024!

[@Commandelicious]

This was amazing. And aged well.

[@SheyD78]

'Wherever you are, you make it better than you found it" If only we could live by that sort of sentiment, the world would be a paradise. And the kicker is we HAVE the capability, we just lack the will. The evolutionary selfishness always seems to trump the civilised generosity. And it's so sad because it doesn't have to be like this, but those with money and power do everything they can to get more, at the expense of those who have neither, rather than help them to share in the bounty. A livable minimum wage is a thing people.