Jeff Daniels Breaks Down His Career, from 'Dumb & Dumber' to 'The Newsroom' | Vanity Fair

Jeff Daniels takes us through his legendary career, including his roles in 'Hawaii Five-O,' 'Ragtime,' 'Terms of Endearment,' 'Arachnophobia,' 'Gettysburg,' 'Dumb and Dumber,' 'Speed,' 'The Squid and the Whale,' 'The Newsroom' and 'American Rust.'
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Jeff Daniels Breaks Down His Career, from 'Dumb & Dumber' to 'The Newsroom' | Vanity Fair

[@lynnyhen]

Jeff Daniels is so underrated and so brilliant as an actor.

[@randomrangoon5476]

Totally agree

[@ekaterinafedashko8234]

++++

[@soulkeeper116]

i agree fully

[@SavedTraveler-1975]

🤪

[@tonymontana897]

My words exactly. He certainly deserved much more recognition. A very intelligent and articulate man. I applaud him.

[@bekahp7787]

This feels like a 20 minute master class in acting. He made his career what he wanted it to be. What an inspiration for anyone.

[@Mewse1203]

100%! I learned more about the technical aspects of creating a character in this video than I have ever in 38 years. The little things like the half second delay or the cheek muscles are what's important a lot of times.

[@lexkanyima2195]

He should have been nominated in Terms of Endearmment.

[@keeli5575]

It’s 22 minutes

[@GeneralBuckNaked]

@Dominic Gallegos... I was thinking of the same exact 2 parts.. Its funny how much of a difference that 1 second delay makes. Made him seem alot dumber n slower lol. The cheek drop thing was good too

[@AndreLuiz-iw2wg]

The Newsroom was my first real contact with journalism. A decade later, I’m happily working as a reporter for a newspaper. Thank you, Jeff Daniels!

[@stephenlyon1358]

I have a hot scoop for you, buckfast.

[@showtime1235]

that’s a real sad origin story considering how broken newsroom is lmao

[@gregh5061]

@@showtime1235 Can't be that sad considering he got a career out of it.

[@KobatheASMRbiker]

Its almost criminal that Jeff Daniels hasn't won an Oscar though. But thats ok. Because we all know hes freaking amazing!

[@lexkanyima2195]

Which he should have for Terms Of Endearment.

[@lytaquiroz1524]

At least the Emmys has had it right and he has won two of those

[@djshotty]

If Hollywood has the balls to do a modern version of To Kill A Mockingbird, Jeff will be the first choice for Atticus Finch and win that much deserved Oscar.

[@KatarnCrusader]

The oscar is the biggest joke in Hollywood and by 2022 has lost all of his weight and meaning. Jeff Daniels simply does not need a silly, golden trophy. His cinematic footprints will remain visible forever.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@KatarnCrusader it lack of big recognizeable.

[@ParkaMonkey1994]

He complimented Carrey's performance so well in Dumb & Dumber and that's not something anyone can do. He's just perfect, you can't possibly see anyone else in that role.

[@michaelvieregge2257]

Hey Harry,ol' buddy ol' pal !

[@jeremywall7206]

He outshines carrey

[@Realtrollking2988]

I can

[@knickknackpattywack]

He's a terrible shot, though

[@RC-nj1by]

He really did balance Jim out so well that I don't think of just Jim when I think of the movie...I think of the pair of them ALWAYS

[@zabut2301]

Jeff, Dumber and Dumber wouldn't be the comedy classic that it is without you.

[@lexkanyima2195]

Same 101 Dalmatiens

[@alexrhughes]

I remember being like, "...wait, Jeff Daniels is doing this comedy with Jim Carrey?!...I didn't know he could do that...", and he nailed it.

[@Dogsineed]

He nailed that role. As much as I love Nic Cage, I'm glad that he didn't get the role

[@joshmatrone3159]

Jeff Daniels' performance in Gettysburg is what inspired me to study American History. I thought he should've gotten an award for that performance.

[@user-jl8yn7og7b]

Arachnophobia has to be one of the most underrated movies ever. A tight script, fun characters and it's genuinely terrifying, all with a PG rating.

[@ricky8837]

pg is probly why its underrated. pg blows

[@knickknackpattywack]

Lol same rating as Frozen

[@CraigMcfly1985]

PG-13 is more like it.

[@Xerber85]

Not knocking previous guests, but this career breakdown was the best yet.

[@mellowscorpio]

An amazing storyteller, with a career built brick by brick, you can tell he’s passionate about being an actor and will always be chasing the dream

[@ThisIsCreation-FollowOnTwitter]

Hearing his thoughts on Speed is hilarious

[@v4v819]

I still love that movie!

[@dropkick79]

I love his Eastwood quote. 100% mic drop moment for Jeff.

[@caidyc]

It is so refreshing for such a distinguished actor to talk about being a jobbing professional. Admitting to WORKING for his roles and being proud of it. MUCH RESPECT.

[@theplourde]

When it’s revealed that Kilrain doesn’t make it in “Gettysburg” the reaction that Jeff Daniels gives as Chamberlain just wrenches my heart. Top class acting.

[@fettfan91]

Jeff Daniels' portrayal of Chamberlain in Gettysburg is powerful!

[@Adam-hi9dh]

Jack said, "this is the pro game..." Well, Jeff, you're a fuckin pro now babe. Thanks for all the entertainment

[@craigangle05]

I wish he would have at least mentioned "Escanaba in da Moonlight" I mean he wrote, directed, and starred in it. Once you finally make sense of the ending plot that movie is gold. Absolutely brilliant opening monologue and a great deal of quick wit. Would loved to have heard 5 minutes on it in this piece.

[@fungus_am0nguz644]

This is one of the best "breaks down his/her career" episodes. So so good everything he said, almost like a master class.

[@celestiial4808]

No but him and Jim Carey were so iconic together-

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yes, way better than Chris Farley and David Spade

[@GeneralBuckNaked]

@Christian Believer... I dont know about all that. Plus its 2 completely different comedies and acts.. Farley did more of a loud n physical comedy, while Spade didnt play the "dumb" role at all. He always played the role of trying to keep the dumb one in check

[@bendanonfawkes4189]

Jeff's character in dumb n dumber is so good, i think the producers were looking for a Chris Farley character, but Jeff nailed it.. Jeffs honesty is makes him enjoyable to listen to also

[@paulondra19]

Should have been nominated for an Oscar for "Gettysburg." In a movie full of breath and scope Jeff Daniels brings war down the singularity of one man in battle and why the he was fighting for the Union. Amazing performance.

[@raphaelfp]

Such an underrated actor. I love to hear people who are passionate about what they do talking about it, you don't even have to ask the right questions, they are going straight to the stuff you'd like to know. Although it's not in the video, I consider his acting on Pleasantville so thoughtful and sweet it's one of my favorites. The Martian was also a chance for him to break this persona and act more like a pragmatic jackass. Hail Jeff Daniels!

[@wazgoodjj]

He's not underrated, he just knows what he wants.

[@ShaneyBright]

Jeff Daniels: Unfiltered. All he did was drop his cheeks, but that expression is seared into memory. Bravo!

[@guitarmatricide4834]

This was great, but I really wish they showed him talking about "The Purple Rose of Cairo". I loved that movie and wish he could've shared stories of his experiences on that set...

[@THEchiQ]

That Newsroom speech is one of my favourite monologues.

[@john2914]

Thats due to you being a simple silly person. It is very bad stuff.

[@bigbulk688]

I learned more about acting in these 20 mins, than in all my life. What a legend.

[@jamesheath7601]

Dumb and dumber is one the funniest movies ever made, still love it

[@nsasupporter7557]

It is the funniest movie ever made. Anything with Jim Carrey is the funniest movie ever made unlike anything with adam sandler

[@crubbythebeagle57]

cute lovely beagle kzbin.info/www/bejne/g17ddYaVp8uriKc kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX7GhIevrrtje80 ].

[@seddy69]

yes agreed. I am 65 (here in New Zealand) and my wife has stolen my D+D DVD).

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

Agreed. But what does that say about our intelligence as men?

[@SairWithTheHair]

Two very different Harrys in 1994. Two brilliant movies that are now iconic and pretty genre defining for the 90s. Excellent actor 👏👏👏

[@lexkanyima2195]

That was his best year same with Jim Carrey.

[@dap4052]

An amazing actor and story teller. He has captured not only his career journey in this piece, but his human emotions, and wisdom that one acquires through life. Bravo Jeff Daniels. May you continue to bring joy to your fans.

[@MrVisde]

Such a master of his craft. I love what he says about hiring talented people and turning them loose.

[@gamester76]

I love hearing that Jeff Daniels went to bat so hardcore for the Farrelly’s and Dumb and Dumber! Here was a movie that could have easily been any of the thousands of other low-brow comedies that came and went in the 90s without so much as a splash (let alone make waves like “Dumb and Dumber” did) and his agents likely had some very valid concerns. But it’s refreshing to see an actor take themselves down a peg and whole-heartedly commit to bits as dumb as the toilet scene! Bravo, Jeff!

[@JamesBrown-bq3gl]

His most iconic line in a movie - "no it's a cardigan but thanks for asking".

[@TheNaturalPatHarris]

“Skis huh? They yours? Both of Them?”

[@matt0laughed]

"PULLOVER!"

[@How_are_ya_now_]

Killer boots man

[@kingsecho3351]

It’s actually no it’s a cardigan but thanks for noticing

[@Spx4k]

Would love to hear him talk about Steve Jobs. Such a brilliant film.

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

One of the people's actors... so relatable and down to earth. The no ego kind of guy you could hang with.

[@shelbybutler9714]

I love Jeff Daniels. He has such a warm presence, even when he plays characters with questionable morals. He reminds me of a cool neighbor or a favorite uncle. He is effortlessly relatable; I will watch anything he is in.

[@kanesveda7550]

Loved this! He does not need to feel down for not getting awards, as a fan that does not alter my opinion of his skill.

[@nicholastube17]

This guy is a sleeper. You don’t realize what he’s been and and how long he’s been doing it until you see something like this. And through it all, never made the rags or any “look at me” piece. Bravo Mr. Daniels.

[@Ambienfinity]

Such a modest, articulate and intelligent guy. Brilliant overview.

[@osmocinema]

I absolutely adore this person. Not only he's a great actor, but he's so expressive and smart and down-to-earth. I'd love to share a beer with this guy.

[@jouhanneus]

The way he snapped straight into Harry Dunne-mode cracked me up 👏🏻😂

[@shirak23]

I just love his matter of factness about the job of acting, no fluff, no glorifying or bs about it.

[@steparv]

That is called midwestern nice!

[@sergiobollana]

The rant in "The Newsroom" is to me one of the brightest pieces of writing and acting I've ever seen in american TV

[@markus_with_a_k]

Jeff has a great range when it comes to acting. Super talented guy.

[@dianaanayya6561]

101 Dalmatians is my favorite movie of his u can’t argue with me😭

[@giorga6217]

Same

[@markoz673bajen8]

The one with Dr. Gregory House who adopted a mouse as his 2nd son ?

[@mikefriend1514]

Became a Daniel’s fan after watching him in the Looming Tower. Such a brilliant portrayal of a complex man in a very real horror

[@OCRay1]

“…and now I’m on a half-second delay.” That’s hilarious

[@Bunny-qf1ev]

He is such a brilliant and inspiring man! He is so much more than what people see. What a talented gentleman. His stories for each life milestone is absolutely spectacular. I love his films. I feel like he was just the perfect piece to each film and role. I couldn’t see any other person playing in Gods & Generals, 101 Dalmatian’s, Gettysburg, Dumber & Dumber etc.. he has such talent that needs to be acknowledged! Absolutely f****** best.

[@szyzzerz]

One of my favorite actors. Love this piece, learning and hearing Mr. Daniel’s perspective of his career, was inspiring.

[@muxz]

He's one the best, most versatile actors I've ever seen. His comedic skills are also highly underrated. I can remember him doing some improv skit with Jim Carrey on one of the late night shows and he outshined Carrey the whole time.

[@poindextertunes]

Can we give Jeff his flowers????💐 He’s cast opposite of THE over actor of the century and instead of playing the straight guy he plays an equally dumb ninny and he’s just as funny!!! He’s just as funny as the funniest guy in the world ❤️

[@31emxof]

Just watched John Goodman and now Jeff Daniels, I see there are others in the recommend list, but I wish these were just all in a playlist or titled in a way they could all easily be searched for together! Such great, laid back little retrospectives. Remind me a lot of the Off Camera interview series.

[@31emxof]

Nevermind, found it! kzbin.info/aero/PLZ2lDrDpOLrs9-GnqElQsdaZgOhSSi0sC

[@HeisntLegend]

Dude. This man influenced the direction of my love for film so heavily and I never realized it until now.

[@thataussieguy4770]

jeff daniels as chamberlain in gods and generals and he gives the speech of Caesar crossing the Rubicon is one of the best speeches i have heard in film the fact his speeches in Gettysburg and gods and generals is not shown more is a crime dude has a way with words like tolkien except its the fact he knows how to pronounce every line

[@Chris-js6oz]

The first movie I remember him that I caught on HBO when I was a teen was "Something Wild". I love that film. Liotta was crazy AF in it. Those guys are still in my top favorite actors. BTW, I hate spiders and when I saw Arachnophobia, it freaked me out so much I hadn't realized I had slithered back over my seat 2 rows back. 🤣

[@Smileys_Dragons_YT.]

Love that movie too. Such a random Michigan up north rental movie haha the Roscommon local store had 3 copies. It was huge to us haha

[@jeffscalzo7557]

I wanted to hear more on his views on the Newsroom. Unbelievable series!

[@Zen-sl7de]

You guys need to do a third one. That would be frickin awesome

[@vandalsgarage]

Over the last ten years, Jeff Daniels has proven to be one of the best dramatic actors of his generation. Newsroom, Godless, Looming Tower, The Comey Rule, and American Rust are all amazing, primarily because of the weight Daniels brings. Thank you.

[@mc76]

I could listen to Jeff Daniels read Wikipedia entries for hours.

[@11bravo1789]

How dare you profile Jeff Daniels and not show the clip when he orders “BAYONEEEEETTTTSSSSS!!!” In gettysburg. This is a crime. Jeff is a magnificent actor in everything. Love him

[@alexaales7937]

having watched a bunch of these, this is the most honest and informative one! thank you, Jeff, i really enjoyed watching this! his speech in 'the newsroom' should be taught in history class cause it's so true. this is what the rest of the world thinks about you but yet you think you are the greatest country of the world. newsflash - you're not. nobody is, it's not a competition, we're all in this together!

[@chrissiepike1750]

Guest artist not mentioned, that's my favourite, thank you for each & every great film, tv, & play Jeff

[@Accio_Eloise]

Good afternoon everyone. EDIT: He is extremely engaging to watch in this video. I could listen to him tell stories about his carrier for hours.

[@enegmatixerebro]

Morning for me

[@MelissaHash]

I freakin' love this genuine actor Jeff Daniels!!! Dumb & Dumber, Arachnophobia, Speed brilliant movies indeed! Please for jinkies' sake, let Jeff Daniel's win a flippin' Oscar one day!!

[@seriliaykilel]

Absolutely brilliant - probably one of the most versatile actors out there

[@smithcj218]

Jeff was great in the very underrated Timescape 'the grand tour' it was a low budget Sci Fi / Time Travel movie that deserved much more recognition than what it got.

[@mythdusterds]

I feel like the first role I saw Jeff Daniels in was 101 Dalmatians

[@tchgy9452]

Same here

[@martinturon4799]

For me it was some film about flying geese

[@Pendy555]

I love his truthful take on how Hollywood works and how he navigated it through it.

[@herzogsbuick]

Holy crap. Maybe my favorite one of this series/theme. Time to watch some Jeff Daniels movies, what a guy. And that Clint Eastwood impression!!! hehehehe

[@marcsavage600]

He is such a great actor and seems to be a genuinely lovely guy. This was great.

[@Mjansen77]

Godless was amazing, I really wish Jeff spoke about that. It was some of the most brilliant acting I have seen. I may just go watch it again right now!

[@dard4642]

His character, Louis Waters, in the The Hours was fantastic.

[@kenstermcgoo2260]

An outstanding Actor that has never been given his full credit for being talented or his total due! Great Actor Jeff!

[@walthodgson5780]

That opening rant in "Newsroom" remains one of the best few minutes of TV ever, IMO.

[@SnailHatan]

He was so great in the Newsroom. We desperately need a Newsroom for this era of America

[@MDStallings7]

So glad he went over Arachnophobia. Love that movie!

[@ther3aper561]

A shame The Martian isn't on here. Jeff Daniels is so good and has been one of my favorites since Dumb and Dumber. It's sad to hear most of his career was barely making it, but happy he's getting his recognition

[@davemartinez2125]

That full circle moment with Jack Nicholson is so rad.

[@larryshaw4694]

I have a short list of actors that I will watch anything they are in. Jeff Daniels is on my list.

[@thesaltysergeant4103]

One of my most favorite actors, and very underrated IMO.

[@liasunshine7470]

"But he's not in those scenes, so yea im.gonna take it." S M A R T. Those scenes made that movie.

[@johnmainwaring6556]

Fantastic autobiography. Informative, loads of nuggets in there.

[@BelgorathTheSorcerer]

This is the type of guy you want teaching your kids. The way he explains things and the experience of learning those things himself is really awesome.

[@greenbeagle13]

If Jeff Daniels is in something, even a toilet paper commercial, I'm gonna' be watching it - maybe several times. He is my absolute favorite, and the fact that he still lives in his Michigan hometown makes it even better. 💗💗

[@chasgorman1086]

I remember seeing him in The Purple Rose of Cairo, and thinking, he absolutely gets this acting thing.

[@carlrosendorf5210]

Great in Terms of Endearment. Boy I cried...

[@lightbulbchannel721]

Great actor, he can play in drama and comedy equally good!!.

[@lexkanyima2195]

He is a total package

[@bb6640]

He is what you call an actor's actor. Complete pro!

[@roobeebakes]

So good. Jeff Daniels you are awesome!!!

[@h.f1093]

i watched dumb and dumber the first time as a little kiddo. now im 31 and watched it like 20 times. ill fuckin do it again and again i dont mind... i freakin love this movie. thanks jeff!

[@bad_uncle]

Loved this!

[@CBAGUIAR81]

Great respect and admiration for Jeff Daniels. Thanks for this great video

[@bjyoung11616]

Dumb and Dumber is so classic. A favorite in our family 😄

[@lastdimestudios]

That was class. One of my favourites was Cheaters - really good.

[@CalloCalde92]

Underrated and brilliant..... Thank you sir for all these years of joy. Awesome career 😎

[@dustinschmidtphoto]

Who doesn't love Jeff Daniels.

[@coal.sparks]

Not just a brilliant actor, but he's a great playwright too. Escanaba in da Moonlight is possibly one of the most hilarious plays I've ever seen.

[@SBV90]

Imagine an extended edition of these where they speak on every film in their career. Just sayin, I'd watch every second!

[@thebikerei]

It's been said before... he IS a great Story teller. What a honest guy

[@Mia7189]

One of my favorite actors. If Jeff Daniels is in it, I watch it. Case closed.

[@jeremywall7206]

Right, I also feel the same way about Woody harrelson

[@edfell3]

Bravo, awesome interview. I hope for an Oscar nom for 'Guest Artist'.