Actor Ryan Gosling, who won a Golden Globe for his performances in La La Land and The Notebook, has a soft spot for Steve Carell, known for his comedic roles. Although Gosling has established himself as a serious actor with critically acclaimed roles, he has never lost his enthusiasm for collaborating with Carell. The actor even picked a $145 million comedy to star in so that he could live out his fantasy.
Ryan Gosling’s Teenage Idol: Steve Carell
Ryan Gosling could hardly contain his enthusiasm as he spoke openly about Steve Carell in an interview with Collider in July 2011. Gosling’s meeting with Carell on the set of a pilot changed the course of his adolescence.
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Gosling was instantly drawn to Carell because of his natural comedic charisma, even though the two never had any scenes together.
“I just love Steve Carell, always wanted to work with Steve. When I first moved to Los Angeles I did a pilot, was 17, had a small part, so did Steve. We didn’t get to work together but he was so funny I would go to set just to watch him work.”
When a crew member collapsed in fits of uncontrollable laughter during one of Carell’s scenes, Gosling’s admiration for the actor only grew. Gosling saw firsthand the effect a talented comedic actor like Carell could have on his surroundings when he heard the crew member laughing uncontrollably.
With the release of Crazy, Stupid, Love in 2011, Gosling’s dream of working with his idol became a reality. Gosling played the suave and sophisticated Jacob Palmer in this romantic comedy, and he helped Carell’s Cal Weaver find love again after his divorce.
Despite his reputation as a serious actor, Gosling jumped at the chance to work with Carell and signed on for the film.
“I got this opportunity to work with him so I decided to jump at it. I didn’t really think of it as a conscious choice to do a comedy, although the prescription was looming there in my subconscious, but I really wanted to work with Steve. I would have done anything to work with him.”
Gosling’s portrayal of the charming Jacob Palmer earned him a prestigious Golden Globe nomination and demonstrated his acting range and comic timing.
The Big Short: Reunited On-Screen
Gosling and Carell’s chemistry in the 2011 film was so successful that they reteamed for The Big Short in 2015. Despite the heavy subject matter of the plot line, Gosling and Carell found opportunities for lightheartedness on set, demonstrating their superb comedic timing.
In an interview with NME, Steve Carell discussed his time filming The Big Short with co-star Ryan Gosling. Gosling’s natural comedic talents and improvisational skills were displayed when he described his difficulty suppressing his laughter on set.
“I could be in the background of a scene with a stern, disapproving look on my face but praying the camera didn’t linger on me in case I started tearing up with laughter. My character might not find his character amusing, but I found Ryan really funny. He’s a great improviser. It was hard not to laugh, every day.”
Thanks to their palpable chemistry, Gosling and Carell again proved why they make such a compelling on-screen pair in The Big Short. Gosling’s dedication to his craft and the transformative power of artistic connections are on full display in his decision to put his admiration for and desire to work with Carell ahead of his preference for a particular genre.
Source: Collider
