Jeff Goldblum’s evolution from actor to jazz musician has drawn widespread attention, as the Hollywood icon channels his legendary charisma from film sets to the concert stage, performing with the acclaimed Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. With a fresh album and a flurry of performances, Goldblum continues to expand his unique blend of artistry across film and jazz, capturing fans old and new in both worlds.
From Silver Screen Stardom to Jazz’s Spotlight
For decades, Jeff Goldblum has charmed audiences with characters who are as eccentric as they are intelligent, becoming a beloved figure through memorable films such as Jurassic Park, Independence Day, and The Fly. Despite his celebrated on-screen career, Goldblum has always been drawn to jazz, finding solace and inspiration at the piano whenever he steps away from the glare of Hollywood cameras.
Recently, Goldblum experienced a creative convergence in the film Wicked, portraying the Wizard of Oz—a role that let him combine his theatrical prowess with his love for music. Wicked: For Good, the upcoming sequel, is poised to continue this intersection with a fresh ensemble of musical numbers and dramatic twists.
Parallel to his film roles, Goldblum marked another milestone by releasing his fourth album, Still Blooming, alongside the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The album features an eclectic selection of jazz classics, enriched by collaborations with renowned guest artists like Scarlett Johansson, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo—all bringing their own distinctive flair. The tracks highlight Goldblum’s identity as both a musical leader and a connector within his creative circles.
Decades in the Making: Goldblum’s Musical Journey
Though Goldblum’s recording career may appear to be a recent venture, his relationship with music runs deep. Growing up in Pittsburgh, he spent his teenage years performing in local gigs, fully immersed in the joys of playing jazz long before Hollywood stardom. Once his film career took off, he kept his musical passion alive by playing weekly gigs at a Hollywood nightclub whenever his schedule allowed, collaborating with fellow musicians in lively and welcoming spaces. Today, he tours with his seasoned band across the United States and Europe, continuously refining his sound and performance.
“I’m getting more passionate about it. And yes, I do take it seriously. I practiced today and I start my day with about an hour of work, and it changes my day, and it enhances my life—thanks to Shirley Goldblum once again, and Harold Goldblum,”
—Jeff Goldblum, Actor and Musician
“They really did a good job.”
—Jeff Goldblum, Actor and Musician
This dedication to practice, instilled by his parents, reflects Goldblum’s respect for both his origins and the discipline that music demands. As he spoke from Verve Records’ Manhattan office—a label steeped in jazz heritage and home to legends like Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday—Goldblum recognized the improbability and joy of joining such prestigious musical company.
First Roles and Early Influences: From Auditions to the Jazz Scene
Goldblum’s introduction to show business began at Columbus Circle in Manhattan, where he landed his first film audition for the role of Freak #1 in Death Wish. Although his initial parts were minor, including appearances in Nashville, Annie Hall, and California Split, each offered valuable growth and unique opportunities. Reflecting on his early break, Goldblum acknowledged that even small roles were stepping stones: acting coach Sandy Meisner advised that it takes twenty years of continual work before one truly becomes an actor, infusing Goldblum’s career with a sense of patience and perseverance. Over time, Goldblum navigated a steady ascent through Hollywood’s ranks, his career marked by luck, effort, and a touch of philosophy.
As his life unfolded, the distinction between acting and music blurred. Goldblum sneaked piano performances into his films—including Earth Girls Are Easy and The Fly—blending passions whenever possible. Thirty years ago, actor and trumpeter Peter Weller urged him to start informal gigs, inspired by jazz great Miles Davis. The advice stuck:
“you and Jeff should get together with other musicians and have a gig, even just once a week if you’re not acting. And you’ll get better and it’ll be fun.”
—Miles Davis (relayed via Peter Weller, Actor and Trumpeter
From those informal sessions, Goldblum’s musical identity matured, gaining depth through decades of exploration and ensemble work. The band’s evolving sophistication reflects his journey—not just as an actor moonlighting with music, but as a committed jazz musician willing to challenge himself alongside acclaimed peers.
A Reverence for Jazz Giants and Musical Mentors
Throughout his career, Goldblum has soaked up influences from a host of jazz legends. He cites figures such as Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Erroll Garner, Bill Evans, and Bud Powell as essential listening, crediting his own band for continually introducing him to new treasures in the jazz canon. The passion for musical discovery keeps his artistry fresh, even after years on stage and screen.
Goldblum’s own approach is marked by a desire to balance accessible enjoyment with authentic craft. The band’s repertoire draws from American jazz standards, delivered in a way that appeals to purists without alienating newcomers. As Goldblum himself notes, not all his fans arrive as jazz connoisseurs—many are drawn to his concerts out of curiosity or affection for his films, only to find themselves charmed by the performance.
“Oh, I don’t really like jazz. It’s a lot of notes and it’s self-indulgent. It goes on for too long.”
—Goldblum paraphrasing audience skepticism. In response, he tells his audience that their selections are
“very enjoyable and accessible, let’s call it, but special,”
underscoring his intent to make jazz inviting without sacrificing quality or meaning.
Collaboration and Serendipity: Building Bridges Through Music
Still Blooming stands as a testament to the unpredictable ways Goldblum’s cinematic and musical lives intertwine. Guest vocalist Ariana Grande lends her voice to the opening track—
“I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do).”
—Ariana Grande, Singer and Actress—an encounter born on the set of Wicked and guided largely by spontaneity. Cynthia Erivo joined in as well, highlighting the rich overlap between Goldblum’s musical colleagues and his film ensembles. Scarlett Johansson suggested a bossa nova arrangement for
“The Best Is Yet to Come,”
showing how each collaborator brings unique ideas to the table.
These creative partnerships often arise organically, not as part of a calculated strategy.
“How am I going to poach one part of my life and use it for another?”
—Jeff Goldblum, Actor and Musician. Goldblum remains open to possibility, maintaining an informal wish list for future collaborations, including Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX, Jacob Collier, and Lady Gaga. Such flirtations with cross-genre, star-powered projects demonstrate Goldblum’s enthusiasm for experimentation and his connections across pop culture’s spheres.
The Lasting Impact of Blockbuster Success
Goldblum’s association with some of cinema’s most durable franchises is undeniable, with Jurassic Park and Independence Day cementing his place in movie history. The enduring appeal of these series has brought him repeated successes, audience adulation, and the chance to work alongside new generations of talent.
“Well, that’s the story of Hollywood and the marketplace, whereby something popular will find continuation for one reason or another. But that original material, I must say, Michael Crichton and the original by Steven Spielberg—the two movies that I did are substantially delicious. And it’s not curious that they’ve also inspired further exploration. I’ve had a good time on a couple others that I’ve done recently, and now they’ve got Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey from Wicked. I’ll be first in line for that. And dinosaurs, people seem to like dinosaurs.”
—Jeff Goldblum, Actor and Musician
Goldblum’s adaptability has allowed him to thrive in both pop culture blockbusters and niche projects, balancing crowd-pleasing roles with more artistic endeavors, such as his Netflix role as Zeus in Kaos. This broad range ensures his constant relevance and fuels his enthusiasm for new creative challenges.
Return to Theatrical Roots with Wicked
Landing the role of the Wizard of Oz in Wicked gave Goldblum a chance to showcase his versatility, merging performance, song, and dance within the larger tapestry of his career. The part is especially resonant for Goldblum, as he long admired the original stage production, recalling how moved he was by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth’s performances. His emotional connection to the material, combined with childhood ties to The Wizard of Oz, made this a passionate and profound experience. The collaboration with producers Marc Platt and Jon M. Chu, and composer Stephen Schwartz, further deepened his commitment to the iconic musical.
Goldblum embraced the role’s complexity, relishing the chance to explore challenging emotions and entertain fans both as an entertainer and as a serious performer. This multi-layered approach is echoed in his interactions with audiences, who recognize his Wizard persona on the street and express heartfelt enthusiasm for his latest endeavors.
A Future Filled with Creative Possibility
As Jeff Goldblum’s evolution from actor to jazz musician accelerates, he stands as a rare pop culture figure whose enduring curiosity and artistry keep him in perpetual motion. Whether drawing from his inspiration in Pittsburgh’s jazz lounges or headlining sold-out shows in New York, Goldblum proves that his talents can flourish across media and generations. Embracing both tradition and innovation, he bridges communities, welcoming newcomers to jazz while honoring the legends who shaped the genre before him.
At each turn, Goldblum invites collaborators and audiences alike to join him on an ongoing adventure—one defined by openness, playful experimentation, and a commitment to authentic self-expression that continues, like the music itself, to evolve and inspire.
