Sam Rockwell shared that while filming as George W. Bush in the movie Vice, he developed a persistent twitch in his chin, which remained until production concluded. This unexpected physical effect occurred due to the mannerisms Rockwell adopted to portray the former president accurately. Rockwell discussed this experience during an episode of Hot Ones, where host Sean Evans asked about lasting habits or tics from his characters.
Understanding the Cause of the Twitch
Rockwell explained the twitch puzzled him initially, as it continued even outside of filming. He investigated the issue by consulting a doctor and trying magnesium supplements without success. Ultimately, the actor realized that the twitch was caused by overusing a facial muscle due to consistently speaking in Bush’s distinctive style.
I had a twitch in my chin that wouldn’t go away,
Rockwell said.
And I couldn’t figure it out. It was like twitching right here, and I was taking magnesium, I went to the doctor. I was like ‘what the f–k is this? It’s twitching, you see it’s twitching.’ And it was because I was overworking this muscle because I was talking like this. Everyday I was talking like that and this f–king muscle was getting overworked and that’s what was happening. The day I finished playing George Bush it went away.
—Sam Rockwell
Reflecting on Playing Characters with Physical Impediments
During the interview, Evans also asked Rockwell about his frequent roles as characters affected by intoxication or impairments. Rockwell acknowledged that roles involving physical challenges or altered states often provide more enjoyable opportunities for acting. He described these parts as “impediment work,” encompassing various conditions such as limps or neurological effects.
It is fun,
Rockwell said.
It’s called impediment work so anything where you’ve got a limp or you’ve got a hangover, you’re drunk. Olivia Coleman in ‘The Favorite’ she had a stroke so she had to figure out how to play the stroke, ‘My Left Foot’ probably the hardest impediment acting I’ve ever seen.
—Sam Rockwell
He further elaborated on portraying drunkenness with honesty by physically experiencing inebriation and reviewing recorded footage to capture genuine behavior.
Drunk is in that category. I have gotten drunk and taped it and looked at it the next day. Which is useful. But if you don’t record it you’re not going to remember what you did so it’s kind of pointless. You’ve got to watch it and copy it.
—Sam Rockwell
Recognition for Latest Role and Its Impact
Rockwell’s recent performance as a recovering alcoholic in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His ability to bring authenticity to complex characters continues to receive critical acclaim.
Discussing the lasting physical effects of embodying challenging personas like George Bush highlights the dedication required for such roles. It also suggests how deeply actors immerse themselves physically and mentally to create convincing performances. This interview offers insight into Rockwell’s craft and what audiences might expect as he takes on future demanding characters.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Walton Goggins and Sam Rockwell friends?
A. It turns out Rockwell and Goggins have been best friends for the past 15 years.
Q. Is Walton Goggins friends with Sam Rockwell?
A. Sam Rockwell’s partner is Leslie Bibb from White Lotus, so people might think that’s why he is on the show. However, Rockwell has been close friends with Goggins for 15 years, too.
