Jennifer Lawrence’s career advice came from an unexpected encounter with Taylor Sheridan, well before either became household names in Hollywood. This early guidance, delivered indirectly via Lawrence’s mother, played a crucial role at the outset of her acting journey.
During her late teens, Jennifer Lawrence was cast in Winter’s Bone (2010), launching her into the industry and earning her first Oscar nomination. She soon became recognized globally with standout roles in X-Men and The Hunger Games. Around this pivotal time, Lawrence’s mother sought out support and expertise for her daughter’s budding talent, leading to a surprising meeting with Taylor Sheridan, then working as an acting teacher to supplement his income.
Taylor Sheridan’s Unique Approach to Acting Guidance
A few years before their respective rises to stardom, Taylor Sheridan advised Jennifer Lawrence’s mother not to enroll her daughter in acting lessons. Lawrence herself later spoke about this on the SmartLess podcast, revealing that their brief interaction left a lasting impression on her trajectory. At that moment, Sheridan felt he had nothing to teach Lawrence, identifying her innate ability and authentic presence at such a young age.
Reflecting on her discovery about Sheridan’s role, Lawrence shared,
“[…] my mom took me to this guy that this agency told me to meet to help me act or whatever. And he told my mom, ‘Don’t put her in any acting lessons, don’t do that.’ That guy, randomly, is Taylor Sheridan. […] Isn’t that crazy? I guess he was an acting teacher or something back in the day.”
— Jennifer Lawrence
Sheridan’s advice stood in contrast to the traditional path of formal training. Hollywood, at the time, often focused on dramatic, “flashy performance acting,” while Lawrence’s “naturalistic” style allowed her to disappear into the story, rather than overshadow it. The advice proved valuable; Lawrence continued her career without formal instruction and rapidly reached impressive heights.
One interviewer remarked,
“You’re so naturalistic, yet you are incredibly well […] awarded, nominated, recognized […],”
and followed with,
“Do you think that maybe that’s because you didn’t go to acting school and learn how to act?”
— Interviewer, SmartLess Podcast
Career Milestones: From Critical Acclaim to Mainstream Success
This singular piece of career advice propelled Jennifer Lawrence to considerable acclaim. After her breakout in Winter’s Bone, Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games made her an international megastar. She won an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook and received further nominations for films like American Hustle and Joy. A commentator reflected,
“I love that note, ‘Don’t take her to acting school, she’ll learn how to act.’ And what a great piece of advice that was,”
underscoring how influential Sheridan’s words became — Interviewer, SmartLess Podcast.
While she faced a period of less critical recognition after her peak Hunger Games years, Lawrence continued to take on varied and challenging roles. She delivered compelling performances in films such as Mother!, No Hard Feelings, Don’t Look Up, and Red Sparrow. Most recently, she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her part in Lynne Ramsay’s anticipated film Die My Love.
The Ongoing Impact of Sheridan and Lawrence in Hollywood
Jennifer Lawrence is set to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film, What Happens at Night, and will make a cameo appearance in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Taylor Sheridan, meanwhile, has built an acclaimed portfolio, with Yellowstone growing into a major franchise complete with multiple spin-offs, as well as screenwriting credits for Hell or High Water, Sicario, and Wind River.
Lawrence and Sheridan’s brief but impactful interaction early in their careers has become an inspiring highlight in both their stories. Their individual successes underscore the importance of recognizing and cultivating raw talent. The SmartLess podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett — also Golden Globe nominees for Best Podcast this year — revisited this narrative, offering Hollywood fans fresh insight into the unpredictable paths that creativity and instinct can carve.
The episode serves as a powerful reminder: early and unconventional career advice can shape the course of emerging talents like Jennifer Lawrence, proving that sometimes, stepping away from the expected route can yield extraordinary results.
