John Goodman Bio
John Stephen Goodman (born June 20, 1952) is an American actor. He rose to prominence in television before becoming an acclaimed and popular film actor. Goodman has received various accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Vanity Fair has called him ‘among our very finest actors.’ Goodman is known for his collaborations with the Coen brothers, acting in films such as Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Inside Llewyn Davis. He took leading roles in King Ralph, The Babe, Matinee, The Flintstones, and 10 Cloverfield Lane as well as supporting roles in Revenge of the Nerds, True Stories, Bringing Out the Dead, Speed Racer, The Artist, Flight, Argo, and Atomic Blonde. He voiced roles in The Emperor’s New Groove franchise, the Monsters, Inc. franchise, Bee Movie, and Smurfs.
Early Life and Background
John Stephen Goodman was born on June 20, 1952, in Affton, Missouri. His father, Leslie Francis Goodman, was a postal worker who died of a heart attack when Goodman was two years old. Goodman’s mother, Virginia Roos, was a waitress and took in laundry to support the family. Goodman has an older brother, Leslie, and a younger sister, Elisabeth. He is of English, German, and Welsh ancestry and was raised Southern Baptist. Goodman’s childhood was marked by loneliness and bullying due to his weight. He found solace in the Boy Scouts, which provided him with structure and camaraderie. Goodman spent much of his time listening to the radio and reading comic books, which sparked his interest in comedy.
Goodman attended Affton High School, where he played football and dabbled in theater. After graduating in 1970, he took a gap year and earned a football scholarship to Missouri State University. However, he tore his ACL before playing, which led him to focus on the theater program. Goodman graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1975 and later received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2013.
Path to Hollywood
After graduating, Goodman moved to New York City with a small bankroll from his brother. He initially struggled to make ends meet as a bartender and waiter but found modest success in voice-overs, commercials, and plays. He made his film debut in 1982 with a small role in Eddie Macon’s Run. During this time, he continued to work on stage, starring as Pap Finn in Big River from 1985 to 1987, earning a Drama Desk nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Goodman gained fame by playing Dan Conner on the ABC sitcom Roseanne from 1988 to 1997. He returned to the character in 2018 for the revived season and continued in the spin-off The Conners. Goodman has hosted NBC’s Saturday Night Live 13 times and has made numerous appearances on late-night comedy shows.
John Goodman Career
Early Career (1975–1999)
Goodman began his career in theater and made a name for himself in the early 1980s with character roles in film. He gained significant recognition for his role in True Stories in 1986, which marked his big break into movies. Goodman rose to fame playing Dan Conner on Roseanne, which became a cultural phenomenon. He also collaborated with the Coen brothers in films like Raising Arizona and Barton Fink, establishing himself as a versatile actor.
Breakthrough (2000–present)
Goodman continued to build his career with notable roles in both film and television. He voiced characters in animated films such as The Emperor’s New Groove and Monsters, Inc., and appeared in critically acclaimed films like The Artist and Argo. Goodman received an Emmy Award for his guest role in The West Wing and continued to star in various projects, including the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones. He has been recognized for his contributions to the industry, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.
Notable Works and Milestones
Goodman is known for his signature role as Dan Conner in Roseanne and The Conners, as well as his collaborations with the Coen brothers. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
John Goodman Award Nominations
Throughout his career, John Goodman has received several nominations for his performances, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor.
John Goodman Awards Won
John Goodman has won various awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, highlighting his contributions to film and television.
John Goodman Family
John Goodman married Anna Beth Hartzog in 1989. They reside in the Garden District of New Orleans and have one daughter, Molly Evangeline Goodman, born in 1990.
Personal Life
Goodman is a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and has narrated documentaries about the team. He has been open about his struggles with alcoholism, achieving sobriety in 2007. Goodman has also faced health challenges, including significant weight loss and depression, which he manages through physical exercise.
