By Audrey Ward 

Temple Theaters welcomed renowned American actor and producer, Paul Giamatti this past Friday, September 18, 2020 during its online seminar class. In conversation with his brother, TFMA professor and director, Marcus Giamatti, Paul spoke to Temple Theaters students about his career, gave advice about navigating the entertainment industry, and answered questions.

Mr. Giamatti who has worked steadily and prominently for over twenty years, and is best known for leading roles in the films American Splendor, Sideways, and Barney's Version (for which he won a Golden Globe), and supporting roles in the films Cinderella Man, The Illusionist, and San Andreas.

Mr. Giamatti majored in English at Yale, and obtained his Master's Degree in Fine Arts, with his major in drama from the Yale University School of Drama. His acting roots are in theatre, from his college days at Yale, to regional productions (Seattle, San Diego and Williamstown, Massachusetts), to Broadway.

A large topic of discussion was the fate of the entertainment industry and how it will be affected by Covid-19. Mr. Giamatti told students, “It’s an important quality in an actor to be able to adapt.  Keep yourself connected to the world and your imagination flowing. Everyone is doing what they can to keep [the entertainment industry] going.”

Regarding the nature of his own career and how he has found consistent work and success, Mr. Giamatti credits his approach and personal connection to acting. “My relationship to acting and the business of acting is I love it. It’s like an incredibly intense love affair. It’s up and down and back and forth. You’ve got nothing else to do without it. And it’s not going to be easy all time. Sometimes it’s work, and a lot of work. And then sometimes it’s a dream. It’s the easiest thing in the world and you never doubted it.”

Much gratitude to Marcus Giamatti and Temple Theaters for arranging this amazing opportunity for our students. Currently, Mr. Giamatti can be seen on the hit Showtime drama series, Billions, which is in its fifth season.