James Marsden is rarely gossiped about, have you noticed that? There are updates about his love life every now and then (he got a divorce in 2011, and he’s currently with British musician Edei) and he works constantly on a wide variety of TV and film projects. Everyone has seen him in something and yet his name is rarely mentioned in the conversations of “who’s the biggest star” or “best actors of their generation.” Maybe he doesn’t belong in those conversations, but I do believe he’s more talented than people believe, and he’s fashioned a really solid career for himself. Marsden chatted with Vanity Fair to promote The Stand and some other projects, and I enjoyed this piece. Some highlights:
He never cared if he worked in TV or film: “I was only interested in pursuing the interesting material and filmmakers regardless of the platform. There was definitely a time in the ’90s and maybe early 2000s when you could say there were some distinctions being made between ‘TV actors’ and ‘film actors.’ Some snobbishly felt that TV is where you go to make money and film is where you go to make art, an idea I never really subscribed to. There was a feeling to some that a film career was more prestigious and attractive than a career in television, but I don’t think I ever worried myself with whether or not I was perceived as one or the other.”
He didn’t struggle at all when he first moved to LA: Marsden’s father agreed to support him financially for his first year in Los Angeles, and set him up with a friend of his, whom Marsden said was “a very successful casting director.” That casting director in turn connected Marsden with a manager, and it was off to the races. “I had parents that supported me, I had a guy who was sending me out on auditions. I wasn’t pounding the pavement knocking on agents’ doors. I had representation right when I moved out. I was very, very grateful and lucky. And then I was like, okay, now it’s up to you. Now you gotta do these auditions and make people remember you and show people why you should be cast in this.”
He was offered a job on Days of Our Lives soon after coming to LA: “In my mind at the time, I was like, this is great! I’ll be paid to be an actor on a show my girlfriend used to watch every day? It’s the most secure job you can have as an actor. That means continued work for three years. My manager said, ‘Wait a second.’”
Completing The Stand just before the pandemic: “I know that the filmmakers want to handle it with the utmost respect for the situation. Obviously, there’s been a lot of life lost through all of this. I hope somehow it resonates in a positive way and not in a reckless way.”
The model for his career: “Jeff Bridges, I keep going back to. That’s the career that I want. He’s doing interesting work. He’s got a country band. He does photography. I think he lives on a ranch. I like his career.” Marsden keeps a close eye on veterans like Bridges, “these actors [who] are known for being these marquee guys early in their career and then they start doing more character things, more comedy.”
He wants longevity: “I want to be around. Longevity and diversity of roles. I’m not interested in just playing the same old guy. To be honest, I’m more Prince Edward [in Enchanted] than I am Scott Summers in X-Men.”
What kind of genres he would like to do more & see more: “I would love to see more Frank Capra, Jimmy Stewart movies come around. The sort of Tom Hanks roles,” he said. He’d also be interested in taking the lead in a biopic. He mentioned Frank Sinatra, which would allow Marsden to once again show off the singing chops he demonstrated in Enchanted and Hairspray.
I think his idea of aiming to have a Jeff Bridges-like career is kind of perfect, actually? Jeff Bridges came from a privileged, well-connected family (like Marsden), Jeff was very beautiful as a young man (like Marsden) and he was cast as “the good looking guy” a lot in the early part of his career (like Marsden). Jeff Bridges also did all kinds of different films and projects, like Marsden. I also think Marsden could aim for a Kevin Bacon-like career, right? That fits too. It’s like Marsden is a character actor in the body of a leading man. Also: I didn’t know that he had that kind of charmed life coming to LA! He really didn’t have to struggle at all. (Also: James Marsden is 46 years old, my mind is blown.)
Photos courtesy of WENN, Avalon Red.
I like him a lot as an actor. He’s so good looking, but seems to have a good sense of humor and willing to take roles that poke fun at himself. I like a Jeff Bridges-esque career is a good path for him.
I’ve always liked him a lot too. He’s versatile and so good as a comedic actor. I also absolutely love The Stand and was obsessed with the miniseries growing up so I’m psyched about this cast in general
Sounds like a smart guy. And sounds like a smart career plan. I’ve liked him in anything I’ve seen him in.
Never had any opinion of him as he is not exactly an A list actor, but after reading this I now see him as on super smug white man.
Lmao true. Super smug white guy and incredibly forgettable. I’ve seen X-Man & Enchanted but couldn’t pick this man out of a lineup of white brunette men. Literally had no idea I’d seen him act until he mentioned those two films.
I adore Jeff Bridges (didn’t know he came from a privileged background). My nephew wants to be an actor so I showed him the Big Lebowski the other week.
I like how Jeff Bridges made interesting choices instead of coasting on good looks. Although I guess wealth gives him the freedom to hold out for projects he is passionate about.
Jeff’s dad was Lloyd Bridges (airplane! holds up 40 years later) and his brother beau is also an accomplished actor
And Jeff and Beau both made their acting debuts as kids in their father’s shows.
I’ll have to check out Airplane!
My Mama is a massive Jeff Bridges fan and refers to him as her ‘hottie’. She had mentioned he came from an acting family. I’m just oblivious and didn’t realise that successful Hollywood acting family = privilege.
It’s fun to discuss Jeff Bridges! He stays out of drama so I don’t get to discuss as much as I’d like. I love the Fisher King (which also has Robin Williams. I love him so much! Such a genius). I should check out some of Jeff’s more recent work.
I find him so blah.
Him and Chris Pine to me, are two guys who are average actors with average looks, and no charisma.
They seem nice enough but I genuinely don’t get why they are so successful.
I love him! My autistic son is obsessed with the movie Hop so I see him almost every day 🤣 . I loved him in Enchanted, as well as his polar opposite double role in Dead To Me. He was so good in that. He doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously, and that’s refreshing for someone so talented and naturally good looking. Sure he’s had it fairly easy, but he has talent to back it up and he seems aware of his privilege. I think he’s highly underrated and could have easily been in the 90’s/00’s ‘ocean’s eleven’ frat pack of men.
(ETA: his comedy shtick reminds me a lot of John Ritter, whom I just love and miss so much)
Love him since his 90’s movies like Disturbed behavior, and Ally McBeal.
I’ve seen most of what he’s been in. Whether I intended to or not. He’s a great supporting actor so he’s been in many movies. Most of what he’s been lead is comedy.
And yeah, I think people and critics in general don’t pay much attention or give him the recognition he deserves.
I like it. Jeff Bridges is a great role model.
He is also in the Notebook. I love him in Hairspray too!