Ep 15. Tracy Letts

In this episode of Off Camera with Sam Jones season 11, Sam sits down with Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning actor and playwright, Tracy Letts.

Letts opens up about his upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where his parents were both working actors. He credits his parents for instilling in him a love of the theater early on and giving him his start in the industry. Letts' journey as a playwright began in the early 90s with his play Killer Joe, which started as a workshop in Chicago and eventually made its way to the off-Broadway stage.

Letts discusses his transition into acting, which came largely through his work with Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. He recalls feeling a deep sense of anxiety about stepping onto the stage as an actor for the first time, but it was an experience that ultimately led to more opportunities in front of the camera.

Throughout the conversation, Letts touches on some of his most memorable roles, including his role as George in August: Osage County, which earned him both a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize. He also talks about his roles in Hollywood films such as The Big Short and Ford v Ferrari.

As a writer, Letts sees himself as someone who tells stories that are rooted in reality. He discusses the importance of allowing his characters to be flawed and complex, and not shying away from the darker aspects of human nature. He also offers insight into his writing process, which often involves a great deal of tinkering and reworking until he feels that he has fully captured the essence of a character or a scene.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Letts discusses his experiences with grief and loss, including the recent death of his father. He opens up about the ways in which storytelling has helped him to process his emotions and find a sense of catharsis. Throughout the interview, Letts' intelligence and emotional depth shine through, making for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation.

As always, Sam Jones proves to be a skilled interviewer, allowing Letts' stories and insights to take center stage while guiding the conversation with gentle curiosity and a keen sense of humor. This episode of Off Camera offers a fascinating look inside the mind of one of the most talented and influential voices in American theater today.