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Stephen Root: Fatherhood Drove Hollywood Move
28 Jun
Summary
- Fatherhood prompted Stephen Root's move to Hollywood for financial stability.
- He faced initial setbacks, including scenes cut from Kindergarten Cop.
- Roles in NewsRadio and Office Space marked career turning points.
Actor Stephen Root's transition to Hollywood was significantly influenced by his responsibilities as a father. Initially immersed in theater after attending the University of Florida, he performed with a traveling Shakespeare troupe and later on Broadway.
By the late 1980s, the financial uncertainties of theater became unsustainable for raising his son, Cody, with his first wife. This led to a pivotal move to California, where he aimed to secure immediate work.
Despite early roles in films like 'Ghost' and an uncredited part in 'Kindergarten Cop,' Root experienced setbacks. He noted the difficulty for actors without established names to find substantial roles.
A major shift occurred in 1995 with his role as Jimmy James on 'NewsRadio.' This success was followed by memorable performances in 'Office Space,' 'The West Wing,' and HBO's 'Barry,' for which he received an Emmy nomination.
