IN CONVERSATION WITH BRETT GELMAN
interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by DAVID SIMON DAYAN
Brett Gelman has never been one to blend quietly into the background. From his breakout as the unforgettable Martin in ‘Fleabag’ to his fan-favorite turn as Murray Bauman in Netflix’s global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’, Brett has built a career on sharp instincts, bold choices, and scene-stealing performances. With the highly anticipated fifth and final season of ‘Stranger Things’ arriving in two parts this November and December, he returns as the conspiracy theorist-turned-unlikely hero, cementing his place in one of television’s most beloved ensembles. Beyond ‘Stranger Things’, he also stars in Netflix’s comedy ‘Entitled’, recently appeared in ‘Lady in the Lake’ with Natalie Portman, and continues to expand his creative voice as both an author and podcaster. With wit, candor, and a fearless approach to every project, Brett is ready to close one chapter with ‘Stranger Things’, and kick open the door to countless more.
Murray Bauman has become such a fan-favorite over the years. What’s it been like to take him from quirky conspiracy theorist to trusted member of the Hawkins crew?
It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life. No one expected him to become what he became. The Duffers gave me an enormous gift. Not only giving me amazing things to take on like the Russian and martial arts, but making his arc deeper and deeper. His whole journey has been, in his own way, becoming a part of something, and away from his isolation.
Without spoiling anything, what can fans expect from Murray in the final season?
I’m sworn to secrecy.
‘Stranger Things’ is closing out a cultural era. How does it feel to be part of a series that has defined a generation of TV?
It’s really surreal to be a part of something so massive, that is the equivalent to ‘Star Wars’ or ‘Indiana Jones’, that means so much to people. To be in something so beloved, you’re treated like family everywhere you go. And on top of that, to be in something so absolutely excellent.
Do you remember your first day on the ‘Stranger Things’ set? How does that compare to filming the final season?
I remember meeting the Duffers and David for the first time and it all just feeling like it immediately clicked, that I was with my people. Also, I was trying not to fan out because I worshipped the first season. I remember telling the brothers that I was their Richard Dreyfus and they like that. I was just walking on air that I got to be in this world as this awesome character. That feeling only increased as the seasons went on. And on the final day, I was in such a surreal state. My experience felt bigger than me. And at the same time it was like every other day. We had work to do.
What will you miss most about playing Murray, and this show?
What won’t I miss. He’s one of the greatest characters I’ve ever gotten to play. He’s a childhood fantasy character for me. Someone I dreamed of playing my whole life. I will really miss being the biggest contrarian in the room. Living that freedom of taking the risk of being the asshole for the sake of the truth.
You’ve worked across comedy, drama, and even action thrillers. How do you approach such a wide range of roles?
Depending on what the role is and what the world is, and depending affects what tools I use and what kid of prep I do. I’m lucky to be trained in several schools, so I try to measure which tools I use and how much prep I do. Be it from my classical training, my improv training, my years in live comedy, and the ‘Method’. It’s about finding the right recipe. Sometimes the best thing is to just do it. You can over prepare as much you can under prepare.
Many of your characters are scene-stealers. What’s your secret to balancing humor and humanity in your performances?
No secret really. I play the truth of the character and the truth of the world. I put myself in it and use myself to fuel the parts of character that are like me, and use my imagination to fuel the parts that are not like me. It’s always about some sort of personal struggle. And then with comedy, it’s also about being funny. Which is something instinctually technical that became innate, that can only be achieved through bombing.
As someone who’s fearless in your roles, what’s a character type or genre you haven’t explored yet but would love to?
I want to play a lot of gangsters. I want my Michael Corleone. I’d also like to play some of the great roles. Falstaff, Richard III, Vanya. It’s a huge list. I’d love to play a character like My Clouseau or Fran Dreben. And I also want to play Allen Ginsberg. But the list, again, is endless.
Your podcast ‘Neurotica’ with your wife Ari Dayan blends love, creativity, and performance. What inspired you both to launch it?
Basically us. Our relationship. We wanted to make something that was an unfiltered insight into our relationship and dynamic. To show the freedom in being ultra personal. And to make people laugh at something totally uncensored and vulnerable, and hopefully give them something they relate to.
How does writing, whether your book or podcast scripts, inform or contrast with your acting?
It’s all about trial and error. And it’s all about taking the risk of it being terrible. And it’s all about balancing using myself and using my imagination and blurring that line.
As ‘Stranger Things’ comes to an end, what do you hope audiences take away from the story, and from Murray in particular?
That it’s all about family. That we are better together than we are alone.
What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?
I’m about to be in a series about Siegfried and Roy, starring Jude Law and Andrew Garfield, that’s written by John Hoffman for Apple. I’m very excited. I play their manager Bernie Yuman, who is quite an amazing character.
