IN CONVERSATION WITH JUDY GREER

interview by JANA LETONJA

With nearly two hundred roles across film, television, theater, and animation, Judy Greer has built one of the most prolific and quietly influential careers in contemporary entertainment. From studio blockbusters like Halloween, Jurassic World, and Ant-Man to acclaimed television series including Arrested Development, Archer, Kidding, and White House Plumbers, she has become synonymous with emotional precision, comedic intelligence, and scene-stealing humanity. Recently praised for a “career-best performance” in Michael Shannon’s Eric Larue, she continues to move fluidly between genres and mediums—acting, directing, writing, and performing on stage—guided by curiosity, generosity, and a deep love of the craft.

suit GIVENCHY

You’ve appeared in nearly two hundred projects across every genre imaginable. What keeps you creatively energized after such a prolific career? 

Well, the characters I play keep evolving and so do I. One of the cool things about being an actor is that my characters age along with me, so I keep having new feelings, situations and stories to explore. And the people, I should have said that first probably, but the people I work with inspire me and I’m lucky I can be a little more selective with my choices right now. 

You’re often described as a “scene stealer,” but your performances are rooted in restraint and truth. How do you approach finding that balance? 

I don’t really see it that way. I think the truth is on the page. A great scene is a great scene no matter who is in it, but I try to listen and be honest to how I feel in the moment, because, most of the time, how I feel has to be how the character feels, since I’m playing her. Forcing a mood or an idea never usually translates well to the screen. 

coat and purse DOLCE & GABBANA
shoes CASADEI

Eric Larue has been called a career-best performance. What did working with Michael Shannon as a first-time director bring out in you?  

I trust him completely. And since I respected him so much as an artist, I just wanted to do what he told me to do. It was easy, actually. I didn’t have to think about much because he was so great at communicating to all of us what we might want to remember or try or let go of. It’s pretty easy when one of the GOATs is telling you what to do, you just do it. And he’s directed plays, so I never thought of him as a ‘first timer.’

dress TOM FORD

You’ve moved seamlessly between large franchises like Halloween and intimate independent films. What do you look for when deciding to say yes to a project? 

People and character. I ask myself, is it a character that is interesting to me? And the people involved. I want to work with people who are better than me and inspire me. It’s the only way I will learn more and get better. I’m really just a student, that’s my dirty little secret. A student and a thief. I observe and steal.

You’ve also performed extensively on stage, most recently at Steppenwolf. How does theater continue to shape you as an actor? 

There is no better acting class than doing a play. It’s what I always wanted to do, be on stage. It’s terrifying and exhilarating and exhausting, but I am addicted. Doing a play at Steppenwolf was a bucket list item for me. I was so happy there. I’ll hold on to that feeling for a long time. Theatre is so intimate too, which is probably why it terrifies me.

dress KWK BY KAYKWOK
shoes CASADEI

In 2018, you made your feature directorial debut. How did stepping behind the camera change your understanding of storytelling? 

It certainly changed my on-set behavior as an actor. I learned how precious every minute is in an independent film. I rarely wander off set anymore if I can help it. What I loved about it was being on set all the time and problem solving and getting to be a part of the entire storytelling process. I miss so much when I’m only around on the days I shoot as an actor. I loved my crew so much too. They worked so hard and our days were long, and I have a real appreciation for all the ways a movie gets made. It was magical and I’m always trying to get back behind the camera again. Fingers crossed I’ll find something soon.

Do you feel more drawn now to projects that allow you creative authorship, whether through directing or producing? 

Not necessarily. I am lucky in that I have been doing this a long time so people do usually take me seriously when I have a question or concern, but it’s taken me a long time to get to that place. I still treasure just worrying about my one role, my one storyline. 

coat HARBISON STUDIO

Your memoir, I Don’t Know What You Know Me From, resonated with so many actors and fans. What compelled you to tell your story in that way? 

It was how I saw myself at the time. And yes, so many actors come up to me and love the title so much and can really relate. It was fun to write about some of the things that maybe people didn’t know about me. I’d love to do it again. 

Longevity in this industry is rare. What do you think has sustained your career over time? 

I wonder about that myself. Perhaps that's because I've been able to work in different genres and mediums? Maybe just luck? I am not totally sure, but I am totally grateful.

How do you protect joy and curiosity in a profession that can be demanding and unpredictable? 

By having hobbies I love, friends and family I spend my free time with, and I’ve gotten active with some organizations, International Medical Corps and Project Chimps specifically, that keep me fulfilled in other ways. 

Looking ahead, what kinds of stories or collaborators are you most excited to explore next? 

I’d really love to work on a great TV character with a great showrunner. I’ve had a few, but I’m still hoping for more.

top and jeans AWAKE MODE
shoes SCHUTZ
bra DOLCE & GABBANA

TEAM CREDITS:

talent JUDY GREER
photography SAMUEL PAUL
creative direction and styling TOYE ADEDIPE
makeup MAI QUYNH
hair NIKKI PROVIDENCE
photography assistant ALEXANDER GAY
styling assistant RYAN NICHOLS
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA