Austin Butler, known for his Oscar-nominated performance as Elvis Presley in the biopic “Elvis,” recently shared a valuable piece of advice he received from his co-star, Tom Hanks. In an interview with the UK’s Times newspaper, Butler revealed that during a dinner with Hanks, the seasoned actor emphasized the need to swiftly immerse oneself in another role to avoid “emotional whiplash.”
Hanks, who portrayed Colonel Tom Parker in “Elvis,” advised Butler to delve deep into a new project right after the intense experience of playing Elvis. According to Butler, Hanks stated, “You have immersed yourself so deeply in Elvis that, for your mental health, it would be wise to go straight into something else. If you just jump off the train, you might have emotional whiplash.”
This profound insight from Hanks underscores the emotional toll that fully embodying a character can have on an actor. It highlights the importance of taking care of one’s mental well-being in the demanding world of acting.
New Ventures and Exciting Opportunities
Following the conversation with Hanks, Butler found himself exploring new territory in the world of acting. One of the opportunities that emerged from their discussion was the role of Major Gale Cleven in “Masters of the Air.” Produced by Hanks and Steven Spielberg, this series serves as the third installment in the Second World series, following the success of “Band of Brothers” (2007) and “The Pacific” (2010). Set to stream on AppleTV+, the series focuses on the actions of the 100th Bombardment Group of the USAF, based on the book by Donald L Miller.
In addition to “Masters of the Air,” Butler will be seen in the highly anticipated Dune sequel later this year, showcasing a completely transformed appearance with a shaven head. His dedication to immersing himself in roles is evident in his portrayal of Elvis, for which he received not only an Oscar nomination but also a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. This level of recognition speaks to his commitment and the depth of his talent.
A Career-Changing Role and Working with Titans
Originally rising to fame as a child TV star, Butler credits his career breakthrough to his role in the 2018 Broadway production of “The Iceman Cometh.” Sharing the stage with Denzel Washington, Butler describes it as a significant challenge and an opportunity to work with an “absolute titan.”
The experience of being pushed to his limits alongside such esteemed talent propelled Butler’s career in a new direction. It taught him the importance of embracing challenges and seeking out roles that stretch his abilities. By immersing himself fully, he gains invaluable insights and growth as an actor.
Austin Butler’s journey and the advice he received from Tom Hanks offer valuable lessons to aspiring actors. The importance of fully immersing oneself in a role, followed by a swift transition to a new project, can protect an actor’s mental well-being. Embracing challenges and working with experienced veterans in the industry can also accelerate an actor’s growth and open doors to exciting opportunities.
Ultimately, the art of acting requires a delicate balance between pouring one’s heart and soul into a character while also prioritizing self-care. Austin Butler’s experience serves as a reminder that navigating this balance is crucial for long-term success in the demanding world of entertainment.