Greta Lee

[00:00] From athletic stuff like a full court pick-up game, swish, to athletic-ish stuff like a half mile stroll. Get those steps in! Head to Sierra or Sierra.com for the brands you want at the prices that let you do it all. From athletic to athletic-ish, Sierra's got it. [00:15] . [00:20] Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. Very excited to talk to my buddy today, Greta Lee. Greta is an incredible actress. You may have seen her film Past Lives. You may have seen her in The Morning Show. She's been in Girls and Broad City and Russian Doll. And she's so talented and beautiful and wonderful. And we're going to talk about a lot of fun things. We're going to talk about being a waitress. We're going to talk about how to drown on camera. [00:50] She's also going to explain her new part in Toy Story 5, in which she plays the villain, and that villain is an iPad. But before we get into talking to Greta, we're going to speak to somebody who knows her, who wants to speak well behind her back, and give me a question to ask her. And that is celebrity chef Alison Roman. Alison Roman, an author, a podcaster, kind of a food expert, hostess with the mostest. And Alison is going to join us. [01:20] a cat that's also going to join as well. So let's hear from Allison and get a question. Hi, Allison. [01:28] Uber Eats has all your summer favorites from Ulta Beauty, which means your sunscreen can just come to you. Your daily SPF, that new cleanser you've been wanting to try, whatever you need to glow this summer, delivered in as little as 25 minutes at the same prices you'd pay in a store.

[01:50] and get up to 40% off summer essentials with new deals, [01:54] every week. Shop Ulta Beauty on Uber Eats and get your summer glow on. [02:11] Hi. Hi, it's so nice to meet you. [02:15] I can't tell you how nice it is to meet you. Is this your personal kitchen? It is, yeah. I live here. It's like bath. [02:21] This big guy is here. [02:24] This is Leonard. [02:26] He's just such a big guy. Leonard! Yeah, he loves to be in the mix. Well, first of all, we're going to talk about Greta today, the great Greta Lee. Yeah, of course. But I do want to talk to you about First Bloom, which is your... [02:39] brick and mortar store that you... [02:42] opening the Catskills and you're opening perhaps other places. Perhaps. Um, yeah, I started a little grocery store in 2023. We opened, um, [02:52] sort of like a [02:55] And I didn't really have like a full plan. I was like, I'm going to open a grocery store. And that was it. And then I did. And I was like, okay, well, now what? [03:03] But it went really well and I love doing it. And yeah, we're going to open one in Brooklyn. [03:08] later this year. I listen to podcasts while I grocery shop or listen to music because I like the, I don't really want to, I don't want to chat. No, I don't want to chat. Although I do, I, [03:19] And part of, I mean, I guess it makes sense because I did open a grocery store, but you don't like the...

[03:23] Like the co-ops. I don't know. LA doesn't really have. This is very Brooklyn. This is very Brooklyn. Yeah. I don't fuck with the co-ops. It's so stressful to me. Who is the time? Exactly. It's my worst nightmare to walk into a place and people are already disappointed about my participation. Oh, yeah. Like, hey, nice to see you. It's been a while. So that said, I did determine that, like, I thought if there was a job that I would do at a co-op, which doesn't exist, [03:53] and effectively like tell people what to do. Like if people were like, what do I do with like red lentils? I'd be like, [03:59] oh, well, I hear here are some great things. And then I just stand there. [04:03] I don't have to do anything else. That's really smart. You'd just be like, you'd be like the cruise director. Like, let's talk about ramps. Yeah. What are you really going to do with those? Let's be honest with ourselves. Are they going to rot in the fridge? You're going to throw them away? You are. You're going to compost them. But like the number of times I'm in a butcher shop and I hear like a person, most often a man who doesn't know what they're doing and they ask the butcher and the butcher like gives them kind of vague advice. [04:27] I sometimes pipe up. [04:30] And I'm like, oh, you don't want to grill that. That's going to be a nightmare. Or, you know, like sometimes I actually like to sear it briefly, you know, like, [04:36] And I'd say eight times out of 10, they are so uninterested in what I have to say. Like, they're like, thanks. Sure. Like, I'm just a lady in the book for a shop. They're like, thanks, lady. Yeah. And I'm like, some people would kill for this. You're like, babe, I'm a professional. Also, it's like, you're like a doctor on an airplane. And they're like, is there a doctor on board? And it's like, ah.

[04:57] I guess I gotta go save a life. [05:01] Yeah, exactly. And imagine imagine having a medical issue and the doctor comes over and the people are like, we're good. You know, that's sort of what it feels like to me. I'm like being robust. OK, so speaking of Brooklyn, I feel like that is where maybe you met Greta. [05:15] It is where I'm at Greta. Yeah. Didn't you work together at a restaurant? So we did. And I think like I was working at Milk Bar at the time, which was like, [05:24] We shared a kitchen with Sambar, which is where Greta worked. But we were like in the basement. We were very separate. It was like milk bar people and Sambar people did not necessarily co-mingle. And so I knew of her. I think I saw her like the hot person that worked at Sambar. Yeah, like the most beautiful person. Exactly. You're like, who's this hot, cool person that's so well-dressed and seems fun? Like, I can't be friends with them. I was talking to somebody about this the other day, like how hard it is to be well-dressed now [05:54] everything. And, but she's so manages to like carry through. I mean, her style is, [06:00] the envy of every person with awareness of the internet that has like seen all of her appearances over the last few years, but like she's always had it. She's always had individuality that like really comes through. [06:12] Let's talk well behind her back. What do you love about her? I love that she is one of the hardest working and also kindest people that I've ever met. And I also, and this isn't really like, [06:24] you know, a virtue, but she is hilarious. She's so funny and so funny, so funny. And like, has a great sense of humor and is just like,

[06:33] such a bright light in the world and no matter where she goes and like how she, you know, [06:39] shows up like just existing. She is [06:42] as fabulous as you might think she is if you've never met her. And I have seen it with her kids and her family and her friends and, you know, [06:50] with like a random server at a restaurant and with basically any human on the planet. She's just like, [06:57] She's exceedingly kind and generous, but, and like hospitable. She has like a real like hospitality vibe around her. And I feel like she was always the person hosting. She was always the person inviting people over. It was like the more, the merrier energy every time. [07:12] And that is such a rare... [07:14] personality trait, I think. Yeah. I mean, you, you are a great example of this, but it does feel like host so much of hosting is the vibe you give off when you're hosting. Yeah. So I love hosting. However, I'll just say, [07:27] that I realized that at times I was a little bit of a stressy host. But you feel like you've outgrown that. Like you, you've moved on into a different era. I've worked on it. I've worked on it. Well, you also, you realize that like, no one has a good time when you're stressed out. Like everyone actually has a bad time. I know. But like, we all know these things, but you know, when you're, you're, when something comes out of your mouth and you're like, oh fuck, I said that out loud. Like, yeah. [07:53] I still do it. I'll be like, Oh, it's fine. No, it's really fine. Like, it's not fine. Not fine at all. Totally. Or like, um, I, you can eat that, but, um, we're not, not yet, you know, like whatever stupid shit he's saying. And then there's like the apology part where it's like, well, this was supposed to do it, but I didn't have the, and it's like, I even have to check myself and because I'm so good at giving people advice to not do that. And then I do that. And I'm like, well, I'm a bad student of myself. Like I have to like,

[08:20] practice what I preach here. But yeah, it's very hard, but I'm really happy to hear that you're on the other side of that, or at least on your journey. I'm working on it with professionals day and night, day and night. Okay. So we always start our episodes with a question for our guest. Do you have a question that you think Greta would like to answer or I should ask her? Yeah, absolutely. I was thinking about like what people don't know about her, like what people maybe don't ask her often, or like, I wonder how much they get into like that restaurant [08:50] Cause I have a belief that like, once you're a restaurant person, you're always a restaurant person and it teaches you a lot. So I kind of want to know like how in this iteration of her life, [08:59] in this career. So it's like, [09:01] what from restaurant days has she held on to? Or like how has working in restaurants made her a better actor or, or, [09:08] you know, multi-hyphenate as it were. Allison, I love that question. I also was a restaurant person and a waiter and for many, many years in New York and wanted to ask just that. Cause I do think it is incredible training for life. Yeah. It's like the work ethic is unparalleled. And I [09:24] She has so much of that. And maybe that was pre-restaurants, but I also think if you have it, [09:28] You're more inclined to work at a restaurant, so it all kind of ties in together. Before we go, I'm going to ask you for some free advice, like people do to doctors and to chefs. I would love. Which is, I feel like my artichokes... [09:43] I have to take so much off. I can't even tell you how niche is.

[09:50] This question already is specifically to suit my intro. I have a dried artichoke on my, in a vase right here. I did not, this is just on my counter. Like I'm obsessed with artichokes. Me too. I just got back from Italy, not to brag. And the artichokes there were- [10:06] next level. Divine. Incredible. I love, I love how it looks. I'm just starting to work with them. And it is like, it's, it must be like what a gardener feels like when they have to just like crazy prune a rosebush. Like it's like, I have to cut all of that away. You're like, I'm killing it. I'm killing it. Cut the top, cut the, now cut the stem, get all the leaves, almost all of the leaves off. I guess my question I'll make it is how do you like to prepare your [10:36] artichokes these days? Well, forever and always. And, and let me also just say that I too have been to Italy, not to brag, not recently, but it has happened. And the way that they do artichokes there is so like, they're almost treating them like a trash vegetable. Like they're so prolific and like the way that they grow and they like, you see truckloads of them and they, they peel or, uh, like pair back, like the whole thing. It's just the heart heart. And they're like, [11:05] The rest is garbage. They throw it away. And I had never experienced that until I left the United States, obviously, because I grew up with basically a whole steamed artichoke where you trim the stem, but the stem is super edible. I love eating the stem. The stem is basically like an extension of the heart. So it's just as tender. It's just as edible. It's sweet. It's delicious. It's delicious.

[11:25] But I just trim... [11:28] The leaves just right beyond the thorn. Okay. And you cut the top. And I leave the whole leaf. Yeah, I cut the top to expose the little rose in the center. But that's honestly just for aesthetics. Like that's not really serving a purpose. But I like to do it. [11:41] And then I'll season it with salt and then I'll steam them. Yes. Like, you know, an inch or two of boiling water, artichokes, prop them up. Do you take the fuzzy stuff out after they steam or before? [11:53] After they steam, it's so much easier. I think I learned that from you. I do have a video online on how to eat an artichoke. Okay, thank you for confirming my positive artichoke bias. I can't believe you have a dried one right in front of you. I know. Oh, also I was going to say, trim away like the tiniest leaves near the outside base of the sap. Of course, I'm not an animal. And then once you steam it, if any of the like... [12:15] leaves on the outer part are too tough, just discard them. But like, I don't trim it too far in advance. [12:20] Okay. I love to hear this. Okay. Listeners, I hope it's getting you hungry for artichokes. Thank you so much, Allison. What a pleasure. And I'm sure Greta will be so happy that we talked. So thanks again. I hope so. I love her so much. She's so wonderful. Bye. Bye. Bye, Leonard. [12:37] This episode is brought to you by Visible. How many of you are currently listening to this podcast on your phone? If you are chronically online, like we all are these days, your wireless

[12:50] unlimited 5G data and unlimited hotspot, all powered by Verizon's 5G network. The perks of big wireless for half the cost. Visible isn't just a wireless plan. It's unlimited wireless designed to always keep you connected and no contract holding you back. Switch today at visible.com. Plans start at $25 a month or get our premium Visible Plus Pro plan and save $10 [13:20] podcast listeners. Terms apply. See visible.com for planned features and network management details. [13:27] Hi. Hi, Bud. Oh, I just want to stare at you. Oh my God. Greta is here and she has her arms full of gifts. Okay. Yeah. Okay. So yeah, I have some flowers. It's a collection of natives and non-natives. People really care about that here. From your garden? From my garden. Come on. So, [13:50] some, you know, lemon verbena. And you wrapped it in a paper? People, this is a professional wrapping job with a rubber band and everything. This is gorgeous. Thank you. [14:03] There's more. I have this. Okay. What do you also have? It's like, I'm worried. You don't, you don't have a grocery store. Like you don't have access to this is from your garden. Yeah. And I have these eggplants. Honestly, you're helping me. I can't eat this all. Okay. I'm

[14:24] I don't like eggplant. I knew it. I'm so sorry. Get this out. Forget it. Get them out of here. I knew that was going to happen. I love how they look. Fuck. They're so funny. I love it as an emoji. Incredible. I know. But as a- You don't like the taste. It's too slimy. It's too slimy. No, but you can learn. You can, listen, this is the thing. Now I know there are a lot of things you can do with eggplant. Okay, what about kale? You like kale, right? I love kale. [14:54] obsessed with kale. This looks like dinosaur kale. Yeah, dinosaur kale and curly kale. Oh my god. There are avocados. Incredible avocados from people listening. They're huge. Yeah, they're huge. You can't eat them for like a year. [15:13] You can't, like, don't even give it back. [15:16] Just leave it here. It's like decoration. Don't even look at it. Don't touch it for like at least a year. [15:24] That's an oro blanco. Excuse me? See, it's a cross between a pomelo and a white grapefruit. They're delicious. Wow. It's really nice in an alcoholic beverage with... [15:39] This is a Mexican lime. Wow. It's yellow. It's wonderful. And some of the lemon verbena, you can put like flowers in your drink. Greta, I live in LA now. What's happened? Hi, remember me? I know you're very LA. This is very LA. Look. You have your own kale.

[15:58] Greta brought her own kale. This is bad. She brought her own kale. I mean, in LA, you have to have it in your car. Yeah, at all times. [16:09] Well, that is, is it? Yeah. Oh, gosh. That's success. Thank you. We have done so much stuff together. We have. I was like looking at what we've worked on together. And I want to talk about all of it. We've worked in Broad City. We worked on a show called Old Soul. We worked on Sisters, Russian Doll. [16:25] And I just want to start by saying, here's what I love about you. Not only are you super talented and so good at so many things, but I feel like you, how I would describe you is you are a person who takes their work seriously, but not themselves seriously. Oh. Would you think, would you agree that that's kind of true? Yeah, I do. Yeah. I agree. Yeah. Next question. Okay. So how did we first meet? How did we first meet? Because I don't remember when we met. [16:52] I mean, we met on some project that we worked on, but which one? Did I audition for you first? I mean, I'm sure we've met. Was it Broad City? [17:01] Maybe. Maybe? Well, it's... [17:02] That time in New York... [17:05] gets really confusing to me. Agree. Same. And I feel like I end up talking about it a lot because, you know, once you, you get in the habit of telling your story of how you started it and then you're like telling the story and then soon you're like, I don't even, is this, did I, am I lying? Cause it's easier just to say the story. And then, you know, I was on girls and

[17:35] And women in comedy. And there was this moment. It was very distinct, too. Because I think I was... [17:41] observing it somewhat from the outside a little bit because I was coming off of doing theater and I was like really just I want to do straight theater. Yeah. [17:50] Abby and Alana and, you know, you and Tina and Maya and everyone on SNL, riding the wings of that into Lena and Schumer and everyone. It was really, it was big. I want to talk about going back because it's so interesting you bring up the theater part because in researching you, I did not know that you, before I met you, had already been on the West End. No one cares. No one cares about that. [18:20] about that. You do? No, really. Are you kidding me? First of all, I don't know how people do it. So I want to ask you. Okay. Okay. But hold on. Okay. Going back even farther. Mm-hmm. [18:32] Your mom. Classically trained pianist? Yeah. [18:36] Your dad, doctor. Yeah. What kind of doctor? He is a physical therapist. I need him. Do you? Yeah, let's go. What do you need? What's wrong? Well, I said I wasn't going to bring it up. [18:50] My fucking frozen shoulder is back, dude. Oh, no. I know. He can help with that. Okay, so I need his number. Yeah, Dr. Lee. And please, nobody call in. Nobody call in. This isn't even a call-in show. Wait, is that possible? I don't know. Do you want him to call in?

[19:06] Nobody call in. Please don't give me your advice about frozen shoulder. I know all of it. I know all of it. And I appreciate it, but I can't. Okay. We're cutting all this. I'm sweating. You're going to cut out. I'm sweating. Okay. Your dad is a physical therapist. [19:21] So you have a left brain, right brain household growing up. Yeah. Sure. What was that? Is that true? Yeah. I mean, I guess that's what they say. They're like, I don't know. My parents are weird. They're so amazing. Tell me. They're wild. [19:36] They are, okay, well, I just took them to the Dior show. I saw that. I know. So nice. But here's the thing, you know, they invited themselves. [19:47] Like, everyone is talking about what an incredible daughter I am. Okay, okay. I got a text from my mom that was a screen grab of... [19:55] a picture of LACMA. This is a venue for the show. Yeah. And she was like, [19:59] I didn't say anything, just a picture of that. And an announcement that said, Dior Crucia will be at LACMA with the new David Geffen Gallery. And I kind of, I just, I didn't really respond right away, which I think made it worse. You just gave it like a heart? Yeah, I was like, yeah. You sent an eggplant emoji. It was confusing. It was very confusing. And she's like, I hate it when you do this. [20:25] And no, she invited herself. She was like, so I'm coming. [20:29] Yeah, and your dad's coming too because it's not fair. He's coming too. If I'm coming, which is funny because I was like, I didn't say you're coming. Okay, let's break this down though because do you feel obligated?

[20:42] To... [20:43] say you can say no. I could, but no, actually I can't. Okay. Okay. No. Okay. Okay. Because that's the dynamic. A little bit when it comes to certain things. I also, okay. I mean, to be fair, I go to these things and it's, it's exciting, but to go with your parents, to go with my parents, it is something special. I mean, they've never been to a fashion show before. What did they think of it? [21:10] They were amazed. Yeah. They touched everything. They wanted everything. They took these blankets that were meant to keep people... They grabbed all of them. They have so many now. I mean, it was incredible. I don't know. I think they were... [21:27] Because sometimes they get shy. I don't know if you have this with family or relatives. I wish. I wish my parents were shyer. Okay. So they're not. They go right up to like anybody. To like, yeah. They'll go to like Broadway. We're big fans of yours. Yeah. We want a picture before the night's over. Like that kind of thing. They're the demanding type. Yes. Yeah. Like a little entitled. My parents were not shy. Are not shy. My parents. The thing, I would rather that. But what makes it even more confusing is they're both. [21:57] switch. They're either like, so like cosplaying, like some sort of like silent, shy, demure thing. And then it'll just switch to super aggressive, super demanding, you know, do you know who my daughter is? Like that kind of stuff. But your parents are first, are you first gen? Um, they immigrated and had me here. So I'm the first person in my family

[22:27] met there and then they spoke Korean in the home or mostly English? Korean was my first language. Yeah. I had a really fucked up accent actually, because we moved. By kindergarten, I was in Brooklyn and I had, we were living in Canarsie and I had like a Korean Brooklyn accent. What does that sound like? They won't tell me. I want to know so bad. Is there anyone that has that accent now that we can? I keep pointing back at people. I'm like, like her? Like that? [22:57] that. I'm dying to know. Oh, how funny. Well, I mean, I want to talk about language in general, because a lot of your work is like, [23:06] Circles around that, especially the most beautiful film, my favorite film of the past five, ten years, past lives. Sisters, yeah. That's right. Yeah. But you're a little kid. You... [23:19] do singing competitions? Classical singing? Yeah. What's the difference between classical singing and singing? Um, well, it was like, it was opera. It was. Okay. There we go. It was another way to say opera. Uh-huh. Yeah. Well, yeah. But I, I did things like, oh, I, I won like the Bach festival. I'm like, it's just so, what was I doing? I was just like being smart [23:49] My siblings, both my siblings can sing pretty much every Italian aria because of me. Wow. Like they hate singing it at me now. But that's like, I was so into it. You were singing Italian arias at what age? I mean, middle school. I started in middle school. I was like a conductor of a children's choir at one point. Oh my God. Did they ask you to do it or did you just say it? No, they didn't ask me to do it. I just did it.

[24:19] They were like, why is she doing that? They were like, ma'am, you need to leave. Stop. Stop doing that. I mean, you're a big time achiever. I mean, you work really hard. I do. I want to stop doing that. Well, I mean, what is like a through line in all of your stuff? [24:35] is that and what I meant in the very beginning is like you really show up and you work really hard but there's an ease to when you work there there's not a striving vibe about you at all Greta but you are when you look at what you've done like before you arrived in New York before you were getting all those acting parts you were winning competitions and you were like studying theater and [24:56] In like Broadway shows. Basically, I had my first job right out of the gate in New York City actually was Law & Order SVU. I did one episode of those. Okay, pause. Yes. Okay, so... [25:11] We love Law & Order at this show. Yes, you do. We've interviewed Mariska, the great Mariska Hargitay. Yeah, I did a scene with her. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Now, I tend to sometimes... [25:23] Stay a little bit away from SVU because... Too sexy. Well, that's one way to put it. [25:32] Why? Mariska's too damn sexy. Because I get worried about, like, is it going to be... Is a girl going to be in the drawer? Is she hanging from the pole? Okay, so... It's a lot. What... I was in the incest episode. I knew it.

[25:49] I was so afraid to ask. It was such good residuals. [25:53] It's not so upsetting. It did so well. Oh, God. Wait, okay. So you were... That is the thing. I wanted... The young version of me wants to be an SVU or Law & Order, but you... Okay, it's a really big deal. But so imagine, though, that's my first job, right? Sure. And I call my parents, my immigrant parents, and I'm like, I did it. Oh, my gosh. Okay, it's airing this time. And they... You didn't tell them what it... No, I'm not going to tell them. [26:23] Like, okay. [26:25] Mariska! I don't know what, I don't know what they thought. What do you remember about shooting that with Mariska and team? Oh, just, I was like terrible. Like, you know, the bells are like, meh, meh. Like, I had no idea what I was doing. People don't know that sometimes when you're in like a big studio, before they start the scene, they like ring this giant scary bell. Like a tornado's coming. Yeah. [26:53] to act. Yeah. And they're like, now go cry. Yeah, exactly. Did you have to cry? What did I have to do? Oh no, I had to, I was the roommate of the victim. Okay. That's, that's better. So I wasn't participating in the incest. Thank God. Great. So you just were around. You were like, I was like, I didn't do it. I didn't do it. Kind of. Kind of. Oh man. You were like, I don't know. She was here

[27:23] Yeah. All right. Putnam Spelling Bee is the next big job. Yeah. What is it like to do shows? How did you—I mean, you're a young person at the time. But what did you do to prep and get ready? I'm always very curious about people that are on Broadway. Yeah. Yeah. The seven shows or eight shows a week. I don't know. I think a lot of things happening. Because I also—I graduated from Northwestern, which was— [27:49] a Big Ten school. Like, it was an incredible theater program and all of that, but it's also a Big Ten school. So I learned how to, like, do, like, a keg stand and made all kinds of friends from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. And it was very formative. Yeah. And I kind of... [28:05] Um, then was bringing that sort of like, oh, I'm going to like move to New York City and become an artist and live like a Sex and the City fantasy. [28:14] but I had a very intense full-time job and you kind of, it takes so much discipline. And I think that, you know, [28:23] It was hard. I bet. I was 21. Yeah. I was 21, 22 trying to figure out how to be a responsible professional, show up on time. Yeah. You know, every time. Right. But you're on the West End. I want to ask you about Mark Rylance. Yes. I love him. He's an incredible actor. Yes, he is. He's an incredible actor. [28:42] Yes. That whole experience was also very unique, very special. We did a play called La Bette. It was set in 16th century France and it was in iambic pentameter. My character only spoke in words that rhymed with blue.

[29:00] Oh, dear. [29:02] Well. You say, oh, dear. Yeah. Oh, dear is right. That would definitely be one of those things that I would show up and I'd be like, oh, man, I wish I knew this. No, I think you would be like, yes. Really? I'd be into it? I think you would. Okay, cool. But this is like when I guess in talking about this, I'm like, God, life is long. I'm like, I, wow. There's like so much stuff people have no idea about. [29:29] You have toggled between very dramatic and very comedic, which few people can do well. And you have gone back and forth and back and forth. I don't know why. Well, because you're really good at both. Stop being so good at both. Stop being good at both. I don't know. I mean, I'm always worried that we're going to lose you. [29:49] Because you're so naturally funny, [29:53] That. You are going to lose me into my garden. I'm going to go in there and never come back. You're going to make jokes to the eggplants. They're going to get bigger and bigger. And they're funny. And they're funny already. I'm going to become that. Yeah. No, I'm afraid we're going to lose you to like the drama world. Oh, you won't. Okay. All right. Whatever. No. Okay. So then here's something fun. Okay. You and I have something in common that I don't think we ever talked about, which is that we both worked in restaurants. Yeah. [30:20] Yeah. [30:22] I do think there is like a very specific type of person that works in restaurants, especially like New Yorkie restaurants. Yeah. And you're younger than me, but I imagine we at the same time in our lives worked in like kind of like fancy restaurants in New York. So we do something on the podcast where we ask a friend or someone to speak well behind your back and give me a question. We talked to Allison Roman today. Oh, my goodness. Yes. Oh, my gosh. You're a Brooklyn buddy. Yes.

[30:52] and we were talking about [30:55] She was talking about so many things that she loves about you, your ease as a person and as a host, your incredible style and like how you don't make anybody feel bad that you're the prettiest, coolest person. [31:10] You never make us feel bad about it, which thank you, Greta. And and also just your work ethic, like how you have this way of. [31:20] of, uh, of, uh, [31:23] kind of getting things done that feels like somebody who used to work in the restaurant. [31:29] Because you were working with her, right? Yes. Where were you guys working together? We were working for David Chang at the Momofuku restaurants. What was that like? That was a hot restaurant. It was fucking crazy. It was so fucking crazy. Crazy. I just. So hard. [31:47] So, so hard. Yeah. But that time in New York, though, it's like. What year was that? [31:53] 2007 2008 to I don't know I mean I was there on and off for a good five years maybe more yeah like I go do a job I book something and think like oh goodbye I'd have like a big goodbye like I'm never coming back yeah like and then see ya like oh and like pick up the tab you know oh my god my friends who worked in finance I'd like book like one one commercial and be like I

[32:23] Bath eats buddies. Don't even worry about it. And then just come crawling back. Yeah. But that time for food was really exciting. I bet. Because it was like David Chang. And we're friends now. We have kids the same age. And, you know, we live really close. And we have mutual friends. And it's funny reminiscing about that time collectively. Because there's just, it's like chefs were rock stars. Yeah. And being a part of that was really exciting for all of us. What's it like working at, like, a restaurant that is so hot? [32:53] you know, that everybody wants to get to. What was the, what was it like? I was so powerful. Yeah. Yeah. [32:58] I was a hostess. I was like basically encouraged to be mean. So great. Incredible. Yeah. Okay, as a past hostess of a very fancy restaurant, what would you say to people never works? Oh. You know what I mean? Like when would people get— [33:17] What would they do that you'd be like, absolutely not? The culture was different then. And you would easily tell someone, okay, it's going to be four hours. That's not even within a stretch of a meal time. Like dinner time is over. If you're starting, four hours is crazy. Four hours is basically fuck off. Four hours to get seated or four hours to eat? Four hours to get seated. [33:47] someone like and they're like thank you mistress may I have another yeah do I just wait over here or do I like do you want my phone number like no go away that's what that means yeah four hours means it's not happening yeah it's not happening did you ever have people try to slip you cash yeah and did they ever like try to like throw like fancy names around like yes but that I I think that that restaurant though I don't know where you worked that was really discouraged so

[34:17] Sure. I mean, I feel like when I was waiting tables, there was definitely a vibe of like a— [34:26] A finance vibe, I guess is the only way to say it. Where, and let's be honest, it was finance bros. Yes. Who were like, I'm willing to spend a lot of money here. Like that was the vibe. Like, I know you might have a system and reservations. Yes. But I'm very rich. Yes. I know. Like, I'm going to have so many oysters. [34:48] Where did you work? Where do you want a seafood restaurant? I worked at a place called Aqua Grill. Oh my God. Do you remember it? Yeah, girl. Rest in peace. [34:56] Oh, my gosh. You were one of those bitches. Oh, I see it now. Yeah, it was Soho. We were like a Soho gang. Yes. Congratulations to Soho. And it was very, like, seafood forward. A lot of oysters. Did you have to wear, like, a pressed shirt? A button down? Yeah, I had to wear a button down. And a button down. And I think it was a maroon apron. Oh, wow. Remember maroon was really big? Yes, I do. So Allison's question. Sorry, so let me get back to Allison. [35:26] I thought, which was like, what have you held on to from your restaurant dates? Like, how does it help you? [35:34] as an actor does it do you think about any of that like is there any connection to what you do now [35:40] I think like, you know, the expression being in the weeds, what that can feel like and, and, and like the crush of it and how exhausting it is. And I feel like that part that, I don't know, that kind of like, like multitasking, extreme multitasking. Yeah. What we do. Yeah. I was, I was like thinking about like something I shot where I was drowning. Oh my God. Acting. I know. Acting is so weird. So weird. Why do we do it?

[36:10] No, I hate it. I hate it too. I do. So why did you have to drown in this recent? Yeah. Is it? Mm-hmm. Okay, so you were drowning. It's not for Toy Story. [36:20] It's in that other movie. Spoiler alert. But did you know, Amy, that acting like you're drowning for something is just drowning? I can't. Did you know that? This is why you shouldn't do drama. I'm telling you this now. Don't do it. There's no reason. Don't do it. It's not worth it. And even getting in water. [36:40] Absolutely not. No. No swimming, nothing. No. So yeah, right. They're like, okay, so do the fake drowning. Yeah. It's like, okay, I guess it's the swallowing water. You have to choke and you have to, and when it's really good, they don't know if you're acting or if you're, [36:58] dying oh how are they gonna know that and they tell you things like well you give them the same signal like hand signals like but if you're dying how are you gonna give the signal yeah you can't give them the signal because it really breaks the mood it does break the mood yeah and also you want to be good so inherently if you're like oh it turns out maybe you don't um but if you are [37:28] to distinguish between real and not, you know. Well, this goes under a thing I like to say, don't be good at things you don't want to do. Right. So if you're good at the drown, you're going to get asked to do it again. Oh my God. So be careful. Because if that scene...

[37:45] There is a lot of it. Yeah, and they're going to be like, let's get Greta. She's good. You have to get scuba certified? Oh, my God. No scuba. No scuba. People should not scuba. Sorry, I have a lot of hot takes today. But scuba, absolutely not. [38:05] Are you looking for support in your weight management journey? ZepBound Terzepatide may be able to help. ZepBound is a prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity. Or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. ZepBound is approved as a 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, or 15 milligram injection. [38:35] and should not be used with other terzepatide-containing products or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Zeppound is safe and effective for use in children. Don't share needles or pens or reuse needles. [38:47] Don't take if allergic to it, or if you or someone in your family had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you've had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck. Stop ZepBound and call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or a serious allergic reaction. Severe side effects may include inflamed pancreas or gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you experience vision changes before scheduled procedures with anesthesia. If you're nursing, pregnant, plan to be, or taking birth control pills.

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[40:54] windows.com slash student offer. While supplies last, ends June 30th. Terms at aka.ms slash collegepc. [41:03] Okay, you have two boys. Yeah. And I'm the mother of two boys. Mm-hmm. And they are how old? Okay, let's see. Apollo is nine now, and Raph just turned seven. So having a seven and nine-year-old, those are kind of delicious times for boys. What's it like being the mom of boys? Ugh. Ugh. [41:24] I'm obsessed with them. Yeah. Oh, God. Yeah. I love them so much. Yeah. Oh, it's so annoying. Yeah. They're your little husbands. They are. They're my little husbands. Yep. Oh, yeah. Okay. No, they're better than husbands. That's too weird, right? Yeah, it's scary. They're your best friends. They're your best friends. Slash son husbands. No. Let's get it right. How have you changed from being, like, because you're a mom now? What's different? I mean, everything's changed. [41:54] Everything's changed. I, God, I'm also a boy mom. And I think that is specific. And I never thought about that one way or the other. And I look at other moms who are not boy moms. I'm like, oh. Okay, let's talk about it because I also am a boy mom. Wait, how old are yours now? My guys are getting old. They're like 15, almost 16 and 17. No. Yeah, they're. Oh, no. 15 and 17. No. They're like, yes, I know. [42:24] Like, [42:24] driving and out in the world and... Oh, God. I know. And almost voting and...

[42:31] But I want to talk about it because, you know, there's a joke about boy mom, but there is something very interesting about. Wait, what's a joke about boy mom? Well, the joke is kind of that boy moms are, I guess, like a little more worn down because, you know, not all boys, of course, but and not all people, kids that identify as male. But in general, you have to play. Yes. There's a lot of play. Why do you think I'm so tan? [43:01] You're just always outside playing. I'm just outside. I'm like running on the bicycle. That's what I mean. I'm like... [43:10] I'm doing stuff. I know. With the boys. I know. You're like, it's always like camp. It's like, let's go. Run them out. Yeah. Let's go. Every day. Yeah. You got to run them like dogs. You do. Yeah. And, and, um, uh, yeah. Cause, and I'm also talking about how much I want them to be outside and how much I want them to be in their bodies. And so what does that mean? I have to be outside. Like I want them to play soccer. I'm playing soccer. Like I want them to, I'm, I'm doing all of it. Do you like doing it? [43:40] are you an athletic person yeah yeah yeah i do like it yeah did you play sports and like what was your sport i did i was like i this i'm such an actor i was always like good enough i'm really good at faking it oh my god me too you know what i mean i was good with chatter yeah like i didn't really quite have the athletic thing but i was i was really good at the talk yeah same yeah same but sometimes i get it wrong and the kids are like what are you doing like what are you fast

[44:10] I knew it. Incredible. I know. But what's that like? Again, had to do that for a movie. Oh God, that's right. Don't do it. Don't, don't run in a movie. Don't worry. Nobody's going to ask me to run for a movie. It is so hard. It's so, so hard. Running is so hard. You run. It's bad for you. It's actually bad for you. I absolutely agree. Yeah. I had to run in something where. What [44:40] I was going to be killed if I didn't run for my life. Okay? So if you think about that movie and you think about, like, the end, like, no, I'm going to say, like... [44:50] half of that movie, my character is running for her life. And I'm not like, [44:56] You just have to sprint. There's no way to train for that. And my character isn't a marathon runner, so it doesn't justify me. Like, it's just like me in this state, then suddenly running like, I don't know, like 13 miles. Like in one, you know, a night shoot where I'm just. What? I broke. Yeah. Again, I was like, why am I doing this? You ran 13 miles? I measured. And yeah, with. [45:22] I forgot how many takes we did where this one, well, yeah, this is a shot where I was like running along the length of a pier and they had to bring in the, we shut down production because the next day I took one step and I couldn't, I couldn't, [45:35] Walk. Yeah. Of course. Yeah. Because you basically ran a half marathon without any training. Oh, my God. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I train – I train –

[45:44] I trained, but I didn't train in the right way. I mean, I didn't know how, like, I didn't know how. I remember doing Blades of Glory, this ice skating movie. And we had an incredible, like, ice dancing coach who, like, was in the Olympics. And she would just... [46:00] be teaching me. And I was like, [46:02] I'm not going to be able to do this. Like, I am an actor. I will try my best. But there's, I can't learn how to be an ice dancer. I don't, if you gave me 15 years. If you gave me all the money in the world. Like, we're going to have to, we're going to work around this. So you would just tell her this and then what would she say? Well, really good coaches, you know, they just are like, they're like, yeah, but you got this. [46:32] No. And I'm like, I do not have this. [46:36] And to your point about the chatter, I would... [46:39] We would have our, like, workouts, which I dreaded, even though she was so wonderful. And... [46:47] I learned, I was like, oh, you know what? If I get a little coffee in her and ask her a couple questions, I can burn some of this time because we only had an hour. So I would buy her coffee and we'd sit. And I remember she would sit in front of the clock and we'd be right behind her and I'd be like, what is going on with your daughter? [47:04] And she'd be like, okay, well, we have to get to work. But anyway, and she would, because I was like, please don't put me on the ice. Anyway. Yeah. Did you train, but you now run on your own in life. Okay, good.

[47:17] Thank God. God, don't run again. No. Don't ever run again. It's really bad for you. Don't do it. Okay. When I met you, you had... [47:26] done a bunch of TV. Like you said, you were on Broad City, you were on Girls, you were doing a bunch of different things. And we worked together on a show called Old Soul with Natasha Leone, a pilot that did not get picked up. Right. And was a basic idea was Natasha was kind of the youngest person in a group of very old people. And we gathered these incredible actors, Fred Willard, Richard Benjamin, Alan Burstyn, Marla Gibbs, Rita Moreno. Yes. And [47:56] It was a crazy cast. Shot, not picked up. Yeah. Insane. Insane. What do you remember about this? Do you have any memories of that time? I remember Rita Moreno told me I was on my phone too much. [48:09] It was so funny. It really wasn't. I still think about it. It's like one of those things that you just can't, I can't let go of that. I was barely, and I'm not on social media now. I don't consider myself to be addicted. I'm not. I wasn't. [48:26] But she told me I was. It's funny. I'm having a memory that I did a movie with... [48:31] uh charles groden a movie called the x and he said you're always on your phone and i put my phone down like i remember just being like thank you for that feedback but rita rita gave it to you yeah she did yeah um but she also she i think she had just written a book or i don't she was giving a lot of sort of like yeah life advice and sort of her take on things and yeah

[49:01] crew, I remember it feeling like such a sure thing. I know. I know, right? Okay. And then we worked together on Sisters. Yes. Which is a movie for people. Paula Pell wrote it. Me and Tina were in it. It was a crazy talented cast, none of whom worked enough, in my opinion. It was like weeks and weeks. Why? What? How? It makes no sense. What was happening? I don't know. It was [49:31] Bobby Moynihan, just like at craft service, just like... Just there. Waiting for so long. Because that sinkhole, remember there was that soundstage. That's right. We had to be... [49:43] It was indoors. The house, like all the plants were dying. That's right. They were decomposing. Do you remember? Yeah, we had to build a sinkhole. That's right. It didn't start to smell. They built us, not you guys, but they built like Bobby, Kate, who else? John Glazer. Yeah. These little plywood cabins. Like little boxes to live in. They were like dog houses. To sit in? [50:13] I don't know what they wanted us to do in them, but that's what we had. And we were inside. Get in the box. Get in the box. And we would just wait. Why were we there for so long? That movie took so long. It did. And also, I can remember, because everybody on the, John Leguizamo, there were a lot of, like, very talented people on the movie. John Cena was there. John Cena was there.

[50:36] Um, Ike Barron holds so many people, but I can remember, and when you're smart enough to be working for a long time, there's definitely a feeling when you walk into something and you're like, okay, we're going to be shooting at like a sinkhole for two weeks. Yeah. Where you start to angle, like, you're like, do I, do you think my character is here? It needs to be here. Like, I wonder if she's already left the party. You are the sisters. Like, you, you are a sister. And you're like, could she have left the party? I feel like she's gone. [51:06] And there was a couple moments where, like, camera was shooting this way and whoever was in the background was like... [51:12] Oh, my God. Samantha Bee was like, I'm going to be in the background of this shot for the next two weeks. Oh, but so I apologize. Thank you. Thank you. I came here to accept this apology. Now I have it. But it's so nice, though, thinking about I feel like that doesn't happen anymore. I know. No one would say yes to that anymore. Everyone would be like, what? You actually can't. Everyone would be like, no, that's we have fought. Our unions have fought for you to not do that anymore. [51:42] against the wooden boxes. No, but I remember that time when we got to improvise together. And I feel like that scene that we got to do together is really funny. And I, but I'm curious if you think it still holds up. [51:57] Yeah. It does. Yeah, it does. I think it does too. Why? Because it's tricky territory. So there's a scene in the film where Greta's character is playing like who you, what you first think is like this kind of submissive, quiet, but like secretly angry. Nail technician. Nail technician who you think cannot speak English very well. And is just kind of like dealing with these ridiculous women. And my character is doing that like gross kind of

[52:27] Tell me about you, you know, and how do you pronounce your name and all that stuff. Right, and let me save you. Yes, exactly. Very white savior bullshit. And we are doing it back and forth. And— [52:37] But it does walk a little bit of a line. And it is the bigger question for me about like, [52:44] In your career, I'm sure you've had to decide over and over again, do I want to play a [52:50] a character that could seem stereotypical. Do I want to, do I want to speak Korean in this part? Do I want to like, like, [52:57] What has that been like for you to have to try to figure that out? Everybody has to kind of figure out how they're going to [53:03] exploit what they naturally know how to do at the beginning of their career, but it's not always based on their ethnicity. So like, how do you, how do you juggle that or manage that or have you? It's annoying. It's annoying to navigate. But with that... [53:20] That was an easy decision for me because, and I, and I understand the kind of the conversation around it and what was tricky to navigate. Um, but it's just, it's people like I, I have so much love for Hewan because like, [53:40] I know that chick. I know her. I know her so deep. And I, some of my funniest experiences, um, at nail salons, I was Maura. I, you know, it was, it's switched. And I think that scene also works because, you know, status is inverted and, and, and,

[54:01] I think that it's, [54:03] Easy to assume. And I think it's easy to assume if you are not in the marginalized position to assume like, oh, no, like this is this is hurtful or this is. [54:16] But I think when you're looking at people, and for me in that moment, she is in total control. Yeah. It's so funny. Totally. And I've been in that situation at the nail salon. That's the thing about comedy. It's tricky, right? It's like if it's funny, then there's something that's striking the right chord, but you can't always figure out what it is. And it's not funny unless it's true. Yeah. [54:46] And I felt like what we were doing and what the opportunity was, was a chance to play something that rang very true for me. And I could see, I knew it was going to be funny. I knew she was going to be funny. And there were many opportunities for her to come alive and like, yeah, be a person. Yeah. Yeah. And then you play someone completely different in Russian Doll. [55:16] Birthday baby. [55:17] Let's get ready to party. Like the version of like who you want to have greet you at the door, like the ultimate hostess. Yeah. And also... [55:27] just this kind of like lost but free spirit, like so aspirational, this woman. What was your experience like on Russian Doll? What is it like to say a line over and over again? And like for that line to become so iconic and like also to be on a show that was such a hit. Yeah. Yeah.

[55:45] How wild was that? I mean, well... [55:49] You know that first I said no. Yeah. I was like, there's no way. I was, I just felt like, I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to say. Do you remember why you said no? Yeah. It was like, I don't know how to say the same line again and again. Yeah. I asked you, I said, can we just shoot it once and you can reuse that? Right. Right. [56:07] And you said no. [56:10] So for people who don't know, I produced Russian Doll along with Natasha and Leslie Hedlund, and we were talking about [56:19] Greta's character specifically being like this reset. You are the reset. You're kind of home for that character. You really are a safe person. You play us, even though you play this twinkly, sparkly, like, um, adventure, crazy lady, you are safe. Yes. And they're with the chicken and it's like, yeah. [56:49] What was it like to do it? Was it like, did you get into it? Well, I said the line, I think that way once. And... [56:57] Then I realized that was the way I had to say it every single time. And I can't say it felt like I had landed like the perfect way I wanted to say it. It was already done. Like I was like, that's, that's the one. Okay. Great. Moving on.

[57:18] Let's get her in. Let's get her. Let's get to her drowning. Yep. Okay, good. Let's get to the drowning scene. Start running. Okay, moving on. Yeah. [57:27] That... [57:29] I love acting with Natasha. Yeah. [57:32] My buddy Tosh. Yeah. And it's been some time, but there is this thing with her where I feel it feels different for me than other people that I've acted with. There's something different. [57:46] There's something that happens when I act with her. And that was true for Russian Doll, too, because it's not... [57:53] I can't say that there... [57:56] I could lie and tell you that I came up with some like insane backstory and boarded like each time we went back. But it wasn't it wasn't that it was just about friendship. Yeah. And like it's just like a connection that you have with someone. And Natasha over the years, I just like she's just one of those people that I had like a very instant connection with. Yeah. And you just look into those huge fucking eyes and you are just so locked in and. [58:25] And it's just, it's so nice. Yeah. It's, it's, I think it's what anchored that show was the genuine chemistry between the two of you. Because you had worked together. You really had such great respect for each other. You worked so well together. And that show is about like... [58:41] who, who is, who are my chosen family? Who are the people that are going to be like at my birthday party, saving me from myself? Like, who are they going to be? And you can't really fake that. And you definitely had that. Yeah. Okay. But now I'm moving on to drink.

[59:02] - [59:03] Is it weird that I'm drinking Diet Coke, honestly? Like, I feel like... No, I do. You are the first guest to have a soda. And it is in a clear glass, which we probably forced you to do. Yeah. You know what? I'm so tired. I'm just tired. Now, is that a straight-up Coke or a diet? It's a diet Coke. I mean, that's what was available. Yeah. You're not drinking any judgment here. [59:26] Sometimes you need a soda. Like a little soda. Yeah. Are you a coffee drinker? Yeah. Yeah. [59:31] And why are you so tired? [59:34] Too personal? No, I mean. What's going on with your sleep? Let's get to it. God. I know. Right? Look, I was like, I don't want to talk about perimenopause because this is like all in I know, dude. I just talked about my frozen shoulder. Your frozen shoulder. Which one is frozen? See, I brought it up again. I said to Jenna. Yeah. I was like, I'm not. I said, I'm like, not going to talk about it because it's like, it makes me feel so old. And women out there are suffering. You're not old. You're beautiful. [1:00:01] an old old crone i'm an old crony witch who can't lift her arm i'm trailing behind you i'm right there left left shoulder millennials are just getting old and i'm here to tell you as gen x yeah first of all welcome like we welcome you like coming on the other side of it is not bad it's actually kind of nice to not be young like considered young it's kind of nice and [1:00:24] But you have a frozen shoulder. But it's a nightmare for the body. It's a nightmare for the body. Every day. No. The body. I know. It's happening. I don't know. I don't actually drink soda. I am today.

[1:00:39] You know what I mean? Do you remember when we were kids? Do you remember when we were kids? Where you're like, yeah. Whatever it takes. Yeah. Let's try it. What is your sleep routine? What do you like to do? Like, how do you talk to me about your nighttime routine? My nighttime. Well, when I'm home, right? [1:00:54] And I'm too much travel. Yeah. [1:00:56] Too much travel? What? Yeah. You're traveling for work. Oh, yeah. The travel. Yes. Yeah. Too much. Like, oh, my God. I was in Korea two weeks ago, three weeks ago. Okay, this is why you're so tired. But yeah, but. What were you doing in Korea? I was, it was a film festival. Well, speaking of Korea, and thank you for that transition. Past lives. What? Greta. Yes. I believe I may have texted you. I think you did. I mean, that movie is spectacular. Your performance in it, everyone's doing. [1:01:26] performance in it. Celine is so beautifully directed. Yeah. [1:01:31] It's just like we were talking about it earlier today in anticipation of this, and we were just talking about like the meditative quality of it, the rhythm of it, like the music of it. It's like everyone is watching and being watched at different times. It's this beautiful triangle. Mm-hmm. [1:01:48] The actors are so great. You are so good in it. It must feel so wonderful to be in such a good movie. [1:02:00] Does it? [1:02:05] It feels so good. It must. It feels so good. Of course. It's so good. It feels good to be in a good movie.

[1:02:18] You want it all the time. That's what you want. I know. Your performance in it is so beautiful. All the awards. Thanks. And like, I know the award season is long over. That's been amazing. Did you win? I don't even know. Did you win? Shit. No. I wasn't even nominated. What? In the end. Yeah. But you know, no one even knows that. No one knows. Yeah. No one knows. I just pretend. 100%. No one ever remembers who won. [1:02:48] Yeah, I'd be a award winner. Incredibly, no one would notice. I wouldn't have corrected you. No, no. That's bullshit, of course. What does Celine like to work with? You know, it was her first movie. Crazy. I think it was her first time on a set. Celine Song, the director of Past Lives. So was it just Collaboration City there? Yeah, it was its own thing. Yeah. I'm never going to have anything like that. [1:03:18] Like, oh, we're making something that is going to be something. You did. You felt it at the time. You could. You could feel that. And it felt very, yeah, extremely collaborative. She'd done a lot of theater and it was so personal. And it was just everyone was taking such a big risk, too. Like, I had no idea if I was going to be able to act in Korean. Yeah. And also, I'd never been the number one in a movie on the call sheet ever before.

[1:03:48] I'd never done drama in that way. Like I hadn't done realism. Okay. You'll understand this. I had, I realized this, this instinct that I needed to turn off where I would improvise my face off. And I needed to turn, I needed to stop doing that. Where I would fill the silence with jokes. Can you imagine past lives with like, what's that, bagel? Where'd you get that, Russ and daughter? [1:04:18] You speak in my language. She'd be like, stop. Stop that. [1:04:26] I'd be like, what? [1:04:30] Which is all such an immature response. Like, what? What? I'm not doing anything. [1:04:35] The whole idea that the camera was going to stay on my face was... [1:04:41] with nothing happening. I, it was like, I could not handle it. I could like, I would, I would be like, cut, cut. We got it. Just long shots. Just looking out the window. Yes. For so long. Yes. It's that is, thank you for sharing that because I so relate. Yeah. It is like my hardest thing to [1:05:11] betweenness of it all. Right. And that film does that [1:05:14] beautifully like you that dreamy quality of the in-betweenness of everything whatever you had to adjust you adjusted perfectly because it is so I recommend to anybody who has not watched past lives

[1:05:31] I mean, it's my favorite kind of like melancholy, nostalgic, like kind of happy, sad, love- [1:05:40] dream. And yes, it was a side of you that I, of course I knew that you had, but I don't think a lot of people I got to see, which is to your point, the kind of like space given to you and given to the project was really amazing. Yeah. I think at one point I counted how many seconds was the longest, longest number of seconds that I'd been in one take, like literally for the [1:06:10] Yeah. Wow. Really wild. Um, well, you know what? It makes me, it leads me to the question that I, [1:06:16] Like, and I want to form the right question because I, I, it's, [1:06:20] The idea of being looked at and watched in general, even though we're in this profession and you would think we would be comfortable with it. I don't like it. And yet... [1:06:30] What are we doing? No, but you are fashion... Like, you are... [1:06:37] A fashion icon, Greta. I don't like people looking at me. You're basically a model. I don't. You wore, you're so, you have the best clothes in the world. You're incredible at posing. [1:06:47] Thanks. [1:06:49] And there's something that comes over you. Yeah. Where you like. It's acting. It's acting. It's like character acting. Yeah. I think when ever since I was really little, I just wanted to be a male character actor. Yes. Like I wanted to be one of the guys. And I, and I think that posing on a red carpet is not anything close to like, you know, De Niro or like.

[1:07:17] - Uh huh. [1:07:18] is when I see you being like when, when we're all watching you on the, I'm just talking about like fashion carpet stuff. Cause it takes a certain, like you have to kind of withstand the, the, the gaze, the, the, the male gaze usually, but, but just the general gaze. [1:07:33] That... [1:07:34] you have this very solid foundation. [1:07:37] In that moment that is very De Niro-esque, which is, it's very baller. Like you, you have a very like, um, confident vibe and you know, you have great style and you know what you like to wear. I do. Where does that come from? And I have great people. Where does that come from? [1:07:55] I have great people working with me. Also, you're fucking Calvin Klein act. Jesus Christ. Oh, God. Oh, God. Running. But, you know, in that running. But the abs, dude. The abs? Oh, God. I mean, I don't want to objectify you, but you. What? What is going on with your body? It's like you're so ripped. I'm just. It was actually rude. [1:08:21] It was actually rude for people. [1:08:24] Okay. Okay. [1:08:27] Toy Story 5. Yes, Toy Story 5. [1:08:31] From Calvin Klein to Toy Story 5. Okay, Pixar. Yes. Is this your first time working with Pixar? Yeah. Can you talk about the character you are in Toy Story 5? Can we talk about it? I play the villain, the main new villain. Oh my God, exciting. I play an iPad.

[1:08:52] No, that's right. [1:08:55] Her name is Lily Pad. Oh, perfect. She's an iPad. Oh, wow. Yes. It was just fun. Yeah. And the movie, the movie's so good. Oh, I bet. It really... [1:09:05] Joan Cusack. Oh my God. I love her so much. What Joan does is just, I mean, oh my gosh. [1:09:15] I think I cried six times during like a screening. It was really embarrassing. Like with her and Tim. And I was just crying. Oh God, I love a Pixar cry. There's like nothing like it. This is such a good. I think if you like past lives, you are going to love Toy Story 5. I'm serious. That's an incredible tagline. I'm serious. I'm serious. [1:09:39] Oh, it's really good. It's really sad. Oh, I think I might be trying to put together what you're saying, but that sounds amazing. Yeah. Oh, wow. Speaking of Joan and things, people that we love and people who make us laugh, I always ask my guests, who are you listening to? What are you watching? What video, TV show, movie, what are you reading? Anything that you're doing [1:10:09] Are you ready? My something that I literally just started watching is my friend sending me these YouTube stain removal videos. OK, let's talk. OK, yeah. So there's there's one guy. I love stain removal. You love it, too. Yeah. Yeah. All right. Here we go. Yeah. So.

[1:10:31] What should we type in? Ink stain removal. Ink stain. Ink stain. I mean, let's start with the toughest ones. Ink stain is the toughest one. Okay. Let's see. Gentle, gentleman, gentleman's gazette. Okay. The right way is to remove ink stains. Okay. To remove ink stains. All right. So. Gentleman's gazette. Greta's been watching the right way to remove ink stains. Here we go. [1:11:01] I have got to get my commercials off YouTube. I think actually YouTube reached out and offered to take them away. And I was like, I don't, this just seems too hard. What do you mean? Like, what do you mean? I got to get a new account. I mean, it just seems too much. Okay. Oh, cute. Yeah, right? Okay. So this is a nice gentleman named Preston. This is a stain removal emergency. Go to this time to see our tips. [1:11:31] nice yeah oh so he tells you if it's an emergency skip the intro he's gonna tell you the first thing you need to do is make sure you get it off your hands i love this guy already yeah he's treating us like like we're idiots but sometimes if you found your way to this video then it's nice it's really nice and this is he's this is a condensed video now preston is pulling out a fountain pen

[1:12:01] use a fountain pen. [1:12:03] You only sign your contracts at the fountain pen. Yeah. Yeah. Wait, I know we're finishing up, but are you gardening now? Are you getting into it? Thanks for asking. I am. I'm getting into it. I'm getting into it. Wait. Yeah. Like, what's going on? What are you making? What are you growing? I'm... [1:12:20] Right now I've planted... [1:12:23] uh some lettuces like easy like lettuces lettuce is hard made it is it hard lettuce is hard lettuces shit lettuce is the hardest it looks so easy it's already done take it out take it out rip it out because it it's too hot for lettuce here oh because this is what i'm not gardening here honey i'm gardening on the east coast okay good then you're fine here then no way [1:12:53] East Coast. East Coast. But it's still going to be hot. Yeah. You're right. It does burn, doesn't it? Yeah. And it bolts. It flowers because it's too hot. [1:13:03] And then it gets better. I like that we're ending with gardening because you love gardening. I find it very gratifying. But now a lot of actors are doing it too. And I'm just like, oh, everyone's doing it. You're an actor. [1:13:19] I am? Yeah, I am. We just found out. Oh, God. Academy Award winning actor. [1:13:24] You heard it here first. That's right. Greta Lee. Yep. Love you, Greta. I love you so much. Thank you so much for doing this. Thanks for having me here. Of course. Thank you for my beautiful gifts of bounty. Yes. Enjoy it. And my gorgeous, my gorgeous produce. Yeah, you can't eat that avocado anytime soon. I can't lift this basket up with my shoulder. Yeah.

[1:13:44] Thank you so much, Greta Lee. You are so funny and talented and beautiful. [1:13:49] And it's just such a pleasure to get to talk to you. And, you know, Greta has done so many things and worked with so many great people. And we talked a little bit about Joan Cusack today. So for this Polar Plunge, I just want to remind everybody yet again about the genius that is Joan Cusack. I mean, you know her from Sixteen Candles, from Working Girl, from School of Rock, High Fidelity. [1:14:12] broadcast news, do yourself a favor, open up a bottle of wine and, and, and watch broadcast news tonight. Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter, [1:14:23] Joan Cusack, just... [1:14:26] film and comedy at its best. So thank you, Joan. Thank you, Greta. Thank you all for listening. And see you soon. Bye. [1:14:36] You've been listening to Good Hang. The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss-Berman, and me, Amy Poehler. The show is produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Kat Spillane, [1:14:48] Kaya McMullen and Alaya Zanaris. For Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss-Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.