Jurassic Park, Independence Day
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$40 Million
"I now, more and more, appreciate when I'm in a group of good people and get to work in good movies and projects. I'm wildly grateful and appreciative." Jeff Goldblum is an almost mythical figure in Hollywood. Known as much for his charming demeanor as he is for his 'out-there' roles, Goldblum has developed quite the reputation for himself.
Goldblum has experienced the heights that blockbuster stardom has to offer, thanks to starring roles in films like Jurassic Park and Independence Day. Goldblum has also turned himself into one of the finest character actors in the industry thanks to more understated performances in Portlandia, Isle of Dogs, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
No matter what you think you know about Jeff Goldblum, we're sure that there is still more to learn. So, in order to help relieve you of that burden, let's go back in time so that we can trace Goldblum's career to the heights that he currently enjoys.
Training Under Meisner
Jeff Goldblum was born on October 22, 1952, in Pittsburgh, PA. He was born to Shirley Jane Goldblum (1926 – 2012) and Harold Leonard Goldblum (1920 – 1983). Shirley had worked as a radio broadcaster and kitchen appliances sales manager. Harold had worked as a medical doctor for the United States Army during the heights of World War II. Jeff was raised with three siblings, two older brothers, and a sister.
During Goldblum's childhood, he spent a significant amount of time pursuing his creative side. Goldblum knew from an early age that he wanted to find a career in the entertainment world. Despite his passion for acting, Goldblum knew that he had to keep his aspirations a secret from his family and friends. Thankfully, Goldblum would have the chance to pursue his dreams at a relatively young age. Goldblum would move to New York City at the age of 17 in order to begin pursuing his career.
While in New York City, Goldblum worked on stage while studying theater at the Neighborhood Playhouse. Goldblum would appear in several theatrical productions before making his way to film. Goldblum was taught by the legendary acting coach, Sanford Meisner during this period of his life. With Meisner in his corner, Goldblum was able to make his Broadway debut in the musical, Two Gentlemen of Verona. Outside of his passion for theater, Goldblum was an avid jazz pianist. Goldblum claims that had acting not worked out, he would have instead pursued a career in music.
Sprawling and Prestigious Career
After making his way to New York City, Goldblum would almost sprint into the film industry. Despite spending several years working in the theater, Goldblum would be quick to make his transition onto the silver screen. Goldblum would make his film debut in the Charles Bronson film, Death Wish (1974) and from there, Goldblum would appear in a dozen films throughout the '70s. Among Goldblum's most notable early roles was Annie Hall (1977), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1980).
While Goldblum would find himself in a variety of film roles during the early portion of his career, the legendary performer wouldn't take that next step until his starring role in the 1986 film, The Fly. The film would earn Goldblum glowing reviews for his work as a scientist undergoing a terrifying transformation. Goldblum's work would be celebrated, and he would reunite with Geena Davis in the E.T. comedy, Earth Girls Are Easy (1989). Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum would enjoy a short relationship offset, staying together from 1987 to 1990.
As the 90s rolled into view, Goldblum would transform himself from a strong character actor into one of the biggest names in Hollywood. Goldblum was brought on board the Steven Spielberg project, Jurassic Park (1993). The film would end up launching Goldblum's career into the stars while simultaneously cementing his place in Hollywood history. Jurassic Park would spawn a number of sequels and Goldblum would appear in several of them including, The Lost World (1997) and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).
After Jurassic Park became a piece of cinematic history, Goldblum would find his way to a starring role in another hit franchise, this time with a science fiction theme. We are, of course, talking about Independence Day (1996). Goldblum would star alongside Will Smith en route to one of the biggest summer hits of all time. Again, Goldblum would reprise his role in the follow-up sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence (2016).
Despite his early blockbuster success, Goldblum was hesitant to completely pursue the traditional Hollywood route. Instead, Goldblum would star in his fair share of acclaimed independent films. Goldblum would land his only Oscar nomination for his work in the short film, Little Surprises (1996) alongside Tikki Goldberg. Goldblum would continue his critical ascent with co-starring roles in Igby Goes Down (2002), The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004), and Morning Glory (2010). Goldblum would start a prolific partnership with auteur director Wes Anderson as the two would follow up their Life Aquatic success with collaborations on The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) and Isle of Dogs (2018).
Most recently, fans have seen Jeff Goldblum in two dramatically different projects. First, Goldblum has become a frequent guest star on the hit indie TV series, Portlandia (2012). Goldblum has appeared in eight episodes over a six-year span as a number of different characters. The other major project that Goldblum has been tied to is the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the iconic character, the Grandmaster. Goldblum has appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 (2017) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017) to critical acclaim. Goldblum currently has several major projects in development, including an untitled collaboration with Tim Long.
When Goldblum isn't spending his time on set, he is likely to be spending time with his wife, Emilie Livingston, and their growing family. Livingston and Goldblum became engaged in 2014. The couple has since had two children together, sons River Joe and Charlie Ocean. Despite his out-there personality, Goldblum is notoriously closed off in his private life. What we do know is that Goldblum would have pursued a career in music had his work on television and in film not worked out.
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