Summary
John Magarohas quietly built one of the most impressive filmographies in Hollywood.
Magaro insists his priority is being an artist, not a movie star.
John Magaro is a star and any production would be lucky to have him.
Image via Paramount Pictures
The film recently scored an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and was deserving of far more.
The other film Magaro is in the midst of celebrating is hisSundance 2025selection,Omaha.
I still don’t expect to be a movie star.
Image by A24
That was always pretty clear.
I never expected to be a movie star.
Magaro continued:
When I graduated from college, I thought I would be doing regional theater.
That’s what I knew.
I grew up in Ohio.
Up until college, I really had very limited knowledge of cinema and film.
Image via Sundance Institute
Magaro stars as Doug Damian in the 2012David Chase-directed drama.
Ultimately Magaro delivered a winning performance in the film, but that almost wasnt the case.
I was just doing what I thought needed to be done.
Image via Sundance Institute
It was David Chase’s first film afterThe Sopranos.
He directed it, he wrote it, he cast me as the lead.
It was under Paramount Vantage, defunct Paramount Vantage, and it was a huge opportunity.
How Many Breakout Performances Can John Magaro Have?
That term is so loaded and kind of absurd.
That new approach to acting served Magaro exceptionally well.
Having a breakout moment can mean a multitude of things.
I don’t know if there is one.
So, I wouldn’t even say I’ve had a breakthrough moment.
Magaros trajectory upward has led him to snagging the role of Geoffrey Mason inTim FehlbaumsSeptember 5.
That meant it was vital for Magaro to learn everything it takes to run a live broadcast.
Thanks to Mason, theSeptember 5team was able to use the original recordings.
It’s just a really devastating scene, and it’s emotional for the character.
Wyatt was sort of like, he did his thing, and we rolled with him.
Wright is quite young, but Magaro already has full faith that shes bound for big things going forward.
And the same will likely be true of anyone who sees her strikingly commanding and devastatingly beautiful performance inOmaha.
It was kind of her first big role.
She did a TED talk.
Did you know that?
She’s like the youngest person to do a TED Talk.
Shes like a prodigy.
It was a Dick Wolf show.
I forgot all my lines, forgot everything.
Then you realize on film you’re able to just do it again.
So,what Jim did for me, I started to apply to her.
As for Magaros own performance inOmaha, its absolutely shattering.
Hes holding it together for his kid, but theres a crushing truth thats about to bubble over.
It’s all hard.
I mean, the thing about the flooding out, you know where you’re going.
So, yeah, that’s a frightening place.
