Jonah Hill has shocked audiences with both his tremendous weight loss and unforeseen ability to take on serious roles. What’s behind the Superbad actor’s major transition?
Jonah Hill is barely recognizable from his Superbad frat house days. The 27-year-old, first introduced to movie-goers as an oversized funnyman, has slimmed down and (temporarily, at least) taken a turn for the serious.
What’s behind Jonah Hill’s weight loss transformation? The actor spoke recently to NY Mag explaining, “I put it like this: [Director Bennett Miller] says that with Moneyball and this physical transformation, it’s like saying, A, I did this movie that you didn’t think I could do, and B, I did this thing with myself that you didn’t think I could do. So that’s two very strong statements that I’m a serious person out there looking to do serious stuff.”
Reflecting back on the roles and time period that have helped him become a household name, Jonah Hill cringes a bit. He continues, “But for me, it’s a lot deeper than that. I met you guys — meaning everyone, media, audiences, strangers — when I was 21 or 22 years old, with Superbad. And I was a kid — I was drinking beer, smoking weed all the time — and when I read interviews with myself at that age, it’s horrifying! You know, if you had a public record of yourself at 21, you’d sound like an idiot. You think you know everything about the universe and you’re the wisest person in the world.”
“Now I’m almost 28, and I’m growing up in front of strangers. So for me, who I was then is a lot different than who I am now. So being healthier came along with maturity. And it’s hard, because a lot of times people want you to be the guy you were when they met you. And I love doing funny movies, but I want to mature, literally, in how I treat myself. I’m not living in a frat house with a bong plastered to the table…I just want to be a good man and to make my family proud. And, you know, I want to live a long time.”
The sheer amount of work Jonah Hill now has calling his name, including upcoming animated show Allen Gregory, must require a multi-tasking genius. “I don’t sleep very often! I come from a very hard working entrepreneurial background, and I would hate myself so much if I looked back on the golden opportunity that people like Judd Apatow gave me and felt I wasted it,” he says.
Refusing to let any opportunity go to waste — or be taken for granted Jonah Hill adds, “I hate it when I read a Hollywood interview where someone complains how hard it is. That’s all [expletive]. We’re so lucky to do this. I just want to work as hard as I can while there’s opportunity to work.”
Be sure to visit NY Mag for more with Jonah Hill!
MORE JONAH HILL NEWS:
Brad Pitt vs. Jonah Hill on the set of Moneyball
Skinny Jonah Hill barely recognizable at ESPY awards
Skinny Jonah Hill sheds 30 pounds
Image via WENN
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