American actor and musician Jeff Goldblum started out in the theater before transitioning to film and TV in the 70s. Boy, has it been an eventful and productive five decades for him? Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he has a total of 145 credits to his name.
Some of his most notable roles include Dr. Ian Malcolm in the Jurassic Park film series, Seth Brundle in The Fly, and David Levinson in Independence Day. Besides his impressive acting portfolio, Goldblum is also a jazz musician and has released several albums over the years. Altogether, the star is one to look out for, and here are a handful of facts about him.
1. Jeff Goldblum Is A Great Jazz Pianist
As mentioned earlier, Goldblum isn’t only a talented actor, he can hold his own against a musical tune. The Jurassic World actor and his band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, have been playing sold-out shows for years. Of course, it’s not just because he’s a celebrity — the man can strum those keys.
The star is a renowned skilled jazz pianist who has been playing piano since childhood. He has continued to play throughout his acting career. Even more, Goldblum has performed at various venues, including the iconic Jazz Club and The Blue Note in New York City. The star has received praise from fellow musicians and jazz enthusiasts for his musical talent and passion for the genre.
2. He Starred In Some Of The Highest Grossing Films Ever
Goldblum has appeared in some of the highest-grossing films in history. He’s had a long and successful acting career spanning several decades and starred in numerous blockbuster movies. One of Goldblum’s most iconic roles was in the 1993 science-fiction film Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie was a massive success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, and became an instant classic. He also appeared in other successful films, including Independence Day and its sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, which collectively grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide.
3. The Star Has Released Several Albums As A Musician
Jeff Goldblum is an accomplished actor and jazz pianist and has also released several albums as a musician. His band, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, released their debut album, The Capitol Studios Sessions, in 2018. Besides featuring Goldblum on the piano, there are also guest appearances from notable musicians. A few of them include Imelda May and Haley Reinhart. Furthermore, the band’s second album, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This, was released in 2019.
4. Jeff Goldblum Is An Avid Chess Player
Goldblum has been playing chess since he was a child and has continued to play the strategy game since. In fact, Jeff Goldblum has competed in several chess tournaments, including the Hollywood Chess Club Championship. He also plays chess on set during breaks from filming with his cast members.
5. He’s Been In Several Music Videos
Jeff Goldblum’s musical talents and unique style haven’t gone unnoticed in the music industry. In fact, he has been featured in several music videos over the years. One of Goldblum’s most memorable music video appearances was in the 1986 video You Don’t Know Love by the British band, The Philosopher Kings. In the video, Goldblum plays a smooth-talking nightclub owner who attempts to woo the band’s lead singer. The star has also appeared in other music videos, including the 2018 video Promise of Love by The Skelton Club.
6. He Has A Star On The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The actor’s contributions to the entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. Goldblum’s star is located in front of the legendary Capitol Records building on Vine Street. The ceremony was attended by fans and celebrities alike. In his acceptance speech, Goldblum expressed his gratitude for the honor and thanked his supporters for their support throughout his career. He also reflected on his love for acting and music.
7. Jeff Goldblum Has Been Married Three Times
Another fact about Jeff Goldblum is that he has been married three times in his life. His first marriage was to actress Patricia Gaul, whom he married in 1980. The couple divorced just six years after, in 1986.
Goldblum’s second marriage was to actress Geena Davis, whom he met while filming Transylvania 6-5000. The couple got married in 1987 and were together for three years before divorcing in 1990. Then 2014, Goldblum married Olympic gymnast Emilie Livingston. The couple met at the gym where Livingston trained and got engaged in 2014. They have two children together, a son named Charlie Ocean and a daughter named River Joe.
8. He Began His Acting Career On Stage In New York
As mentioned earlier, Jeff Goldblum’s acting career began on the stage in New York City. That was where he honed his craft and developed his unique style. In the late 60s and early 70s, Goldblum performed in a number of off-Broadway productions, including El Grande de Coca-Cola and The Boys Next Door.
His performances were well-received by critics, so he quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile actor. Goldblum’s big break came in 1974 when he landed a role in the film Death Wish. The movie was a commercial success, and it helped to launch Goldblum’s career in Hollywood.
9. He’s Originally From Pennsylvania
Another interesting tidbit is the fact that Jeff Goldblum was born and raised in Pennsylvania. More specifically, he was born in the city of Pittsburgh in 1952 and grew up in the nearby suburb of West Homestead. Goldblum’s parents were both involved in the arts. His mother was a radio broadcaster, while his father was a doctor who also had a passion for music.
10. Jeff Goldblum Advocates For Environmental Causes
The actor supports various environmental causes and actively campaigns to protect wildlife and preserve the environment. He’s been a vocal advocate for organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, The Sierra Club, and The Environmental Media Association.
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