Uma Thurman disclosed on The Drew Barrymore Show that Glenn Close’s counterintuitive advice to “try less hard” during their 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons alleviated her early career anxiety, directly contributing to her later Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe victory.
Uma Thurman recently shared a pivotal moment from her early career during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, revealing how a single piece of advice from acting legend Glenn Close altered her approach to performance and set the stage for her future success.
The two actresses first collaborated on the 1988 period drama Dangerous Liaisons, a film that earned Close her fifth Academy Award nomination. For Thurman, then an emerging talent, the experience was daunting. She co-starred alongside established masters like John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer, and the gap in experience intimidated her. Thurman admitted she felt like a “bad actress” among “consummate” thespians, struggling to create authentic emotion while battling deep-seated insecurities about her own abilities.
Seeking guidance, the young Thurman turned to Close, whose own career was already decorated with Oscar nominations and Tony Awards. What Close told her was startlingly simple yet profoundly counterintuitive: “Try less hard.” Thurman recalled Close delivering this advice while looking “in her beautiful outfit,” a detail that underscored the casual, unpretentious nature of the wisdom. The elder actress’s words immediately resonated. “And I was like, ‘She’s telling me the truth,’” Thurman said, recognizing that her overeffort was likely hindering her performance.
This mentorship moment occurred within the high-pressure environment of Dangerous Liaisons, a film renowned for its intricate performances and psychological depth. Close’s counsel essentially encouraged Thurman to trust her preparation and instincts rather than force the emotion—a technique that aligns with renowned acting methods emphasizing relaxation and authenticity. For Thurman, who later described trying to “work through my shame” regarding her perceived inadequacies, this advice was a release from the paralyzing need to prove herself.
The impact of Close’s guidance became evident in Thurman’s subsequent career trajectory. Just seven years after Dangerous Liaisons, she delivered her career-defining performance as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She later won a Golden Globe for her role in the miniseries Hysterical Blindness. These achievements underscore how a shift from striving to trusting can unlock an actor’s most natural and compelling work.
Such transformative advice from veteran actors is a recurring theme in Hollywood lore. Other stars, like Rami Malek, have also spoken about the most influential guidance they’ve received, highlighting how a single comment from a mentor can reshape an entire career path as documented in industry discussions.
Thurman’s story also illuminates the often-unseen support system within the film industry, where seasoned performers pass down hard-won wisdom to the next generation. Glenn Close, with her decades of stage and screen experience, exemplifies this role, offering not just technical tips but psychological relief to年轻 Actors grappling with self-doubt. The irony is palpable: an actress of Close’s caliber advising a newcomer to exert less effort—a message that challenges the common narrative of relentless hustle in favor of artistic ease.
For fans of both performers, this anecdote adds a rich layer to their legacy. It reframes Thurman’s early struggles as a universal rite of passage and positions Close not just as a peerless talent but as a generous mentor. The dynamic between their characters in Dangerous Liaisons—where manipulation and strategy prevail—contrasts sharply with the genuine, supportive exchange that occurred off-screen, offering a poignant behind-the-scenes glimpse.
In an era where celebrity culture often focuses on red carpets and scandals, this story returns the spotlight to the craft itself. It reminds audiences that even the most iconic performances are born from vulnerability, guidance, and the courage to let go. Thurman’s acknowledgment of Close’s influence is a masterclass in artistic humility and the enduring power of mentorship.
Ultimately, the phrase “try less hard” transcends acting advice; it’s a life lesson about authenticity over performance. Thurman’s journey from feeling like an impostor among legends to becoming one herself validates Close’s point: sometimes, the best work emerges when we stop trying so hard to be good and simply allow ourselves to be.
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