Oprah with Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson & Their Movie You Have to See this Christmas

Can we get the whole audience doing song. blue? All right. >> You know the words. >> Song [singing]. [music]. blue. Everybody knows one. >> Every [music] garden grows one. [singing and music]. >> Hi there everybody. It's my pleasure to. welcome you to the Oprah podcast and.

we're in New York City. [cheering]. [applause]. >> Thank you to the live audience. And we are all we're just we're all. jazzed up for our special guest today. You may have heard the buzz. Have you. heard the buzz around the upcoming film. Song. Blue? Let me tell you, it is an. extraordinary film based on a true story. about a Neil Diamond tribute duo who.

become local superstars in the Midwest. It's, as I say, it's based on a true. story. And I just I think it's the kind. of movie we all need right now. It is so. feelgood. It is funny. It is so. entertaining, but also a deeply moving. love story about dreams and about second. chances. And I guarantee you will be. singing along to all those iconic Neil. Diamond songs after you watch. So this. audience just saw the film. Wasn't it.

great? [cheering]. [applause]. >> Wasn't it great? >> Don't we all just want to go song. blue? Yes. Everybody knows one. Okay. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are going. to blow you away in this film. Here's a. look. I'm not a songwriter. I'm not a sex. symbol. I just want to entertain people. >> I don't want to be a hairdresser. I want. to sing. I want to dancer. [music] I. want to garden. I want a cat.

>> I need something big. I need something. new. >> What do you think? >> You don't want to be [music] a Neil. Diamond impersonator. You want to be a. Neil Diamond interpreter. >> We should call ourselves Lightning and. Thunder. >> So, you be lightning and [music] I be. thunder. >> Uh, yeah. Sweet Caroline, >> how you doing? >> How am I doing for you? >> You two always know what to do.

>> I can't thank Neil cuz every thank you I. got belongs to you doll. You're my. August night, my September morning. You're my crackling roy. >> I wanted to ripple and wave when the. wind blows my shirt. >> Wind in a bar. How? >> Like a leaf blower. I love this movie so much. Hugh Jackman. and Kate Hudson. Welcome them. Give me. [cheering] a hug.

>> Hey. Oh, I love you. >> Hey, [applause] babe. [cheering]. >> Miss you, babe. >> So good to see you. >> So good to see you. >> Oh, good. >> Oh, so do you guys. [cheering]. >> May we say bravo. Bravo, bravo, bravo, bravo. >> I'm so glad you all saw it. Thank you. for seeing it. >> Yes, yes, yes. Yes. Yes. And your. performances are just spectacular. Mesmerizing and spectacular. >> You look amazing. I.

>> So do you guys. Oh my god. >> It's been too long since I've seen you. >> It's been so long. You good to see you. again. You too. >> So can you explain to us the story. behind Song Blue? Well, there's a. documentary called Song Blue which tells. the true story. >> Did you all know that? >> I did. I did. >> Not many people had seen it. It's an. amazing documentary. >> Somebody saw this duo, Lightning and. Thunder. Lightning and Thunder, Mike and.

Claire, >> and went, "Oh, these two are going to be. huge." And so he was with them for. years, five, eight years every day. And. so captured this incredible true story. So they were two performers, let's say. maybe struggling a little bit and in. some ways they came together and rescued. each other, not just musically but in. life. And it's just a beautiful love. story about the power of music, the. power of dreams. And you watch these two. go on a ride together and as you can.

tell, you can't believe what happens. I'm sure people are going to watch a. film go, "Well, that didn't happen. >> They made that bit up." But everything. is true. It's. >> everything is true. >> Everything's true. >> Wow. >> I know. It's wild. What attracted you to. the story and then what attracted you. for her to the story? >> Craig came to me and said, "I want you. to watch it." This is the writer, director, Craig Brewer, who's. incredible. >> He came to me and said, "Watch this. documentary. I think there's a film in. it." And when I saw it, I honestly. thought, >> "This is one of the most powerful.

renderings of what family can do.". >> Yeah. >> Or what family, the power of family. >> Yeah. and two, I guess you might say, ordinary everyday people, but of course, no one is ordinary or everyday, but. their dreams were massive and naive and. huge and Mike and Cla stuck together. through whatever life was soaring cuz. life's going to be life and right and. life comes at them hard and they just. stuck together and I just thought. >> this is the kind of story I want to put.

out in the world. I think it's the kind. of story we need to hear and see and. >> and when you read it, you felt the same. >> Yeah. and different. I I read the script. as a script that was out in the world. and read it and didn't know it was a. documentary and just the script was so. good and so moving. >> that I kind of had my eyes on it and. then when Craig called and Hugh. >> then I saw the documentary and I was. like, "Oh my god, the I had like what an. amazing adaptation to.". >> But when you even read the script, were.

you like, "Wow, this is this is a role I. want to play." dream for me, you know, to be able to so like sort of for. >> hoping that. >> and may I say you're a dream in it. [laughter]. in it. >> Thank you so much. [applause]. >> Yeah. >> Yes. It was really like when you when. you read something like that and so for. for me it was like you just hope that. you know it's it becomes a real a real. opportunity and it did. >> Okay. And so you were going to do it.

Craig had called you. Mhm. >> So tell this story because you were on. CBS Mornings for for a story about your. new album, >> right? And [clears throat] you see her. on CBS Mornings and Craig sees her, right? >> Yeah. >> Actually, Michelle, who's worked with me. for 15 years, whose sister and niece are. here today. >> and she's here somewhere dying right. now. Uh she ran me and said, "Are you. watching CBS Sunday?" I said, "I'm not. actually." She said, "You got to watch. it. Kate Hudson should be Cla.". >> And I turned it on. And I'm like, she's.

absolutely right. And I immediately. texted Craig Brewer. I said, "You've got. to watch CBS Sunday. Claire is Kate. Hudson. Please go, I'm already invested. Please, please send her the script and. please tell her she has to do it." And. uh she didn't. You sent. >> So happy cuz I had read the script. before. >> Yes. >> Yeah. It was great. >> What do you mean you'd read the script? >> I had been slipped the script. >> Oh, I didn't know that. [laughter]. >> I've got people in places. So you did. So maybe it was Kate Hudson.

putting it out. [laughter]. >> She's a powerful on this one. Let me. tell you. >> Oh, a master plan. >> That's fantastic. >> What else she got planned? Kate Hudson, [laughter]. >> that's fantastic. So did you feel the. same thing though that this it's like a. down on your luck guy and woman who are. trying to make life meet and the right. spaces for themselves. Yeah. >> And then this moment happens. The thing. that hit me the most about the story, there's two things that just got me, which the first one was that these.

people believed in each other so much. that when they didn't believe in. themselves, they could because they had someone else. who believed in them, you know, like, >> you know, I I think that this idea that. you have this you build this family and. you build you build your family around. you and they they are your support. system. >> Well, this is what's so interesting. So. many critics are talking about this and. already loving it and I know you don't. do things for critics but uh one critic.

said in variety that it's without. qualification the finest work of her. career. What makes Hudson's performance. so potent is its refusal to condescend. There's no distance between actress and. character. No visible seams in the. construction. It's the kind of organic. inhabitation. that makes you forget you're watching. Capital Acting at all. [applause].

>> That's a review. That's It's hard. >> You going to start reading reviews now? >> I I mean I I literally I I said to. everyone I was like, "Please don't send. me anything because I get so nervous. about reading reviews." But everyone was. like, "You have to read [laughter] what. Clayton said in Variety." And I it made. me very emotional reading that. Yeah. It. was the only one I've looked at and I I. got very. >> Well, you know, here's the thing. I. watched with a friend of mine, uh, dear. dear friend and neighbor, Marlene.

Bellows. I had her come over because I. didn't want to watch it by myself and. Steon wasn't there. And so I said, "Marlene, come over and let's watch this. this movie." And when we finished. watching, she goes, "Can we watch it. again? Can we watch it again?" And. during the movie, she goes, "Oh my god, has Gail seen this? She's going to love. it." I just love it and I can't wait. until it opens on Christmas day. >> Thank you, Oprah. And does it made me. miss movies? >> Yes. >> Like I I when I see. >> Nobody's making movies like this. >> I missed this. You know, this feeling. that you get when you see something and.

it just completely moves you and. inspires you and feels totally relatable. and yet so unrelatable, but so. relatable. >> Yeah. >> And inspiring. >> And anyone can watch it. Doesn't matter. how old you are. Doesn't matter where. you're from or who you are. >> or if you know Neil Dam. But I am a big. Neil Dam. Oh my god. I was the only. black kid in my neighborhood who. actually knew who Neil Diamond was. And. I'd go to school singing all the Neil. Diamond songs, Hot August Night, and. they'd say, "Don't you like the. Temptations?" I like The Temptations and. Neil Diamond. Okay. >> I heard that when you were first.

approached about the role, you were. struck by a sense of I think you said it. was a sense of kismmet, right? >> Yeah. >> It it felt to me my So my life has taken. so many my career has taken so many. turns I didn't expect, but. >> I have been in musicals. I had been a. performer and I sort of related a little. bit about to Mike this idea of just. having this dream and just wanting to. entertain and I didn't know when I was. in Australia I thought if I could just. be in a local theater in Sydney that'd. be fantastic. I had no idea I'd be. talking to Oprah with Kate Hudson.

>> but I had I really had I relate to Mike. in that way. All he wanted to do was. just to affect people tell stories and. this movie I just thought this is where. I'm at in my life and my career. this is. what I want to put out there. And I'm so. thrilled you liked it. But you know. what's amazing? Every studio turned it. down. >> No. >> 13. >> 13 knows. They were like, "Oh, no. The. story goes places people don't want to. see." And I think now everyone goes, "Ah, this is the movie, you know, type. of movie.".

>> I'm telling you, it's What did you. think, audience? I mean, really. I mean, [applause]. >> I love it. I want to show this clip where Mike and. Claire realize they both have a bigger. dream for their life. Let's look at. this. >> I'm always going to be an alcoholic, but. I've been sober 20 years. But the. [music] other day, it was well, they. call it a sober birthday. >> Happy belated sober birthday. >> Here's the thing. With sobriety, [music]. you got to face up to certain truths. >> Way to go. Lightning 20 years.

>> All right. I'm not a songwriter. I'm not. a sex symbol, but I [music] just want to. entertain people and I want to make a. living. I know. Me, too. I don't want to. be a hairdresser. I want to sing. I want. to [music] dance. I want a house. I want. a garden. I want a cat. >> So, here's what I'm thinking. I need a. hook. I need something big. I need. something new. And as you put it, nostalgia pays. >> I love that nostalgia phase. >> Nostalgia phase. [applause].

Okay, so for Hugh Deadline says Jackman. complete with diamond style hair. is as good as he's ever been. >> playing a complicated guy who finds his. groove in the music of an iconic singer. It isn't easy being such a recognizable. star, meaning you impersonating a man. impersonating an equally recognizable. star. But Jackman gives him edge and. likability. So, we are with him all the. way. His diamond vocals are flawless.

That's pretty good, sir. >> Thanks. I don't read them either, but. thanks. I'm going to stop now. [laughter] That's awesome. >> So, what was it? >> I'm just going to call you after. everything. >> Okay. Yeah, please do. Only the good. ones. Only the good ones. So, so tell me. this. What did it feel like interpreting. someone who is interpreting someone. else? >> I'm kind of glad you brought it up. because it was a bit of a magic trick. for me because I am a performer. I do. get on stage and I'm sure I have my own. mannerisms that I'm not aware of and I.

was like I got to strip all that away. I. got to become Mike and then Mike. becoming Neil and it was a challenge. I. talked a lot about. >> strip away Hugh to become Mike who. becomes Neil. >> right. >> and it was so much fun but it was a real. challenge and I think it took me a. second and to really find it. particularly as a performer and I came. up with things I was just trying to feel. him and I had the obviously I had the. documentary to go on so I had a lot of. footage and I would talk particularly. with Rachel. >> who really helped us a lot Rachel the.

daughter in the movie who is very much. the grounder of that family is still the. grounder of that family and she was the. one we talked to a lot on set. But I. have to say I was lucky enough both of. us I got a phone call from Neil and. Katie Neil Diamond and Katie his wife. and they had just seen the movie and. Neil was crying. >> The real Neil Diamond. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I did the very Australian thing. I. said, "Can I come and see you and have a. cup of tea, cup of [laughter] coffee?". >> And he said, "Sure, why don't you stay. the night?" So I invited myself to Neil.

Diamond's house and we sang karaoke at. dinner with Yes. with Neil Diamond. Okay. >> But as he came up to me, he looked at me. and he put his hand on my shoulder. He. goes, "You did good, kid.". >> Oh. >> And I'm like, >> "My. retire, [applause]. >> okay, I'm done. I'm done here.". >> Somehow it meant a lot to him. The. movie's also by default a love letter to. him and his songs and how he put his. life and the ups and downs of his life. into his songs and he was just so moved.

by he knew the story. There was a. standing ticket. >> He knew about them, right? He obviously. knew them. >> He knew. There was a standing ticket for. Clare, right, for years. And Clare went. to so many and always went back and met. Neil and he just said, "I love the. story. Here's the rights to my music.". >> Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. >> And when you get into his catalog of. music, it's so prolific. It's like I. discovered so much about his songwriting. through this process cuz I had never. really gone deep on Neil Diamond. And.

he's just one of the most prolific, wonderful songwriters. And there's so. much music to to even after this. I I I. I hope his music has a whole other life. to it after people see this. >> Well, it certainly does in my house. right now. I've been playing it. So, I. heard that he said I don't know if he. said this to you. Did you hear that he. said this that that this was a good note. that this movie is a good note to go out. on. >> Yes. Yeah. That's what I heard on the. line on the. >> Yeah. Katie the FaceTime and he said. that to me and Katie and I were like,

"Well, don't say that." You know? >> Yeah. But it was it it this movie means. a lot to him. He when I went to see him, he just kept thanking me. And of course. I was like, "No, Neil, thank you." And. he's like, "No, thank you. No, thank. you." You know, but he said that he. said, "There's something about my music. that's always like somehow found another. life." And these things come along and. they give it this new life. And he was. very like had so much gratitude for the. movie and and it sort of being that love. letter to to him. >> Well, you've been singing for years.

Yeah, >> I know. Gail told me when you were here, she went to see form. So, what does it. feel like for you to now to have the. world recognize your singing voice. through this film? >> Um, I mean, amazing. I just love to. sing. Like, I I think that's where I. relate to Claire, you know? I I I it was. that moment in my life where I was like, you know, I'd be happy sitting in a. little bar with like three people. watching and singing or no one watching. and I'd sing all night long. I think we. share that.

and uh but I wasn't exercising the. muscle and so to be able to do that and. then to be able to do it like this in a. film is just you know. >> can I can I drop some names since it's a. name because I actually met him at your. place Quincy Jones can I tell the story. >> because Kate is really a musician so. when Kate was only 15 16 she sang at her. house and Quincy was there and your mom. had said come on Kate sing. >> yeah I was like and at the end of the. night Quincy rolled down his window said. over he goes you're a singer You need to.

sing and for. >> forever, why aren't you in the studio? You need. to get in the studio. >> Really? >> I'm thrilled that the audience. >> Quincy Jones says that to you. >> He was always Yeah. [laughter]. >> I take him at his word. I I I I I I. thought about him a lot when I got in. the studio to to make my album because. he well, you know, there's certain. people along the way that are. cheerleaders and like really kind of are. these people that you're like, I I maybe. I should be doing this, you know, >> and uh he was one of them. But that was.

one of the, you know, you need to get in. the studio, girl. He's saying all the. time, you need to get in the studio. >> You know what he said to me when we did. the everybody knows I did The Color. Purple in 1985, the first one, right? That movie meant so much to me for so. many reasons. And so when we finished. the movie, he said, "Oprah, baby, your. future's so bright, it burns my eyes.". And I did not know what that meant at. the time, but I took him at his word. And everything, every wonderful thing. that happened, I was saying, "Oh, this. is what he was talking about. He could. see what I couldn't see." So he could.

see, Kate, what you couldn't see. >> Some very Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Something about. the hair, I think. Something about the. hair. >> All the hair. >> A lot of hair. [laughter]. >> Really? Did the hair make you connect to. Neil? Every time you put that wig on, does something happen? >> Totally. And there's two wigs. You. notice there's the Mike wig at the. beginning and then when he decides to. become Neil, >> the interpreter. >> I just loved it because you I could feel. Mike just going, "Yeah, >> this is great." And when I see that.

shot, it just looks so hilar. >> and just like, "Give me some leaf. blowers. I want some." Like he just. loved his hair. It was for Mike. It was. all about it. So yeah, I'm sort of I. wake up and whatever comes goes. But no, Mike, I really it really helped me get. into his character. >> I I had the same with Claire. I mean, when I got we called it the Clare hair, like when that when Cla hair got on and. we I did hot rollers every morning and I. chose to use my own hair and we thinn it. out and made it look crazy. But when I.

got the rollers on and they'd come out, it was just like, wow. >> Claire is here. >> She's here. >> She's a Yeah. >> Yeah. and and my and my my hairdresser, Johnny V, who's brilliant, was very. specific with like hair the hair. journey, Claire's hair journey. Um, but. you know, >> Yeah. Well, I think that both of your. accents and extraordinary for you, Mr. Aussie, to get that Wisconsin accent and. you, Kate, you really nailed that. Wisconsin thing. >> Thank you. >> You did. >> just enough. Yeah, it was it's hard when.

you're doing something like that because. you don't want it to become a caricature. of it. And yet yet they had very strong. Wisconsin. She had a she has a very. strong Wisconsin. >> Yeah. I heard that you blended the real. Claire's accent with the accent of. somebody that you've known for a while. >> Yeah. So crazy story. I had a nanny from. 9 to 15. Kathy Heler. Okay. >> Who I loved more than anything. Wisconsin born raised in in Milwaukee. Yeah. And then when I was 21 and started. getting work, a lot of work, I was very.

weary about having help and and trusting. people. And so I called her and I was. like, "Would you ever come help me?" And. she called the woman who was your nanny. >> Yeah. And she goes, "No.". And I was like, "Please, Kathy, I don't. know. I don't know what to do." And. she's like, "I give you Okay." Six. months, >> 27 years later, >> she just retired. Went back to. Milwaukee. >> Wow. >> I There's a lot of Kathy and Claire. Um, so yeah, I was I was raised and nurtured. and loved and connected to a very very a.

very Milwaukee accent. [laughter]. >> I know we have a few Midwesterners in. the audience uh today. Raise your hands. Tell us how you think Kate did with that. accent. Yeah. [laughter]. Okay. >> Hi, I'm Destiny K. Chambers. First of. all, phenomenal film. Multiple themes. that I think many, many people resonate. with. A lot of humanity in it. as. somebody with a mental health disorder, it connected with me on that level, but. especially as somebody who was born and. raised in Milwaukee. So I and I didn't.

expect that. I went into the film blind. So as somebody born and raised in. Milwaukee, >> were you not a black person who loved. Neil Diamond, too? [laughter]. >> So I was not a black person who loved. Neil Diamond, but I definitely had my. fair share of genres that were not. similar to those that people in my. neighborhood listen to. But um I would. definitely say the accent. Uh you nailed. it. You nailed it. I my I don't have a. typical Wisconsin accent except for when. I say Wisconsin. >> because it's all in the nose. It's very. nasly. So, I think you did a phenomenal.

job. >> Thank you so much. I also used to get. Jimmy's like the sprinkles and custard. We used to get them shipped from. Wisconsin as a kid cuz I love jimmies so. much and they're better in W. They're. better in Wisconsin. >> A classic. A classic. >> So, I hear you. I hear you so much. >> Well, there's somebody else here. Uh um. Kathy, what did you think of the accent? >> Oh, stop. >> No. >> Yes. >> I thought she was amazing. Just amazing.

[applause and cheering]. >> Oh, that's so awesome. [applause]. [cheering]. >> How was my accent? It was wonderful. >> Thank you. >> I loved every word you said. I have to. tell you, I loved every word you said. It was like special to me. So, out of. the whole movie. >> Hi, >> Kathy Heler. Everybody, this is the. Kathy Heler. [applause and cheering].

>> Yes. Yes. Yes. You called her to tell. her that you wanted her to go to the. premiere. >> And yet, I was talking with Brad. backstage. I was like, I got to get. Kathy and her sister out in December. >> Oh, okay. >> To see the movie and to be here. >> Hi. You look amazing. >> Thank you. Thank you. retirement's been good. >> cuz I looks good. [laughter]. >> Did you Did you know she was using you. for the accent? Did you. >> I you know I had to kind of figure. because we've been together for so long. and there were times where she would. make fun of certain words that I would. say. So she would kind of like you know.

correct me or just say did you just say. car [laughter] you know and it would be. so I figured she had to be thinking of. me at. >> Okay. So why didn't you say no at the. beginning. >> with her? Yeah, because I was her nanny. for 6 years, >> six, seven years. And all of a sudden, she was going to be my boss. >> And I was like, I don't know how this. dynamic's going to work. >> Yeah. >> So, I did say no. And I said no more. than once, too. So, she'll. take her nanny and now she's going to be.

your boss. I would think about that, too. >> I did. I did. And it seems to have. worked out for you, Kathy. >> It did. It was the best. We had so much. fun. >> So much fun. And every Christmas all I. can think of is we're doing it right now. and I'm like where's Kathy [laughter]. >> cuz Kathy and I Christmas time it's like. our favorite time. >> Our favorite. We did. >> Okay. You did you just see the movie? >> I did. >> And I loved it. I loved it. I loved your. connection. You guys were so real. together and I kept thinking this is. like real life and you're creating it. I.

mean I mean in the movie it was amazing. >> Yeah. One review says that you two don't. just have chemistry. I know y'all don't. read them but let me tell you what the. people are saying. [laughter] You two. don't just have chemistry, you have. emotional synergy. >> Emotional synergy. >> I would agree. Wasn't it so special? >> It was. I mean, it felt loved. >> And it was funny. The other day, Kate. turned to me and someone was saying. something like that. Yeah. >> And Kate said, and it was easy. It just. felt easy from the jump from the first.

day we got together. And I saw in an. Instagram post where you had said that. if there was one word to describe Kate, it would be congruent. Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Why? >> Because what she says, what comes from. her heart and from her mind. Everything. is in line. >> So as an actor, >> from day one, from rehearsals, everything when you're opposite her, you. I believe absolutely everything. She's. just, it's so true. >> And that's not always the way in life.

Some people can be great at actors and. then when you meet them in life there. feels like there may be a barrier or. they're second guess Kate what she. thinks and what she feels comes out of. her mouth and it is always wise she's. someone who's done a lot of work on. herself if you don't mind me saying that. and her life has been lifen has been a. lot of life. >> it life has done a lot and she's managed. to just process it all with such heart. and care for others so when you work. with Kate you feel safe.

>> Take it in. Receive it. Receive it. Receive it. Receive it. >> And you also hold everyone around you. You hold there's no separation between. crew and actor where everyone was. hanging out on set and you no separation. between boss. Like she's just herself. and that is such a beautiful thing in. life and on camera. It's a rare thing. >> Take it in. >> Thanks. >> Receive it. Let's let's look at this. clip where we see the spark between Hugh. and Kate's characters when they sing. together for the first time. Oh my,

love this clip. >> Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Tell [music and singing]. your mom and girl, we can't stay long. We got things [music] we got to catch up. on. [music and singing]. >> You know, you know what I'm saying. >> Excuse me. [laughter]. >> Much too late for anyone to be singing. that loud. Uh, this is the man I was. telling you about, Mike Sardina. This is.

Lightning. >> How you doing tonight? >> Not good. [laughter]. >> Sing softer. >> I I heard that you screened this with. your your mom. >> Yeah. >> And your paw. >> Sure did. >> And what happened? >> They were very emotional. I I never. heard. >> your mom Goldie Han. [laughter] Your paw. Kurt Russell. >> My mom is easily emotional, you know? I. She's like emotional with everything. But Kurt, it it really hit Kurt in a way. that I hadn't seen him experience.

something before in the sense that he. was audible. Like audible watching the. movie with the things that were, oh no, you'd hear him go, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no." You know, and then he got very. emotional and he's a tough he's he's my. toughest critic. He's he really is like. he doesn't. >> And aren't you your toughest critic? >> I'm my toughest. Were you usually. watching and judging and then you were. weren't you able the fact that you were. I heard that you were able to like get. into the story? >> I was able to like lose sight of the.

fact that it was Yes. I was able to. actually take in the story and the movie. and like you like I said it made me miss. movies. I I I could watch it again like. we were saying very rarely. I could. watch this movie over and over again. >> Yeah. >> And I intend to. >> and not and not feel a personal. connection to it anymore. Or I could. watch it as a as an experience, which is. very rare. >> I know. I mean, I I said my friend. Marlene said, "Let's watch it again.". And I go, "Marlene, I can't watch it. again tonight, but I will watch it again.

and again." And I I hope you all go. Oh, don't you want to now tell everybody? You want to tell everybody go see this. movie and go see it on a big screen and. go see it on Christmas Day. >> Christmas day. >> Christmas day. [applause]. >> Yeah. It's. >> What do you want to say about the. phenomenal supporting cast? I thought. >> I'm so glad you mentioned it. We were so. lucky. Every day we would turn up and. there was incredible actors. Jim. Belalushi, Fisher Stevens, Ella.

Anderson, Ella Anderson who plays Rachel. who is people will know her from a. Nickelodeon show she did. She's. phenomenal. Michael Imperioli who you. probably know from the Sopranos who's. phenomenal. Hudson Henley who plays. >> my little son. My youngest young son. Yeah. >> Who else we got in there? >> He's the one doing the filming. Both of. them. Yes. >> Oh, KP Michaela. >> We all hung out together. So, we would. hang out. It. >> all actually really felt like, didn't it. feel like a family? It felt like Yeah. >> And that's why I'm so glad it's coming. out on Christmas Day cuz for me it.

really is about family. >> Yeah. >> And I think that's why it's emotional. and and I sort of love that this story. I was talking with Eddie Veta who's had. that relationship with Mike and actually. never forgot Mike and he just said isn't. it incredible how their dreams which. were naive are being realized 30 years. later. >> through a movie and that's sort of how I. was like yeah Eddie is like I'm telling. everyone to see the movie and I'm not. that kind of guy I'm not the guy who's. like you got to see it but I that's how.

I feel but I feel it's Mike and Cla's. story needs to get out there because it. somehow sparks in All of us don't stop. dreaming. >> Don't stop. >> I feel that it's so uplifting and I feel. that everybody needs a little upliftment. right now. I feel that it leaves you. feeling open. Don't you feel that it. opened the heart space a little for you? You feel that? >> There's a tragic accident that actually. happened to the couple in real life. The. character Claire struggles to recover. and the family feels helpless. Where did.

you you had to go some places for that? I went, whoa. Yeah, I got you have to. go. Yeah, you get to go I got to go. down. I got to go down and out. I think. I think it's like any dream as an actor. to be able to to sort of go to a place. where you can serve a a story, especially when it's a real person where. you can honor someone's uh darkness and. their light. And for me, it's like. really really understanding what that is. and then allowing the writing and the. story and the director to help take you.

there. Yeah. Yeah. And I I was I was. saying like like any performer, you long. for the things that allow you to be able. to feel out of body. And when you're. working like that and you can actually. like it's like it's like something. you're channeling versus something. you're trying to make happen. >> through you. >> It's the it's why we're so addicted to. performing. Whether it's on stage and. you're singing or hitting a note or, you. know, whether it's, you know, some of. the tough scenes we had together. when.

you when you're in a pocket like that, it it it's there's something about it. that it just feels like it's a channel. and and you know, with that comes all. the the work that goes into getting. there and understanding that. That's. what's so great about this film because. as you were saying earlier, Hugh, it's. about life lifing on people and the. character that you play also is. struggling with his own problems and we. feel the complexity of that in every. scene and particularly when he's on.

stage because you're rooting for the. guy, you're rooting for the guy to win. So, did you have to go someplace to tap. into all the there there's so many. multiple layers for both of you? So Mike. was a a Vietnam vet and in Vietnam he. was a tunnel rat which was the worst of. the worst job. The ones who had to jump. down in. >> to tunnels that were usually booby. trapped or filled with the enemy and to. start shooting and 90% of them died of. the tunnel rats and many of them became. addicts the ones that survived. And so I.

started with that. What is that? You. come back you're given this chance at. life that most of the people you know. didn't have. He also had a heart. condition. So he's one of those people. that is not thinking well you know I'm. probably got till 75 he might go any. minute. So there was an urgency about. him like I need I've got this dream and. I it's got to happen now. And sometimes. that was to his detriment like you see. that scene with the biker bar and he's. like no this is our set and this is what. we're doing and it doesn't turn out well. but I. >> he needed that in a way.

>> I love that biker bar where they play. cuz I love that song. I was like, "Just. got to play. >> Play it there. >> Play it there.". >> And that's all the true story. They were. throwing bottles at him and and it broke. his heart because for him, he thought. this is the road and he got booed. And. Mike, all he wanted to do was to please. people and make them happy and he. couldn't understand he was being booed. >> Um it was a really So I I relate to him, but in many ways I'm inspired by him. because he. >> kept the dream. He couldn't say no. He.

just kept going. And that scene at the. table where he finally says, "I think. I'm going to give up lightning." You see. what the cost of that is. What the cost. of giving up that dream. >> Yeah. >> To both of them. To both of them. >> But he's rescued by his partner. They. rescue each other. >> Yeah. And there and there is like this. sense of sort of the the beautiful side. of codependency. These are two people. who really struggle. One with alcoholism. and one with, you know, depression. Yeah. And and and I I think Craig as a.

writer did such a wonderful job of like, you know, understanding what it is to. have those that that that struggle, but. never like being inspired by it versus. it bringing you down into the you know. >> the and the whole time you're thinking. this is a true story. This is a true. story. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> No, I find myself I've been in a few. screenings and I want to yell at did. that really happen? No. No. No. really. happened. Everything really happened. because it's so unbelievable.

>> Yeah. >> I mean, we all have things in our life. that come out of the blue, but somehow. these two got. >> they got a truckload full of. >> and what they go through. I mean, she's. just standing in front of her house, which we won't won't say what that is. Do you have a question? >> Yes. Hello. >> Hi. >> How did you develop your amazing. onscreen chemistry? >> On day one, we did a reading and Kade. came up to me afterwards and it's the. only reading I've ever been to where. everyone's crying at the end. And. >> especially our producer, >> your producer just done 117 movies.

>> 117 movies. And he was crying. >> I have never ever cried ever before at a. reading. >> And. >> so you had read the whole thing. This is. where you all sit around the table. >> and we just sat there and we had some. wine. There was some sandwiches, some. Jersey mics or something. We were. sitting there and you and I were just. sitting next to each other. And I. remember Kate turned to me and she said, "This this movie only works if we work.". >> And I went, "You're right.". And somehow from day one I knew that we. could trust each other. There's.

something in our DNA. We like to. connect. >> Yeah. >> You're a connector. >> Connect. >> You know, and some actors who are. brilliant and I as soon as the camera's. not rolling, they don't want to talk. They're separate and it's okay. >> Yeah. >> That's just who they are. They're. introverted, but we like to connect. So. we very quickly got to understand each. other, trust each other, and know that. we were going to go to some places that. neither of us had ever been before. >> Yeah. With within hours, we knew each. other's entire life story. [laughter].

>> The most intimate parts of, you know, and and. >> Kate's a bit of a therapist, so I guess. it's a lot of free. >> So Kate, when you finished the reading. and you said that to him, this movie. only works if we worked. Was that based. on the reaction that you'd gotten from. everybody listening to it? based upon. what? Because as you know during that. first read even though you've read the. script yourself multiple times when you. have that first read in the room with. everybody it feels different. It comes. alive in a way that it hasn't before. It. does. I felt that way though coming in.

It was my biggest thing was everything's. on the page. The thing that we don't. know if it is is how our chemistry. And. if we don't have that and if that's not. if we're not in that intimate. >> that's why it doesn't feel like acting. >> depth. >> That's why you both deserve mini award. [laughter]. >> because none of it feels like acting. None of it feels like. >> acting. I'm so glad you mentioned that. because both of us can we can fake it.

pretty well, right? We can get on with. people. We can you know we can Yeah. >> But this needed something deeper than. >> two actors meeting. Oh, they get on. great. It needed a trust. Um, yeah. An. intimacy. I guess. >> it's what the reviewer said. It's not. just energy or chemistry. It's a synergy. that happened. Something that happened. Yeah. >> And so, how do you make that happen on. it? Either is is it either there or. isn't there or you have to work at. actually making it happen. >> I think that I think what you said, did. you have to work at it? I didn't. [laughter].

>> What? Are we going to discover. something? Um, no. I I feel like when. you say we're connectors, like I think. that there's something about us that's. very like we love being a part of the. community, we're circus people, you. know, and and there's a similarity in. how we connect to anyone and we're both. tactile and I think there was just this. immediate understanding that we needed. to go to this place and so we allowed. ourselves to trust is the right word,

but also generosity. He like my son said. this, Ryder said this about Hugh. He's. like, "Mom, if saintthood was still sort. of a thing, >> I think Hugh would be a saint, >> right?". >> Yeah. >> And he really meant that because he and. Ryder said his words, not mine, was his. gen your generosity of spirit is so of. it's so powerful. It's so incredible. And and I I think that for someone like. you, I think it's probably becoming. intimate or doing something like that is.

something you haven't really we have you. haven't really expressed. >> No. >> And and so when I was able to sort of be. that person with you, it was like I felt. this like openness in you, but I think. it's a new part of who you are in this. part of your life. And. >> I feel so honored that I got to be the. first person. to actually. >> crack that thing to crack that. >> experience that with you which is you. know I've I've met you multiple times. throughout our you know careers.

>> but they there was just a newness in you. a different thing and I think we just at. this met each other at the right time. and it came out and. >> therapist [laughter]. >> um. >> I can hear you rece I can see you. receiving that like what she's saying I. can see you really taking that And is. what she's saying you you feel that for. yourself that there's a newness? There's. a something there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I I felt it with the director.

as well with. >> you went somewhere we haven't seen you. go before. You did. Yeah. >> And I look up on screen I go, "Oh, I. feel I'm seeing more of me that I feel. than I've ever seen on screen." So I. think it comes with trust. It comes with. >> some humility. It comes with, you know, life, >> your work, too. >> And the work, my own work. >> Yeah. Well, I want to show this moment, y'all, where Hugh's character, Mike, uh, realizes that his dreams just they just. might come true. Take a look. >> You know, Neil is special, and I just.

want everyone to get that feeling I get. when I listen to America and Forever in. Blue Jeans. >> Sweet Caroline. >> Sweet Caroline. Yeah, but I'm never. going to be the real McCoy. I mean, I I. don't really look like Neil. I don't. even really sound like Neil. I'm I got. to be Neil, but I've just got to be me, too. >> Yeah. You don't want to be a Neil. Diamond. impersonator. You want to be a Neil. Diamond interpreter. >> I was looking for the right way to say. it and you just came right out and said.

a Neil Diamond interpreter. >> So, you were saying that there was a. part of you that is showing up in this. film that you haven't even seen or ex. expressed before. >> If I could simplify it, it feels like a. letting go. >> It feels like a a relaxing. It feels. like a trusting I think I had maybe if I. can look at myself it was a little more. planned reflect a little more planned a. little more controlled a little somehow. I this feels like there's layers have.

just gone down and that's why I say. about Kate you meet Kate. >> it's just congruent there's there's no. barrier you can feel it today there's no. barrier to what. >> what she's saying right here today is. exactly what she was saying backstage to. me there's no difference and I think. there's more. I think working with you. really helped working with Craig and the. script and. maybe just life that that it catching me. at this time in my life. >> But Hugh, you said this halfway through. the movie. He said, "I feel like this is.

just meeting us both at exactly the. right time because. >> we were both it was an emotional. experience for both of us to make this. movie. There was so many themes and so. many things that we could relate to in. our own life. Even the musicality of it, you know, the. >> I started crying when you all played. Play Me together for the first time. Did. you all not Oh my god. And that shot how. he goes around the thing. Oh my gosh. >> That was Kurt. That was Kurt's first. Yes, that was in my dad. >> Curt Brewer. Remember what he did with. Hustle and Flow? Rajie B. Hansen and and.

Terrence Howard. That moment where they. start to make a song and you feel. something magic happen. >> That's exactly what happened here. >> He did it here again. >> Yeah, he did it here again. Belushi said. this on one of our interviews. He's got. the soul of a musician. Craig, our our. writer, director, and you know, I think. music movies are really hard to make. >> They're not [clears throat] made well. very often. We you could really name. your favorite ones. >> And you you said in the CBS morning. piece that you you you tried out for.

every musical and been turned down. >> I know. Everyone everything that had. anything to do with music, I was like, I. would love to do it. Some I got to do, some I didn't. But yeah, I think the. Craig Craig though has such a amazing. connection to music himself and so. >> you sang it live. Craig's like we're. going to we'll do it live because if. we're going to capture a magic moment, it has to be captured there. >> Well, Mike Sardina, Lightning, passed. away in 2006, but Claire Thunder is. still alive. Still doing it.

>> Has she seen the movie? >> Yeah. Yeah, she saw it. I I. She loves it. She loves it. She's just. over the moon and and it was very. challenging for her to watch, you know. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I guess there the you know where. where we go down. >> Yeah. >> But she's just so great. They're so. happy. It it makes me so happy that that. she's. >> I think about Mike a lot because I'm. like his whole thing like he was so. filled with life and wanted to be this.

big this you know his I'm huge. I'm. huge. >> It's like. >> I love when he goes I'm huge baby. >> Yeah. I'm huge baby. huge. >> and and I mean he I wish he could. experience this but this is I guess. exactly. >> this is the way it was. >> he's up there making made this all. happened. >> he was like when 13 studio said no Mike. was up there. >> hold on for the 14th yes. >> this is going [laughter] to be huge. >> this is going to be huge okay [snorts]. so I have a little a surprise.

>> isn't mine many [laughter]. >> that's true cuz I didn't have one. >> you didn't have. Okay, so here's a surprise. Okay, we. found two people in Wisconsin who love. Neil Diamond and used to go to the real. Lightning and Thunder concerts back. then. Oh my gosh. >> And they think, okay, I'm going to start. I'm going to zoom in with them in a. second. And they think they've been told. by the producers that we're doing a show. talking about America uh and that. because I grew up in Milwaukee and it's.

this, you know, center of the country, want to talk about that. and they don't. know that they are here and they don't. know that we want to talk about uh. lightning and thunder. So, I'm getting. ready to do that. Okay. Oh, hi there. Hi, guys. So, Barb and her husband Reed. and their best friends Christie and her. husband Casey are joining us on Zoom. from Wisconsin. They're all born and. raised in the Milwaukee area. Christy, I. want to ask you first. I hear you're all.

big fans of Neil Diamond and you know. there's there was a group that used to. play there in Wisconsin called Lightning. and Thunder uh and that that was a real. Midwestern. American kind of thing. So can you tell. us about that? Did you all know who they. were? >> Absolutely. Sure. Yeah. So yes, we. absolutely knew who Lightning and. Thunder were. Um we as young adults. before we were even married would go and. enjoy um the shows downtown Milwaukee.

Um Wisconsin, you know, we love our. music. So we enjoyed their shows so. much. It felt like you're at a mini. concert. Um they were great singers and. it was so much fun. It was, you know, not only fun with your group, but the. whole bar joining in and singing. So um. they they really were great connectors. and a lot of fun to see, for sure. >> Was it just in Milwaukee? Was it a. Milwaukee thing only? >> They also were in Chicago. I had friends. from college that uh also um would go.

see them for the weekends. So, you know, this this area um they they would hit. >> So, Barb, what was it about Lightning. and Thunder and the the whole Neil. Diamond music that that you love that. attracted you? Well, what we loved about. them is they had this chemistry between. the two of them and he would come out, walk to the crowd and he looked like. Neil Diamond. So, we would all kind of. gather around him and sing and it was. like you were with Neil Diamond because.

he really looked like Neil Diamond, but. he just made it really fun and they were. kind of fed off of each other as a. couple. >> So, they were really fun. >> I think that is so fun. You know what is. even more fun that we know it's your. birthday, Barb. and and it's your. birthday and I you know I love a good. surprise and I want to let you on a. little secret we've been keeping from. you here in New York. I'm here with the. stars of the new movie song blue Hugh. Jackman and Kate Hudson who play. Lightning and Thunder in the film.

>> Hi. >> Happy birthday. >> Happy birthday. >> Happy birthday boy. >> It's my mom's birthday tomorrow so this. is cool. Oh. Oh. >> And I know you have a surprise for the. Hugh. What's the surprise? >> What is my surprise? >> Okay. The surprise is the surprise is. that you all are going to go in the. spirit of the season. Hugh and Kate are. going to rent out the theater for you. for your own VIP screening of the movie.

Song Blue. That's awesome. And you're. you're bringing all of your friends and. family. Yes. >> That is SO AWESOME. [applause]. THANK YOU, Hugh and Chase. >> So, when they when they say you should. read these notes, you really should read. the [laughter] notes. >> I knew about you guys. Anyway, we're so. thrilled. I've been planning it for a. long time. [laughter].

>> And you know, I've spoke to the manager. Everything's going to be great. >> And he and and Kate's taking care of all. the popcorn, all the concessions. Don't. worry [laughter] about it. >> A lot of garlands. Lot of garland. So. many so many Christmas decorations. >> It's going to be so fun. So, you get the. whole theater for your friends and. family to go see it. It let me tell you, the audience here, we've all seen it and. it is fantastic. You're going to have so. much fun. >> We want to dance in the aisles during. the show. >> You'll be able to do that. Thank you. So, thank you.

>> Great. >> Thank you all so much. >> Thank you guys. Happy birthday. [applause]. >> Awesome. >> How fun. >> [cheering]. [laughter]. >> a rented out theater with your That. sounds so much like so much fun. I love. it. >> That's so great. >> Didn't you think that was a good idea? >> I thought it was awesome. >> That's a good idea. >> So good. [laughter]. >> Thanks. And and it was so sweet of you. to try and give it to me. That was my. idea. That was so good. >> Okay. There's something about I think. the spirit of the holidays and the.

spirit of Neil Diamond's music mixed. together with the spirit of this love. story that really lifts you up. What do. you I mean I I know that you did the. film because you wanted to do the film, but what do you want people to get from. all of this? Yeah. >> The the story in many ways is it could. be any it could be anyone. They're their. their everyday people, but their lives. are extraordinary because of not just. what happens to them, but because of. their dreams and the way they build this.

family together. these two people who. come together later in life and they. rescue each other and they build around. them this village that no matter what. goes on in their life they have someone. there for them and ultimately it will it. will really. >> restore any faith you have in having. dreams sticking to them don't say no if. anyone tells you you can't have that. dream that's too big for you say no I'm. actually going to dream even huger. >> yeah and then when a terrible anything.

bad shows up in your life, you you just. pick yourself up and you keep going. >> and pick each other up. >> and pick each other. Oh, that's it. >> The unit the unit gets us through. everything. And and I I also think that. there's something really amazing about. >> the the that it really honors like the. tip jar musician. It honors the the the. the people who. >> cuz all those people who were in the. scenes with you in the beginning, those. people were real people that were on. that circuit, right? For every great. rock star, every movie star, everything,

there's a thousand people who are just. as talented and don't get the same. opportunities and are still out there. and they do it because they love it. And. I always say like I remember when and. when was it Killian Murphy who said, "I'm a I'm a I'm a failed musician." And. I remember hearing him say that and I. thought, "No, you're not. You're always. a musician. There's nothing there's no. failure in in being a musician. how you do it. >> and and I think there's it's a big love.

story to that to to people who have a. drive to. >> whether it so motivating about it is. that ultimately it's a big love story, right? Big love story. >> Yeah. >> Well, thank you Hugh Kate for stopping. by. Love you so much guys. Song blue is. in theaters everywhere Christmas day. I. think it's just uh it's a great sea for. the holiday season and you walk away. with a tear in your eye. I had a couple. tears in my eyes during it and a song in.

your heart. >> Whether you know Neil Diamond, love Neil. Diamond, not know Neil Diamond, it's a. fantastic film and you guys are. fantastic in it. Really? [applause]. >> Thanks. >> I can't wait TO [applause] SEE IT AGAIN. I HAVE MY LITTLE STORY. >> WHAT? WHAT? >> Can I tell you a little story? >> I want to hear the story. >> I hope Neil doesn't mind me telling you. this, but when you're in the diamond. house, they have a little rule. >> that if anyone in conversation says so.

good, two other people have to say so. good. So good. >> You have no idea how often we say so. good in life. Try that at home. >> And when I was there and it happened, it. was so funny to me. I was like, did you. guys really just do that? And they're. like, "Oh." Anytime someone says, >> "If you say this food, this other meal. is so good." Then the family will go, "So good. So good." [laughter] I'm like, "That is the best." And and now I do it. all the time. If I hear it, I do it all. the time. It's so great.

>> Oh, >> and he loves it. It wasn't something in. the original song. It just came out, right? It happened in performance and. crowd started. Someone picked it up. >> and then everybody does it all over the. world. >> Isn't it the Isn't music the best. language? >> It is the best. It's the best. But I. just saw a a a video on YouTube of like. 60,000 people in a stadium in Germany. singing Sweet Caroline. I mean, it is. the official national anthem of white. people. It is for sure. [laughter]. >> That is it. It is [applause].

>> so good. >> SO GOOD. SO GOOD. >> All right. Go well everybody. See you. next time. [music]. [singing]. Even like a pillow. >> Oh yeah. >> Sleeping on my pillow. >> On my pillow. [singing]. >> Sleeping on my pillow. >> You can subscribe to the Over Podcast on. YouTube and follow us on Spotify, Apple. [music] Podcast, or wherever you listen.

I'll see you next week. Thanks. everybody.