Lou Taylor Pucci

·32 min·3 clips

Lou Taylor Pucci explains why his mom cried when he almost dropped 'Taylor' from his name for his first film.

The episode begins with Leonard and Jessie Maltin introducing their guest, actor Lou Taylor Pucci. Pucci explains the origin of his stage name, revealing that his mother insisted on including 'Taylor' after he considered using just 'Lou Pucci' for his first film. He reflects on his early career in the mid-2000s indie film scene, starring in movies like 'Thumbsucker' and 'Chum Scrubber' at age 17-19. Pucci shares anecdotes about working with Tilda Swinton on 'Thumbsucker', including her advice about being spoiled by a great film experience and a funny story about trying to watch 'The Matrix' with her. He describes how he accidentally landed his role in 'Chum Scrubber' when his audition tape for 'Constantine' was mistakenly sent to the wrong people. Pucci talks about the wave of independent filmmaking before the 2008 recession and his involvement in projects like 'Explicit Ills' with Mark Webber. He discusses his acting philosophy, preferring anonymity to let audiences focus on the story, and compares himself to character actors like John C. Reilly. Pucci details his role in the upcoming film 'Touch Me', a psychosexual horror comedy where he plays an octopus alien, explaining how he prepared by dyeing his hair black and taking hip-hop dance classes. He recounts his experience on 'American Horror Story', where the secretive nature of the show made preparation difficult. Pucci shares a memorable story about flying on Paul Newman's private jet during the filming of 'Empire Falls', including Newman pretending to fly the plane himself. The episode concludes with updates on the release of 'Touch Me' and mutual appreciation between the hosts and guest.

As heard by us

Lou Taylor Pucci talks naming, Touch Me, and the appeal of roles built on uncertainty.

A family naming story gives this episode an easy way into Lou Taylor Pucci's working life, starting with the Thumbsucker credit and the reason he kept Taylor in his professional name.

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Why you'd press play

You get a warm career map that lands on Touch Me, a movie even the room can barely label.

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