Glen Powell, a proud Texan and rising star in Hollywood, is making headlines with his recent projects and candid reflections on the industry. The 37-year-old actor, known for his breakout role as Hangman in “Top Gun: Maverick,” has an impressive resume that continues to grow. Now, Powell is riding that momentum to Tinseltown with “Chad Powers,” an original sports comedy series debuting exclusively on Hulu. He has recently finished work on an animated fantasy feature “Ghostwriter.”
A Texan by birth, Powell’s first experience of Los Angeles was anything but typical. He soon made a crucial link—on a shrewd, impetuous whim bringing on board Ed Limato, Denzel Washington’s legendary agent. Coming almost immediately after he’d won a starring role in “The Great Debaters,” a movie that Washington directed. This chance encounter put him within ten minutes of fame.
Despite his initial success, Powell almost turned down the part of Hangman in “Top Gun: Maverick.” Once his character’s arc was reimagined, he jumped at the chance with a level of enthusiasm that should surprise no one. This decision proved to be a watershed moment in his career.
Powell’s Texan roots—his hometown pride—are central to his identity. He is persistent in reminding everyone of the need to protect his fellow Texans working in the industry. His devotion to his home state is displayed through his personal life and professional pursuits.
Besides her work in acting, Powell has made a name for herself as a writer. He co-wrote Chad Powers and worked with Richard Linklater on the neo-noir Hit Man, which premiered in 2023. In addition to this, he’s starring as a country singer in an untitled project that he co-wrote with Judd Apatow.
Despite his busy schedule, Powell is currently pursuing a degree remotely, demonstrating his dedication to both education and his craft. He manages this academic dedication at the same time he shoots films which speaks to his extraordinary work ethic.
Powell’s enthusiasm for storytelling isn’t limited to the film world. This extends to a passion for romantic comedies. He specifically points to movies such as “Set It Up” and “Anyone But You” with bringing the genre back to life. His musical connection with legendary romcom scribe and songsmith Karen McCullah makes him more than qualified to operate in this space.
Looking back on those formative years, Powell remembers an early fixation on Elvis Presley. He tells us warmly about selling records to people who purchased cookies from him when he was a teenage businessman and giving them Elvis tunes. This fascinating new experience reflects his lifelong love of the arts.
Powell further burrows into the problems of the contemporary Hollywood media environment. He knows that actors find it hard to remain on message when they are being watched. Unfortunately, one thing that’s sad is you do have to isolate yourself,” he noted. Don’t let it beat the hell out of you. It’s nothing personal; it’s just the ad bucks talking.
His pragmatic approach has earned him respect among peers, as he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one’s craft over engaging with fleeting controversies.
“I tell Glen I can see why people would never really want to offer an opinion, because then you’ve got three days of ‘Glen Powell Wades Into [Sydney Sweeney] Discourse’ headlines, and it’s a nightmare and a distraction.” – The Guardian
Powell’s commitment to authenticity is evident in all his work, as he aims to develop projects that really connect with people. He always wants to deliver the best possible value to moviegoers willing to invest their time and money into theatrical experiences.
“Right. It really sells it because if the audience knows that you are in peril, there is an inherent investment. I believe you have to give the audience their value in the ticket.” – The Guardian
While Powell has his head still in the clouds, dreaming and exploring in Tinseltown, he stays rooted in the ground through his importance put on family. He frequently points to his mom and dad and brothers as the biggest influences on his life and career.
“If you meet my family,” he explains, “you’ll probably see why.” – The Guardian