Our exciting and exclusive interview with Jeff Goldblum in Florence

The actor talks about anecdotes, passions and his special bond with Tuscany

There’s something ineffable about Jeff Goldblum. A blend of elegance, graciousness, unconventionality, and warmth that makes him magnetic, both on screen and in real life. He is a truly extraordinary man, inquisitive, full of life, unstoppable. We met with him in the enveloping setting of the Pergola Theater in Florence, the city with which he has gotten cozy for the last few years with his wife Emilie and their two children, and where every morning, he wakes up, looks out the window and plays the piano.

For us and for our photoshoot, he was more than amenable and he offered subtle dance movements for a full hour to the tunes of Frank Sinatra as we shared the stage of Florence’s oldest theatre. “Yes, it’s truly special. Florence has won us over,” he says smiling, with that captivating gaze that charmed Hollywood and beyond.

Jeff, your career is amazing. If you had to pick three key moments, which would you choose?

The first one is definitely when I found my way to the Neighborhood Playhouse right after high school. Studying with Sanford Meisner was the foundation of everything. Second one, working with Steven Spielberg (in Jurassic Park and The Lost World): he is a genius and wonderfully sweet. Then collaborating with Wes Anderson: we’ve done four movies so far, and the first one − The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - shot here in Italy, was a magical experience.

You worked with a lot of great film directors. What makes you say “yes” to a script today?

The director is everything. Even the best actor can do nothing unless there is a strong vision. At this point I have as robust an appetite as ever for work. It would be thrilling to work with the likes of Sofia Coppola, Jane Campion, the Safdie Brothers, P.T. Anderson, Sean Baker and I can think of a hundred more.

Perhaps taking on roles that have a human scale; multidimensional and complicated. But of course I’ve also enjoyed recently playing parts like Zeus in Kaos (the Netflix series shot in 2023 also in Italy, editor’s note) and The Wizard of Oz in Wicked.

Jeff Goldblum

How did it feel to play the role of a modern god?

Charlie Covell created a fresh and original spin on the Greek myths. Our Zeus is uniquely vulnerable and shadowy - deliciously challenging.

You are also a great jazz pianist. What does it mean for you to play on stage with your Mildred Snitzer Orchestra?

Very exciting, every single time. I love playing with them- they are some of the world’s best musicians. We’re touring right now, we’ve performed in Paris, here in Florence at the Niccolini Theater; many places, and we’ll soon be showing up in Toronto, Chicago, at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and on and on. People seem to be celebrating our latest album called Still Blooming. Guess who sings on it? Maya Sykes, Scarlett Johansson, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande. Awesome!

When did you fall in love with music?

I was ten years old. My teacher gave me a jazz arrangement and that’s when I went head over heels. I played in cocktail lounges in Pittsburgh when I was 15 years old. I’ve always kept a piano with me, and I’ve even played in a couple of movies - The Fly and Earth Girls Are Easy. It’s still part of my daily disciplined habit.

Your band has an unusual name…

Yes, it does! Mildred Snitzer was a family friend. A funny and kind lady who would come over once a week. The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. It sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Jeff Goldblum

You are also a style icon. What does elegance mean to you?

Perhaps it’s a mix of authenticity and fun. When I was a kid, I dug costuming. I kept a sort of look book which included pictures of the Rat Pack. The specific colors and fabrics and a particular watch for instance might be a clue for me about a character that I’m trying to create. I’ve worked with great designers, like Miuccia Prada, Grace Wales Bonner, Paul Tazewell and Milena Canonero. Oh - I’m crazy about shoes! I just got my first bespoke pair made here in Florence by a terrific shoemaker, Shoko Matsuoka.

You’ve been spending a lot of time in Florence. When did that start and why?

A couple of years ago, we wanted our boys to be exposed to a more international way of life. We got an apartment near Piazza Pitti, and the city cast its spell on us. The boys now speak English, French and Italian. My wife Emilie seems to be flourishing, she’s happy as a clam, and she teaches her method of fitness at Studio 22. And every morning, you can find me tickling the ivories while lookin’ out at the Piazza… it’s paradise.

Do you have some favorite places?

The Church of San Felice and the unforgettable Pontormo painting. The Strozzi Museum, we were there with Arturo Galansino. Cammillo is one of our favorite restaurants (we turned Wes Anderson onto it!). And Piazza della Passera, ice cream at Gelateria La Carraia… Any street you look down is a jewel box.

What about your upcoming projects?

We are doing publicity for the album and touring now. Then we’re going on an international media blitz for the next Wicked movie, Wicked: For Good which comes out in November. We shot it in London. That’ll be a busy period, and I can’t wait.

Do you still have a dream to fulfill?

Oh yes, always. I can imagine recording with Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Jacob Collier, Laufey, and a whole bunch of others. Being with my family is dreamy, and taking on something that hasn’t even occurred to me. I cotton to continual surprise. Boo!