Why this iconic role called Jeff Daniels to Broadway

Emmy Award winner Jeff Daniels shares the story of how Aaron Sorkin first approached him about starring as Atticus Finch in his Broadway version of "To Kill a Mockingbird.” Daniels, along with his Broadway co-star Celia Keenan-Bolger, who plays Scout, discuss on “Salon Talks” how they prepared for their roles. 

Daniels also opens up about craving roles that test him emotionally. "After 'Newsroom,' I'm of the age where, if I'm not challenged, I just lose interest,” he said. “I was not going to be that actor standing next to some 28 year old making ten million who barely knows his lines and I'm playing his father. All of a sudden, here's Atticus Finch, and you're going up against Gregory Peck on Broadway in this whole new adaption? Let's rise to that." 

Daniels and Keenan-Bolger are both nominated for Tony Awards this year.

About “Salon Talks”

Hosted by Salon journalists, “Salon Talks” episodes offer a fresh take on the long-form interview format, and a much-needed break from the partisan political talking heads that have come to dominate the genre. “Salon Talks” is a destination for information through conversation. Viewers can expect discussions with A-list actors, artists, authors, thinkers, and newsmakers as we explore the full range of the human condition. The show streams live on Facebook and Twitter and each episode is published in full on Salon.com.

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