Why Chevy Chase Actor Feared It Would End His Career

In this episode of Obsessed, Matt Wilstein sits down with actor Cory Michael Smith to talk about his new film The Sun Never Sets, working with Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson, and Joe Swanberg, and the terrifying freedom of improvising an entire movie. Smith also opens up about acclaimed performance as Chevy Chase in Saturday Night, the career-ending fear that came with taking on such an iconic comedian, and the two months he spent studying Chase’s every move. Plus, he reveals what it was like playing a chaotic, Elon Musk-inspired tech billionaire in Mountainhead, working alongside Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, and Ramey Youssef, and preparing for his first major leading role in A24’s upcoming action-thriller October. A candid conversation about acting, anxiety, career risks, and the performances that have shaped one of Hollywood’s most compelling rising stars. Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠@kpfallon⁠ Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram ⁠@mattjwilstein⁠ New episodes every Thursday, and Saturday; ⁠early drops on YouTube⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices