John Carroll Lynch, a celebrated figure in film and television, recently revisited his roots at Catholic University to conduct a master class for drama students. This event provided a unique learning opportunity for aspiring actors to gain wisdom from an industry veteran whose career spans across critically acclaimed movies and popular television series.
Lynch, an alumnus of Catholic University’s Department of Drama, where he earned his B.F.A. in 1986, boasts an impressive resume. His notable roles include parts in the Coen Brothers’ Fargo, David Fincher’s Zodiac, and Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino. Television audiences recognize him from series like The Drew Carey Show and his chilling performances in American Horror Story. Adding another dimension to his artistic endeavors, Lynch stepped behind the camera to direct the film Lucky, starring the iconic Harry Dean Stanton in one of his final roles.
During his September 20th campus visit, Lynch dedicated his time to instructing a master class, immersing himself in the development of the university’s drama students. Following the class, he participated in an insightful Q&A session led by Nelson Pressley, a Washington Post arts critic and fellow Catholic University alumnus. The day culminated in a screening of Lynch’s film The Founder, a cinematic exploration of the McDonald’s empire, followed by a discussion helmed by Stephen McKenna, Chair of the Department of Media Studies at the university.
Reflecting on his journey during the Q&A, Lynch recounted his early engagement with acting, which began at the age of 14 through a Catholic Youth Services program in Denver. He credited this early exposure to drama as a pivotal and positive influence during his formative years, stating, “It really did save me because it focused my energy toward something that was positive and collaborative.” By the time he graduated high school, Lynch had already accumulated experience in 17 productions, setting a solid foundation for his future career.
His decision to attend Catholic University was influenced by his sister’s path. He recalled his time in the drama program as a period of intense competition, a crucial experience that taught him resilience in the face of auditions and rejections. “It was great because everybody took it seriously,” Lynch noted, emphasizing the rigorous and dedicated environment. He valued the “great practical experience and a lot of opportunities to be on stage” that the university provided.
Post-graduation, Lynch honed his craft with the Denver Shakespeare Festival and later in Chicago’s vibrant theater scene. A significant period of his career was spent as a member of the prestigious Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis for eight years, a tenure that preceded his transition into prominent television and film roles. Acknowledging the evolving landscape of the acting profession, Lynch expressed humility about giving definitive advice, yet he underscored the enduring value of stage experience for aspiring actors.
Lynch encouraged students to embrace every audition opportunity, advocating for a mindset of consistent excellence: “Every time you can audition for something, say yes. And every time you can audition, be excellent.” He also advised students to cultivate self-awareness, urging them to identify and leverage their unique attributes to enrich their character portrayals, highlighting that “so much of acting training is about breaking down your impact and finding your voice.”
Further Insights from The Washington Post Interview
For those interested in delving deeper into John Carroll Lynch’s perspectives, The Washington Post published an interview on October 5th that references his master class at Catholic University. Read the full Washington Post interview to explore more about his career and artistic philosophy.
