Timothy Olyphant Discusses Fame, Acting, and Ceramics

LOS ANGELES, CA — Timothy Olyphant, known for his roles in hit TV series and films, recently shared insights about his multifaceted career and his newfound passion for ceramics. In a conversation during late July, the 57-year-old actor spoke candidly about what it means to find the perfect balance of fame and personal contentment.

Olyphant, who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood since the late ’90s, describes his approach to both acting and ceramics as a blend of improvisation and genuine expression. “This process is similar to my acting. It’s a little something I call winging it,” he said, modestly reflecting on his artistic journey.

At his Westside studio, he humorously noted his signature cowboy hat, commonly seen in his performances, stating, “What a cry for attention. The guy that’s played a cowboy most of his career wears a cowboy hat.” Olyphant is more than a cowboy, though; he stars in the upcoming Apple TV+ comedy “Stick” and has signed on for a sequel to Quentin Tarantino‘s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” directed by David Fincher.

His new role in the FX series “Alien: Earth,” premiering on August 12, sees him diverging from the cowboy genre to play a “dry, sassy android.” Olyphant expressed excitement about the character, recalling the script’s description of his role, emphasizing why this left turn appealed to him.

Amidst discussions about his career decisions, including turning down a pivotal role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, Olyphant reflected on his level of fame. “I don’t have famous people problems, and yet I get to work with you name them. It’s a sweet spot,” he said, appreciating the opportunities he has while also valuing his privacy.

He described his experiences on sets like “Justified” and “Deadwood” as pivotal moments in finding his sweet spot in the industry. Olyphant shared how these roles allowed him the balance he desired to spend time with his family while enjoying fulfilling work. He recently expressed his openness to revisiting characters, noting that each opportunity he’s had has been rewarding.

In a light-hearted moment, Olyphant joked about his family lineage, directly claiming, “You’re goddamn right I am” a descendant of the Vanderbilt family. He entertained the notion of meeting distant relatives like Anderson Cooper, alluding to a potential family reunion now that his children are grown.

As he concluded the conversation, Olyphant enthusiastically mentioned ceramics as a creative outlet. “The future is in ceramics… Seth Rogen’s had a lot of success with ceramics. He’s selling ashtrays. Case in point,” he said, encouraging new artists to pursue the medium.