When we talk about Joe Gould, James J. Braddock’s boxing manager from the Cinderella Man, we instantly think of the skillful actor, Paul Giamatti, who was even nominated for the Academy Awards in 2006 for the movie.
Born on June 6, 1967, in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S., he started his career in the industry in 1989 and has more than 100 acting credits under his name. From his successful career, he has been able to bag two Golden Globe Awards, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and one Primetime Emmy Award.
Well, most of us might be aware of his career but there are still things many are still unaware of. Here are some things we would like you to know about Paul!
5. Never Thought He’d Be An Actor
The 52 years old Paul Giamatti didn’t choose acting, acting chose him. He’d never thought of becoming an actor but, his life took a turn and now, he’s one of the most famous actors out there.
Source: Paul Giamatti’s Instagram
While being interviewed by The Scotsman he divulged that he never dreamt of becoming an actor.
I was never the class clown, or put on shows at home. I never thought of acting as something I could do with my life. When I was a kid, I used to run around wrapped in toilet paper so I could be the Mummy. But that wasn’t a sign that I was dreaming of being an actor. I was just an odd child.
Paul Giamatti on becoming an actor!
4. Wanted to Be A Professor
Being born and raised by parents of the academic field, Paul Giamatti also developed an interest in following the footstep of his father, Bart Giamatti, during his childhood days. His father was appointed the President of Yale University in 1978.
While growing up in a big university surrounded by intellectual people, he always imagined his life as a teacher.
I grew up in a big university, where my dad’s friends were all intellectuals. That is probably why I was so curious. I always imagined I would be a teacher, like most people in both sides of my family going back a few generations. But I wasn’t thinking about the future. I even went through a period of considering going to the naval academy. I don’t know what I was thinking.
Paul Giamatti on his dream of becoming a Professor.
3. Shy During Teenage Days
The American actor has once disclosed that he was a shy person during his teenage days. He overcame his shyness after he turned 18.
I would tell my younger self not to be so shy all the time. I was too shy when it came to romance. I’d tell him, don’t worry, everything will be fine. I’d say: “Have more fun than you are having.” I was about 18 before I got over my shyness.
Paul Giamatti on his Shyness!
2. His Love for Supporting Roles
Starting his career as an actor in 1989 and having played a few main roles since 2000 made it very clear to Paul that he loved playing supporting roles. In fact, he revealed that he was very comfortable with playing side roles.
While talking with The Guardian, he said,
You’re supposed to be more vivid, your job is to be more eccentric. I think I just like it better. There’s something about working in a smaller space that I’m more temperamentally suited to.
Paul Giamatti on playing side roles.
1. $25 Million Net Worth
As of 2020, the net worth of the longtime actor Paul Giamatti is calculated at around $25 million. Having spent more than three decades in the Hollywood industry, there’s no doubt his fortune has crossed the multi-million dollar mark.
Here is a list of some of his movies box office earnings.
| Movie | Box Office Collection |
|---|---|
| Planet of the Apes | $362 million |
| Big Momma’s House | $180 million |
| Sideways | $109 million |
| Mighty Aphrodite | $60 million |
| Kissing Man | $18 million |
| The Last Station | $13 million |
Back in 2010, he bought a 1,400-square-foot condo in Brooklyn Heights, New York costing $1.3 million. Besides, he also had a house in Venice, CA, worth $665 thousand.
Bonus
- He was in the swimming team while he was in high school.
- He joined Yale University from where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in English and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.
- Giamatti was married to Elizabeth Cohen and has shared a son.
- In 2016, Paul sold a share of his Brooklyn Heights co-op to his ex-wife for $1.1 million.
- His father was the President of the National League and also the MLB Commissioner. During his stint, he banned Pete Rose from the game for betting on games.
- Famous Director M. Night Shyamalan thinks leading roles suit Paul. She also compared him with Tom Hanks in case of how he carries a movie.
- For one of his early roles, he had to sit on human feces.
- While shooting for one of his most famous movies, Sideways, he got drunk and also was food poisoned after a dinner shot.
- Giamatti declined to appear in The Office.
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