John O’Leary welcomes actor Eric Close on the Live Inspired Podcast to share how he’s has built an impressive career in Hollywood while staying true to his core values of faith, family, and purpose.
Eric Close is an accomplished actor and director most recognized for his roles on television shows Without a Trace, Nashville and Suits. For decades, Eric has built an impressive career in Hollywood while staying true to his core values: faith, family, and purpose.
Today, Eric shares how his faith has guided every step of his career, the intentional choices he and his wife made to keep their family strong, and how he’s learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Plus, he opens up about his struggles with anxiety, the wisdom he’s gained from Hollywood icons like Clint Eastwood, and his experience portraying Coach Joe Kennedy in Average Joe—a man whose simple act of prayer after football games sparked national controversy.
My friends, if you’ve ever questioned your path, battled self-doubt, or needed reassurance that your struggles have meaning, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a reminder that we are never alone and the encouragement to stand firm in your beliefs.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Realizing that he wouldn’t be able to follow his dad in the medical field, Eric began studying film while attending University of Southern California.
- Drawn to projects because of the story, Eric is frequently recognized for his characters, particularly as FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald in the CBS mystery drama Without a Trace, Michael Wiseman in the CBS sci-fi drama Now and Again, Teddy Conrad in the ABC musical drama Nashville, and Travis Tanner in Suits.
- Clear intentions: At the start of his acting career, Eric made the conscious decision to put his relationship with God first, followed by family and friends and finally his work. He and his wife also set the intention of never spending more than two weeks apart on any project.
- In his recent project Average Joe, Eric portrays Coach Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach who was ridiculed after publicly sharing his commitment to God by taking a knee in prayer after each game. Stream Average Joe on a variety of outlets including Prime Video and Great American Pure Flix.
- We grow when things are difficult. “ I am grateful for my life’s journey – even the struggle.”
- Through his lifetime struggle with anxiety, Eric has found hope, guidance and reliance on the saying, “when I am weak, God is strong.”
- Gaining confidence through adversity. Taking advice from Clint Eastwood, Eric overly prepared for his directorial debut in Without a Trace. Afterwards, Jerry Bruckheimer called to congratulate him on a successful episode which made the next time less stressful.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Coach Bill Courtney. Bill is a business owner, husband, and father who believes: Giving back isn’t something nice to do. It is a responsibility. Hear how Bill chose to coach football in an impoverished North Memphis High School and how through the tenants of love, consistency, and self-assurance, he turned the team – and many lives – around. Listen to Bill Courtney on ep. 28.
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ERIC CLOSE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Bible, specifically John and James. I've read so many great books and I'm currently reading Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Blind faith and being worry-free about the future. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Maybe a spearhead from visiting the Mohican tribe in Michigan when I was 5 years old, maybe a jar of Nutella but really as long as my family was safe, I wouldn't go back for anything. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My brother. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. A place for everything and everything in its place. And try our best to love and understand others. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Don't second guess so much. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. Hallelujah!!!
