John Corbett joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast for The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series to share the lessons, laughter, and humility that carried him from small-town roots to Hollywood, and what he learned portraying Denny O’Leary.
This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes John Corbett, the beloved actor, musician, and storyteller who portrays my dad Denny O’Leary on the big screen. Long before he became known for his roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Northern Exposure, and Sex and the City, John was a kid from a small West Virginia town, whose path from humble beginnings to Hollywood success reads like a movie script itself.
Today, John shares the moments that shaped him from hydro-testing steel pipes to discovering his gift for storytelling in a college improv class. He opens up about humility in the spotlight, his deep love for his wife Bo Derek, and the raw emotion that came from portraying my father in SOUL ON FIRE.
My friends, if you need a reminder that it’s never too late for your life to take an unexpected turn, or that joy and kindness are what truly make a person shine, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave it reminded that our stories, no matter how ordinary they begin, can ignite something extraordinary when we choose to live with hope, humor, and heart.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Raised by his single mom in a small West Virginia town, John learned early on that humor and heart could carry you through anything.
- Before Hollywood, he worked on the factory floor hydro-testing steel pipes which was a job that taught him humility and grit.
- A random college experience led him to improv classes, where he first discovered his love for storytelling and connection.
- “I didn’t have a plan, but I knew I wanted to try something that made me feel alive.”
- John shares how one opportunity led to another, reminding us that life’s biggest turns often begin with saying yes.
- From Northern Exposure to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, he built a career defined by kindness and authenticity, not ego.
- Despite decades in Hollywood, John still considers himself “a blue-collar guy who got lucky doing something he loves.”
- He opens up about his long partnership and marriage to Bo Derek, built on mutual respect, laughter, and simplicity.
- Fame has never mattered as much as living a peaceful life surrounded by people who make you better.
- Portraying Denny O’Leary in SOUL ON FIRE brought unexpected emotion, connecting deeply to the love between a father and son.
- “There’s something sacred about playing someone real, especially when their story is rooted in hope.”
- John reflects on the courage it takes to live openly, love deeply, and not take yourself too seriously along the way.
- He reminds listeners that it’s okay to not have it all figured out, and that you just have to keep moving forward.
- “Kindness and humor have carried me further than talent ever did.”
- My friends, John’s story is proof that no matter where you start, you can build a life full of meaning, laughter, and light.
- Watch the “Meet the Parents” featurette to hear John Corbett reflect on stepping into the role of my dad, Denny O’Leary.
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JOHN CORBETT'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Sense of humor. - 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. I have a $39 Teisco Del Ray electric guitar my mom bought me in 1967. - 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. Bo Derek, George Harrison or John Lennon. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. From my dad: Make yourself comfortable. Don't get yourself in a precarious position. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Pay more attention to everything and start thinking for yourself more. - 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. The big dummy didn't miss much.
