Alan Alda Interviewed a Teenage Giancarlo Esposito in 1973 About His Broadway Beginning and Dreams of Breaking into Film and TV

In a conversation that has recently resurfaced online, a youthful Giancarlo Esposito displayed remarkable composure during an interview with the renowned actor Alan Alda back in 1981. At just 15 years old, Esposito, who was then making his mark in Broadway’s “Seesaw,” shared his early experiences and aspirations in the performing arts.

The vintage footage captures Alda, already celebrated for his role as Captain Hawkeye Pierce on the iconic series “M*A*S*H,” interviewing the teenage talent on WABC-TV’s “AM NEW YORK” on 31 May 1973. At the time, Alda was 37, and his guest, Esposito, was understandably eager yet articulate about his burgeoning career in theatre.

Reflecting on his journey into show business, Esposito remarked, “I started in show business about six years ago. I’m 15. My first play was ‘Maggie Flynn’ and my mother got me into it.” He recounted how a simple desire to pursue a career in commercials led him onto the grander stage of Broadway.

Born to Giovanni “John” C. Esposito, an Italian stagehand, and Elizabeth “Leesa” Foster, an opera singer from Alabama, Esposito credited his mother with shaping his ambition. He explained, “She said whatever I would like to do. She left it all up to me…. But she stuck with me and here I am.” This supportive environment clearly played a significant role in his early development as an actor.

Discussing the balance between work and education, Esposito candidly shared the challenges young performers often face. “I have to correspond my work, back and forth, with school to get everything done,” he stated, acknowledging the difficulties of managing a demanding schedule. However, he affirmed that despite these challenges, the hard work yielded rewarding results. “It’s hard work, but it pays off. I enjoy it,” he said.

When posed with the question of whether other aspiring child actors could successfully juggle similar commitments, Esposito acknowledged the potential difficulties, yet offered an optimistic view. “If they really have the knack for it and want to do it… it depends on what they’re doing,” he explained, suggesting that the level of commitment a child could manage often varied.

Reflecting on his foundational training in the arts, Esposito noted, “My training was basically experience of working at home, around the house with my mother,” who also served as his voice coach. He revealed his aspiration to pursue opera, praising his mother’s influence on his artistic development, while also expressing his love for television and film.

In the years that followed this early glimpse into his aspirations, Esposito’s career flourished. He gained widespread recognition for his role in Spike Lee’s “School Daze” in 1988 and continued to collaborate with the filmmaker on notable projects including “Do the Right Thing,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” and “Malcolm X.” His career traversed both independent and mainstream films, along with a successful presence in television and theatre.

Despite the external successes, Esposito’s journey was not without its obstacles. In a candid interview on Sirius XM’s “Jim & Sam,” he revealed that he faced financial struggles before his career-defining role as Gus Fring in the acclaimed AMC drama “Breaking Bad.” That pivotal performance not only revived his fortunes but also paved the way for further prestigious roles in series like “The Mandalorian” and “The Boys.” Additionally, Esposito starred in the “Breaking Bad” spin-off “Better Call Saul,” earning multiple Emmy nominations for his compelling performances.

Most recently, in September 2023, Esposito premiered his new film “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” at the Toronto International Film Festival. Reflecting on a poignant scene from the film where John Turturro’s character dances with his incapacitated wife, Esposito remarked on the moment of joy it conveyed. He elaborated, “That moment really helps me because I’ve worked so hard all my life and now I’m raising kids.”

As a father to four daughters, Esposito shared how he is learning to balance the demands of work with the importance of enjoying life. He concluded with an inspiring reminder: “Don’t forget to have fun.” His evolution from an ambitious young actor to a seasoned industry veteran exemplifies the power of perseverance and the joys of lifelong learning in the pursuit of one’s dreams.