Don’t Kill the Messenger welcomes award-winning actress, activist, and painter, Sharon Stone (Part 2 of 2)

Don’t Kill the Messenger welcomes award-winning actress, activist, and painter, Sharon Stone.

In Part 2 of this 2-part episode of “Don’t Kill the Messenger,” entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz continues his conversation with his longtime friend and Hollywood icon, Sharon Stone. Known for her memorable roles in films like Basic Instinct and her tireless activism, Stone opens up about her journey through stardom, her experiences with sudden fame, and her commitment to making a difference. Stone shares personal stories about her rise to stardom, her approach to acting and producing, and lessons she has learned in her career.

Kevin Goetz on Sharon Stone:

We’ve always been so authentic with each other, and if I’ve had some real places that I needed some advice that only somebody of your stature could offer, I’d come to you. Because a lot of people can’t give you advice on certain business issues.

Basic Instinct and The Whirlwind of Sudden Fame

Stone’s recollection of the Basic Instinct premiere at Cannes paints a vivid picture of her sudden rise to stardom:

“I’m in a day dress that I bought off the rack for 40 bucks at a South Beverly Hills shop with a couple sunflowers beaded here, right, that I thought was cute. I mean it was a mad house.”

The chaos that ensued after the premiere highlights the overwhelming nature of instant fame:

“When I came out of there and I got in that one car with my two friends and tried to get back to the hotel, there were so many people over the car that my friends put me on the ground and they laid on top of me because the car was being caved in.”

Sharon on walking the red carpet:

“I think it’s from the deepest part of yourself. This is where you as an artist say to the public, this is me saying to you, I do. I love being an artist and I love being here for you. For you. It’s the biggest moment where you are engaged with your people that you are making these films for where you get to walk up those stairs where you can actually see everybody. It’s a sea. And they say, either we like you or we don’t. And you say, I really appreciate it.”

A Producer’s Eye and Nose for Talent

Beyond her acting career, Stone has made significant contributions as a producer, demonstrating a keen eye for talent. She recalls her experience producing The Mighty and casting Gena Rowlands and Harry Dean Stanton.

Stone’s instinct for recognizing emerging talent is particularly noteworthy. She shares an anecdote about casting Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Quick and the Dead”:

“I wanted Russell Crowe and no one knew Russell at all. Russell had done a movie in Australia called Romper Stomper…and I said that he’s our next Richard Burton. He’s going to be unbelievable.”

Her commitment to these choices was so strong that she even offered to pay for DiCaprio’s salary out of her own.

Mentors and Lessons Learned

Stone credits several established actresses for guiding her through the complexities of fame. She mentions Shirley MacLaine, Faye Dunaway, Dyan Cannon, and Angie Dickinson as key mentors who offered invaluable advice:

“Shirley had me out to her house in Malibu and really helped me help me so much. Because you’ve got to remember, she was the only girl in the rat pack. So she has survived this long. It doesn’t matter when people say, oh, she’s crazy because she believed in reincarnation. She told me what was going to happen, every single thing. And she told me what to do about every single thing, which was really, really great. And she told me what would happen. And she told me what people would say about me when I did what I would do, about what would happen. She told me everything.”

These relationships provided Stone with crucial insights into navigating the industry while maintaining her integrity.

Commitment to Philanthropy

Despite facing resistance from her representatives, Stone became deeply involved in AIDS advocacy:

“They said no. Everybody said no, don’t do it. Except Cindi Berger and Cindi Berger, who got hives at the slightest mention of pressure of any kind, her higher entire neck was covered with hives. And she said, you know, this is going to ruin your career. And I said, I know, but I want to do it. And she said, if you don’t do it, I’m never going to talk to you again.”

Her dedication to this cause, along with other philanthropic efforts, has become a defining aspect of her career:

“There’s so many things that I haven’t done that haven’t been good for my career, but they’ve been very good for me. And they’ve been good for my mental health and they’ve been good for me as a parent.”

Balancing Career and Authenticity

Throughout the interview, Stone emphasizes her commitment to professionalism and authenticity in her work:

“SAG can pull every single one of my work records. I’m on time. I know my lines. There’s no trouble getting me out of the makeup trailer. Never.”

She challenges the notion of being “difficult” in the industry, asserting that her reputation comes from those who haven’t worked with her.

Personal Growth and Parenting

Stone reflects on the impact of parenthood on her personal development:

“It’s always a work in progress because the teacher is the student. Right. So you’re always working with them and the work you do with them, you’re expanding and you’re learning and you’re growing.”

In Part Two of this two-part interview, Sharon reveals the depth of her character beyond her silver screen persona. From her candid reflections on fame to her commitment to philanthropy, Stone shows how she uses her platform for good. Her friendship with Kevin Goetz adds a personal touch to the conversation. For the full conversation, check out the podcast episode here. And let us know your thoughts on the episode in the comments!

Don’t Kill the Messenger, hosted by movie and entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz, brings his book Audienceology to life. This bi-monthly podcast takes a peek behind the filmmaking curtain as Kevin talks with famous filmmakers, studio executives, stars, and other creatives about movies, filmmaking, audience test screenings, and much more.