Jeff Goldblum at 73: A Career Still Blooming with ‘Wicked’ and Beyond
The highly anticipated film Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters nationwide on Friday, November 21, once again showcasing the enduring talent of Jeff Goldblum.Having launched his acting career at age 22, Goldblum continues to thrive, filming both Wicked installments in his 70s – a testament to his remarkable longevity and passion for the craft. This article explores the breadth of Goldblum’s extensive career in film, television, and music, offering insights into the actor’s enduring appeal.
From ‘Death Wish’ to Cult Icon: Early Roles and Breakthroughs
The question isn’t so much what movies hasn’t Jeff Goldblum appeared in, but rather, where does one begin? His acting debut came in 1974 with the action film Death Wish, and he quickly established himself with memorable performances in late 1970s classics like Annie Hall and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Many fans identify his role in The Fly (1986) as a pivotal moment, opening doors to more complex and challenging opportunities. Just under a decade later, Goldblum cemented his status as a cinematic icon with his portrayal of Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park.
A Wes Anderson Regular and Beyond: Film Roles in the 21st Century
Goldblum’s career experienced a notable resurgence in the 21st century, largely thanks to his frequent collaborations with director Wes Anderson.He’s become a staple in Anderson’s ensemble casts, appearing in films like The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Asteroid City.For a new generation of moviegoers, Goldblum’s portrayal of the Wizard of Oz in the Wicked films is poised to become his most recognizable role yet.
Beyond the Big Screen: Goldblum on Television
While primarily celebrated for his film work,Goldblum has also made significant contributions to television. He’s appeared as a guest star on popular sitcoms like Friends and Will & Grace, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2005 for his work on the latter. His early television career included a starring role alongside Ben Vereen in Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, and he has as appeared in raines, law & Order: Criminal Intent, Glee, Portlandia, Search Party, and Kaos.
Jeff Goldblum is not only an accomplished actor but also a skilled jazz pianist. Fans who attended Wicked: One splendid Night were able to witness his musical talents firsthand. His band, Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, has released three studio albums, including their 2025 release, Still Blooming, which features guest vocals from his Wicked co-stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
The Wizard as Despot: Goldblum’s Take on Oz
In Wicked and Wicked: For Good, Goldblum embodies the titular Wizard of Oz, skillfully portraying a character who initially appears charismatic and playful, but ultimately reveals himself to be a manipulative and self-serving figure. The actor approached the role with a deep respect for its history, stating to Indiewire, “I’m like a jazz musician who doesn’t want to do like my students used to do, go ‘I don’t want to see anybody else do it, I want to make it my own,'” Goldblum said. “That’s only gonna get in my way. I don’t believe in that. I saw it, I can make it my own.The real help was Chu and the conception of how what he was doing was different from the play, it helped create something, we hope, is a little distinct.”
at 73, Jeff Goldblum continues to demonstrate a remarkable versatility and enduring appeal, solidifying his place as a true icon of American entertainment.
