Mastering the Room

Actor Richard Schiff Talks The Real World Of The West Wing

Episode Summary

Richard Schiff, an Emmy Award-winning actor known for his role as Toby Ziegler on The West Wing, discusses his upbringing, political activism, and the show's impact on young people. He reflects on the changing perception of politics and The West Wing mentality over the years. Schiff also shares his experience researching for the role of Toby and the eye-opening moments he had about the inner workings of government. He emphasizes the complexity of decision-making at the presidential level and the challenges of achieving meaningful change. Richard Schiff discusses the compromises and disappointments of real politics, the impact of his character Toby Ziegler, and his current projects. He emphasizes the importance of staying engaged in politics and making a positive difference, even in the face of disappointment and hypocrisy. Schiff also talks about his interest in longevity and the ethical implications of extending life. He encourages readers to get involved, contribute to positive change, and resist apathy.

Episode Notes

Takeaways

• Richard Schiff's upbringing in New York City and his early involvement in political activism shaped his interest in politics.
• The West Wing had a profound impact on young people, inspiring many to pursue public service, but the show's influence has diminished over time.
• Schiff reflects on the challenges of maintaining a West Wing mentality in today's political climate and the need for cynicism and pragmatism.
• Researching for the role of Toby Ziegler on The West Wing exposed Schiff to the inner workings of government and the complexity of decision-making at the presidential level. Real politics often involves compromises that can be disappointing.
• Staying engaged in politics and making a positive difference is important.
• The pursuit of a more perfect union requires continuous effort.
• Extending life and health span raises ethical questions.
• Getting involved and contributing to positive change can make a difference.
• Resisting apathy and staying informed is crucial in politics.

Titles

• Researching for the Role of Toby Ziegler
• The Impact of The West Wing on Young People The Impact of Toby Ziegler
• The Ethics of Extending Life

Sound Bites

• "You guys personified politics as it's supposed to be."
• "Do we have room for a West Wing mentality anymore?"
• "The West Wing was a seven-year graduate school in political science education."
• "Our compromises were always disappointing."
• "You would rather lose and be correct than hold power and get half the loaf."
• "Doing something positive, even if it's just charity work, will make you feel better about the world."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:38 The Impact of The West Wing on Young People

07:32 The Challenges of Maintaining a West Wing Mentality

23:24 Researching for the Role of Toby Ziegler

26:08 The Complexity of Decision-Making in Government

29:18 The Compromises and Disappointments of Real Politics

32:57 The Impact of Toby Ziegler

38:05 The Ethics of Extending Life

42:37 Getting Involved and Making a Positive Difference

52:55 Resisting Apathy and Staying Informed