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Podcast Episode

Al Pacino | The Making of a Great Artist | Ft: Larry Grobel | The Artists with Suchita # 179

The Artists: Arts, Culture, and Cinema with Suchita Bhhatia·Ep.Log Media·14 September 2026·58 min

About this episode

Al Pacino Was Full of Self-Doubt | The Making of a Great ArtistAl Pacino was full of self-doubt — and almost wasn't cast in The Godfather.Why was Pacino almost rejected for the role that would change his life? What was his equation with Marlon Brando? What influenced the trajectory of his career the most? And what qualities — beyond talent — made him a great artist?This and much more in this fascinating episode with Lawrence Grobel, the legendary interviewer, writer and author who has spent decades in conversation with some of the most extraordinary artists of our time.Grobel has written more than 25 books and has interviewed and spent time with icons including Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Barbra Streisand and Dolly Parton. His conversations with Pacino began in 1979 and continued for more than 25 years, eventually becoming the book Al Pacino: In Conversation with Lawrence Grobel.In this conversation, we explore:Al Pacino and self-doubtWhat was happening beneath the confidence of one of cinema's greatest actors?Why Pacino was almost rejected for The GodfatherHow did he end up becoming Michael Corleone?Pacino and Marlon BrandoTheir relationship, their contrasting personalities and the extraordinary legacy they created together.What shaped Pacino's careerThe people, choices and experiences that influenced his trajectory as an artist.What makes Al Pacino a great artist?Talent, instinct, discipline, vulnerability — and his relentless commitment to the craft.The artist behind the iconWhat can we learn from Pacino about artistic life, doubt and longevity?We also pay tribute to Dolly Parton, another extraordinary artist Grobel has known and interviewed, and hear some of his remarkable stories from a lifetime spent in conversation with great artists.Watch the full episode on YouTube & Spotify.Listen on Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate and review The Artists Podcast. It helps us continue bringing you conversations with extraordinary artists and thinkers.Instagram: @the.artistspodcast Like. Share. Subscribe