Because He's Jeff Goldblum: The Movies, Memes, and Meaning of Hollywood's Most Enigmatic Actor

by Travis M. Andrews

An irreverent yet deeply researched biography about the always offbeat, suddenly meme-able, and wildly popular actor

When did you first encounter Jeff Goldblum? Maybe as a deranged killer in his 1974 screen debut in Death Wish? Maybe as a cynical journalist in 1983s The Big Chill? Or a brilliant if egotistical scientist-turned-fly in 1986s The Fly? Perhaps as the wise-cracking skeptical mathematician in 1993s Jurassic Park? Or maybe you're not a film buff but noticed his face as part of one of the Internet's earliest memes. Who knows?

Whenever it was, you've probably noticed that Goldblum has become one of Hollywood's most enduring actors, someone who only seems to grow more famous, more heralded, more beloved through the decades, even though he's always followed his own, strange muse. The guy primarily plays jazz music these days, but is more famous than ever. Actor, pianist, husband, father, style icon, meme. Goldblum contains multitudes, but why? What does he mean?

The Washington Post's Travis M. Andrews decided to find out. And so he set out on a journey through Goldblum's career, talking to directors like Lawrence Kasdan and Philip Kaufman, colleagues like Harry Shearer and Billy Crudup, and pop culture experts like Chuck Klosterman and Sean Fennessey, to get to the bottom of this whole Goldblum thing. And then he took what he learned and he wrote this book, which is titled Because He's Jeff Goldblum and is the best thing written since The Brothers Karamazov and slightly easier to follow. But you should already know that. In this new semi-biography, semi-rumination, and semi-ridiculous look at the career of Goldblum, Andrews takes you behind the scenes of his iconic movies, explores the shifting nature of fame in the twenty-first century, and spends far too much time converting Goldblum's name into various forms of speech.

Want to hear how Goldblum saved a script supervisor from an amorous baboon? Or what he would write on the mirror after taking showers when he was a teenager? How about his feelings on various brands of throat lozenges? (That one could be an entire book unto itself.) Then this is the book for you!

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Humor, Memoir, Audiobook, Adult

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

Travis M. Andrews is a staff writer for the Washington Post’s Style section, where he covers music, movies, television, comedy and Internet culture. Previously he was an associate travel and culture editor for Southern Living and a contributing pop culture reporter for Mashable and The Week. He has also written for Time, Esquire, GQ, and the Atlantic, among others. He lives in Washington, D.C., where he acquiesces to the every wish of his puppy Stevie Nix and misses his native New Orleans.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something of a puff piece for Jeff Goldblum. What you'll mainly learn is that Jeff Goldblum is a really nice guy who learns the name of every crew member on set. All the information is gathered from old interviews and articles written about Goldblum as this is an unauthorized biography. Andrews has a lot of clever writing in the book. Still I felt like it could have been about 80 pages shorter.

Received a review copy from Plume and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Arlen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeff Goldblum is a nice guy. Jeff Goldblum is a nice guy. Jeff Goldblum is a nice guy. There, I've saved you the time from reading this book. Although.... the author did get me to watch a Jeff Goldblum movie of which I wasn't aware: 2008's "Adam Resurrected." The author did what he could with what he had to work with, which in essence is a self-proclaimed unauthorized biography of a really nice guy.

[Michael Mims · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book. Very fun read. I enjoy Goldblum but am not a mega fan or anything like that — but this book grabbed me because it featured lots of interesting discussion about broader topics like the emergence of internet culture, the Hollywood industry, etc. And it features great artwork! This book would make a great gift for Goldblum fans and even non-fans, because it’s a fun conversation piece, and an enjoyable read.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big Law & Order fan, and I always enjoyed Goldblum's brief but inspiring turn on L&O Criminal Intent. Oh, and Ian Malcolm. That said, I think we forget how actors can worm so weirdly into the nooks and crannies of population culture, and Andrews has done an excellent job tracking the actor's path from character-actor to beloved Character. The book makes clear Goldblum has always followed his own bizarre bent compass, and Andrews channels the outré main subject in the book's unconventional structure. The book breaks rules and takes chances, relying on cleaver bits and odd digressions and zig-zagging scene detours and Gatling gun pun delivery, the book reflects Goldbum's own playful path. It reminds me of how the great Nick Tosches wrote his seminal "Country" interjecting weird scenes between the chapters, which reflected country music's general disdain for rules. Pop culture buffs will enjoy Andrews' account of the actor's career. Fans of inventive writing will love Andrews' bold decisions on the page.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Dutton - Plume in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved every page of this biography and the humor Jeff has during the interviews with Travis and I don't think there was any point to the book where I was not laughing hysterically. I remember Jeff vividly with his role in the Jurassic Park films and the apple and apartments.com commercials and knew he played Jazz music but knowing what inspired him to go through all of these outlets was so inspiring that I was amazed the entire book. This would be a great book to use for a project, even though it is not an autobiography due to Travis's credibility with the Washington Post and his new found relationship he discovered with Jeff himself.

We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Maoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun! I found myself laughing out loud at times. I really appreciate the approach taken by the author on a biography about Jeff Goldblum: It's fun and funky - just like Jeff! I also took the bait and emailed the author a haiku. I think it would have been a great beach read. Might get a copy for my dad for Father's Day, too...

[Randi Stretch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this when I noticed it at the local used bookstore so figured, why not? I have now learned my lesson: I don’t really love biographies, I’m a memoir/autobiography type of reader.
The author had never met Jeff Goldblum and basically said the same thing over and over again about how “Goldblumy” JG is. This is practically an over-extended Wikipedia article, but with the author’s personal thoughts, feelings and personal content as well (we aren’t here to read about you, sir). I liked learning a little more about who JG is on a movie set (very genuine and overall nice guy to everyone) and his time working with Wes Anderson, but I would not recommend this.

[Dylan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute treat and a whirlwind of a read! I too am one of the people who've constantly questioned (but fully accepted) the being that is Jeff Goldblum and why he has become so popular and meme-able, and Andrews doesn't shy away from the absurdity of it all. While an official biography would surely be just as enjoyable, albeit probably for different reasons, this unofficial glance into who Jeff Goldblum is and the fact that he's ingrained into the world's consciousness is laugh-out-loud hilarious. It was the absolute remedy I needed among heavier books and a very heavy year.

[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quirky biographical /memoirish style of book with absolutely no contribution from the subject at hand - but I was fascinated none-the-less as Goldblum is such a tenacious, enigmatic, figure, seemingly beloved by all.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Goldblum is reverent, well-read, kind and compassionate actor with over forty years in the business. This showcases his likability, staying power and why he's a class act.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed learning about jeff but was not a huge fan of the way it was delivered in this book

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical, rivetting, and inventive!

[Richard L. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love movies, pop culture, and "behind the scenes" books. I get that a quirky, offbeat subject like Jeff Goldblum might merit a quirky, offbeat biography. But a person who says they're going to tell you about a famous person, then constantly inserts themselves into the story, both the main text and the (mostly superfluous) footnotes, ultimately comes across as extremely insecure or enormously egotistical. Either way, they become a bore. To paraphrase a line from a Jurassic Park movie in which Mr. Goldblum did *not* appear: "It just seemed like the [author] was high on himself."

[Anne Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a highly researched, serious and yet tongue-in-cheek biography of Jeff Goldblum. A bit repetitive sometimes, but a fast read and entertaining. Andrews walks you through Goldblum movies or shows you might not have heard of, skips quickly past the mega-hits that everyone knows, and gives the reader some of the more esoteric factoids about the actor’s life or projects. Fun for Goldblum fans.

I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Mallory · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so disappointing.
According to the author, Jeff Goldblum never agreed to an interview with him - therefore, this is an unauthorized bio.
Mr. Goldblum, that was probably one of the best decisions you ever made!
It's true - there's info about Jeff Goldblum in this book, but it's swallowed up by tons of boring experiences/interests/junk about the author's life. It's not funny, and it's not worth it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought I would need a biography about Jeff Goldblum until I read a biography about Jeff Goldblum. He certainly lives an interesting life and his characters are always memorable, no matter the role. From one fan to another, thank you to the author.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Reading_RainRho · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man, The Myth, The Meme—this book was absolutely delightful and a must read for any Goldblum-file. I also really enjoyed the author’s writing style, it felt like talking/listening to a friend. Also, if you do read this book do yourself a favor write the haiku and email it—totally worth it.

[Anpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrews does a masterful job of delving into the strange world and mind of Jeff Goldblum. The writing is concise, conversational and descriptive. Wonderful read.

[DebbieG · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish. This is fan worship at it's most annoying.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like JG this book was quirky and funny.

[Hank Stuever · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my Post colleague Travis Andrews, a fabulous, imaginative (interludariffic!) argument that the write-around (journalism's term for a story where you have to write around the subject, because you can't get direct access to them) is not at all a losing proposition. In fact, in the right hands, it can take on a dreamlike, deeper, funnier, more obsessively analytic quality -- sometimes better than a long series of one-on-one interviews. "Because He's Jeff Goldblum" is a complete consideration of Goldblum, both professionally and existentially. Goldblum should be intensely flattered.

[Marnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Goldblum is a national treasure and this is a lovely homage to his life and influence. It appears he actually is a genuine and wonderful as he presents. Some of the Interludes were giving off major "word count vibes" but overall, it was a witty delight. 8 out of 10 Goldblums.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book to review

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to stop about a third of the way in. Some of the info was interesting, but I just couldn't take the writing style anymore.

[Janet Graham · Rating 1 out of 5]

I Only Read 65 Pages and Quit
I suggest that you don't even read that unless you just want to know the author's opinion of all things Goldblum. It got tiring listening to the author compare himself to Jeff Goldblum. If there were any comparison at all, he would not be writing a biography about another fella. More so, the reader does not care a bit about the author and it does not make the reading more palatable or humorous. He goes into a detailed description of Goldblum's part in the original Death Wish. Now, that is a movie I have never seen because of its violence, The author, graphicly describes the scene which I have avoided for over 40 years in such a fashion that I will read no more of the book. He 'tactfully' won't use whatever vulgar expression the character used, but he paints a scene of such violence against women that I will read no further in the book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

[Howard Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly this is not an autobiography. Jeff Goldblum did not wish to be interviewed for this book. Secondly it’s not really a biography but more like several episodes of Entertainment Tonight without a TV. Despite these issues, Mr. Andrews has done the work, has an engaging style and has managed to put together a very enjoyable story about the career of a really nice guy.
There’s some prologue but the bulk of the book just goes from movie to movie ( or other project ) discussing Jeff’s roles and his interaction with others. It’s always positive. Everyone loves Jeff. The end of the book focuses on Jeff the meme,Jeff the crazy clothes horse, Jeff the jazz pianist, and Jeff returning to his hometown Pittsburg to Goldblumerize The Music Man.
This is a quick read. It’s 300 pages with bibliography but it feels like a magazine. I was prepared to dismiss it with 3/5 and move on, but I felt by the end that Mr Andrews cared enough about his subject to really try and sort out who he was despite never meeting him.
As a result I ended up caring about Jeff Goldblum and being happy he’s around and performing.,it’s light and dark and shallow and deep and diverting and annoying, pretty much like Jeff Goldblum. I came to agree with the author that the worlds a better place with a Goldblum in it.

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a nice break from some of the more serious reading I've been doing. I'm not the world's biggest Jeff Goldblum fan, but he's led an interesting life, and the author manages to draw in many pop culture factoids that made me bookmark things to check out later. Since it is an authorized biography of a living person who doesn't take himself too seriously, the overall tone is pretty lighthearted and wholesome. As the author himself explains the premise for the book:

"ME: I just don’t get it. Why are people so nuts for Jeff Goldblum?
"MORE INFORMED PERSON: Because he’s Jeff Goldblum!
"Understanding this was the correct answer, but still unsatisfied with it and vaguely bored, I decided it’d be fun to figure out why Goldblum is so universally famous, so beloved, and so devoid of controversy, scandal, and haters."

What follows is a kind of how-to guide to making friends and influencing people, celebrity style. Students of the social sciences may be just as interested in the results as diehard Goldblum fans will be.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started to say “I loved this book” but realized I needed to say “I love Jeff Goldblum”! The author never had a personal minute with actor/jazz pianist Goldblum but he interviewed hundred of people who did, and he read countless articles, columns, and interviews about or with Goldblum. He also watched virtually every movie, TV show, and bit of advertising featuring Goldblum. The resulting book is a terrific point of entry to getting to know Goldblum in depth. So after all I’ll say in closing “I loved this book!” Both the biography and its subject are fascinating and entirely original. I recommend it!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of splits the difference between a deep-dive, serious biography/ exploration of Goldblum's career and a being a more humor-oriented, pop culture fluff piece. It's pretty good when the author gets out of his own way--his endless puns, gimmicky set ups and joke-y footnotes don't always land and can rankle after awhile. Still, Andrews has clearly done his research and clearly gets the unique appeal of Goldblum and what makes him a true national treasure and internet icon. The book's later chapters on meme-culture were particularly interesting, as he attempts to unpack why Goldblum resonates so strongly online.

[Molly Franz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was looking for - laugh out loud! Don't skip the footnotes. I gotta watch more of these Goldblum movies I haven't heard of before this book. Like, what even is Vibes?

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The easiest thing to say is that this is completely unauthorized by Jeff Goldblum. THat said, Travis Andrews seems to have had an . . . interesting time not only digging through old publication articles both online and off, watching television guest appearances, television episodes where Goldblum provided a recurring character, and the movies he has made over the decades. He could only get copies of reviews and perform interviews to get ideas of the stage productions that Goldblum worked on. Oh, then there is the jazz piano performances/gigs as part of a band as well as the two albums he's put out. And of course there is the memes and the fashions and the the appeal that Goldblum seems to have for most of the people that interact with him.

Personally, it's a tribute - sometimes rather fluffy one - along with the influence that this honest and authentic individual has had on the motion picture, stage and television industry. He has always been himself, no matter how offbeat it may seem to the mainstream. He is said to be a happy and joyous man especially now that he is married with two young boys - this was published in early 2021 although there is no mention of the pandemic)

Overall a fun read but does get a bit repetitious after a bit as Andrews tries to keep it chronological but seems to skip about here and there due to points he is attempting to make. Seriously, Andrews performed multiple interviews with producers, directors, fellow actors and crew - Goldblum always made a point of getting to know the names of the crew of any production he worked on, even the catering crew. Everyone speaks positively about him which doesn't seem real but of course, the answer is "because he's Jeff Goldblum".

2022-022