Alec Baldwin Discusses Career, Rust Shooting and Retirement Plans in Podcast Interview

Alec Baldwin, an Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actor, was the guest on a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. The episode was recorded in front of an audience at the Boulder International Film Festival on April 10, 2026. Baldwin discussed his extensive career, which includes roles in major films and television series.

Baldwin has appeared in blockbusters such as The Hunt for Red October and independent films like The Cooler. He starred in the Oscar-winning film The Departed and the Emmy-winning comedy series 30 Rock. He has hosted Saturday Night Live 17 times, more than any other person, and co-hosted the Academy Awards in 2010 with Steve Martin.

He also earned Oscar and Tony nominations. These achievements span four decades of work in film, television and theater.

Public Life and the Rust Incident Baldwin has faced public scrutiny from paparazzi and tabloids for much of his career.

A gun was handed to him for a scene after it had been checked by an armorer to confirm it was unloaded. When the gun fired, a live round killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza.

Baldwin stated he did not pull the trigger. The incident led to legal proceedings against him. In January 2023, Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the charge was dropped in April 2023.

He faced the charge again in January 2024. During his trial in July 2024, the charges were dismissed with prejudice after the judge determined that authorities had withheld evidence from the defense team.

Impact of the Prosecution and Future Outlook The prosecution affected Baldwin in multiple areas, including finances, career, family and health.

He described becoming ill during the process. A new documentary, The Trial of Alec Baldwin, directed by Rory Kennedy, covers the events, including footage from the trial. Kennedy approached Baldwin about the project, and filming occurred before and during the trial in New Mexico.

The documentary addresses the withholding of evidence by authorities. Baldwin noted that the experience led him to spend three and a half years at home with his children, during which he worked minimally. This time at home has changed his priorities.

Baldwin stated he is now accustomed to staying home and does not want to work anymore. He expressed a desire to retire and remain with his kids, though he plans to take on some upcoming projects.

Reflections on Career Experiences In the podcast, Baldwin shared anecdotes from his professional life.

He discussed working with Hollywood studios and producers, describing their business practices in strong terms. He recounted choosing to perform in the Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire after The Hunt for Red October, which shifted his focus toward independent films and theater.

Baldwin described his cameo in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman, where Lee changed the script on set, leading to improvised moments that were included in the final film.

He also explained how he prepared to impersonate Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, starting with a reluctance but continuing for multiple appearances after the 2016 election. The full podcast episode is available on major apps and includes additional details from the interview. The discussion highlighted Baldwin's varied experiences in the entertainment industry.