Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna, had a mortifying moment during a live interview with Hollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. While discussing his upcoming film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Joseph mentioned that his older brother had introduced him to Eddie Murphy’s work when he was young. In response, Jenna made a joke about Joseph calling his brother, only for the actor to reveal that his brother had passed away. Joseph’s older brother Dan was found unresponsive at his Hollywood home in 2010, and it has been alleged that he died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 36.
In July 2020, Joseph took to Twitter to commemorate what would have been Dan’s 46th birthday and shared a heartfelt message about missing his brother. Joseph and Dan had started HitRECord.org together in 2005, a platform for creative collaboration. During a 2021 interview, Joseph became emotional when discussing his Apple TV+ show Mr. Corman, which was inspired by his late brother. He spoke about how Dan had a focus on gratitude, which is a theme that is reflected in the show through the character of Josh, played by Joseph.
Joseph acknowledged the impact his brother had on his work and revealed that Dan is “in kind of everything” he does. He mentioned a particular episode of Mr. Corman that touched on scenarios of different life outcomes, including one where the main character, Josh, has passed away, drawing parallels to his family’s experience with loss. Joseph admired his brother’s focus on gratitude and reflected on how it has influenced his own approach to life and work. These emotional connections between Joseph and his late brother underscore the deep impact that loss can have on an individual’s creative process and personal growth.
The interaction between Jenna and Joseph during the live interview highlighted the importance of sensitivity and understanding when discussing personal topics. Jenna’s unintentional joke about Joseph’s late brother served as a reminder of the need to be mindful of others’ experiences and backgrounds. Joseph’s gracious response to Jenna’s mistake showcased his ability to navigate difficult conversations with grace and empathy. By sharing his personal journey of grief and inspiration, Joseph shed light on the enduring impact that loved ones can have on an individual’s creative pursuits and emotional well-being.
As Joseph continues to honor his brother’s memory through his work and creative endeavors, he exemplifies the power of art and storytelling as a means of processing loss and fostering connection. The legacy of Dan lives on through Joseph’s dedication to his craft and commitment to sharing his brother’s story with the world. In a poignant tribute to his late sibling, Joseph’s work serves as a testament to the enduring bond between family members and the profound influence they can have on shaping one’s artistic vision and personal growth.
