Stephen Tobolowsky Says He Got the Role in Glee with Broken Neck

By Jurassic JennJan 26, 2025 12:43 PMStar Facts
Share:
Stephen Tobolowsky Says He Got the Role in Glee with Broken Neck
Stephen Tobolowsky. Source: FLOOD Magazine

Securing a role on Glee proved challenging for Stephen Tobolowsky. He faced a "ridiculously strange story" that led to his audition. At 73, Tobolowsky portrayed Sandy Ryerson, a fired teacher turned local drug dealer at William McKinley High. His stint on the show lasted eight episodes, but it was filled with adversity. He confronted tornado-like winds, a serious neck injury, and various scheduling conflicts just to audition for this part. This is prepared by SSP.

On the January 8 episode of the iHeart Radio podcast And That's What You REALLY Missed, co-hosted by former Glee stars Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, Tobolowsky shared the tumultuous months leading up to his audition. "I had been horseback riding with my wife (Ann Hearn) on an active volcano in Iceland," he recalled. "Suddenly, we were slammed by a massive wind gust from the Atlantic Ocean. It lifted me and the horse as if we were in a tornado and pitched us onto the mountainside."

After returning to the U.S., a doctor informed him he had what was termed a "fatal injury," despite his survival. "You want to know why you're alive?" recalled Tobolowsky. "The doctor explained that my cervical spine curves unusually, so my neck broke but didn’t damage my spinal cord."

Recovery meant three troublesome months of immobility. Near the end of this period, he received a script for a show called Glee. Despite still having a broken neck, he was excited. "My first impression of Glee was, ‘Oh my God.’ The script was pure joy. It was so fun," he shared. Determined to audition despite his injury, Tobolowsky relied on his wife for transportation. Upon arriving, he had a plan. "I’m going to lie," he decided. He discreetly removed his neck brace, hiding it under the casting couch, and sat down.

"Auditioning while hoarse is tough, especially with a broken neck," he admitted. Pacing nervously in a surprisingly empty waiting area, Tobolowsky waited for 20 minutes until Ryan Murphy’s assistant approached. He had mistakenly arrived a day early. Mortified, Tobolowsky explained everything to the assistant and pulled out the neck brace for proof. "I was about to lie to everyone, and now you've given me a chance not to lie," he stated.

Tobolowsky returned the following day. This time, he entered the audition room to face Murphy and other producers. Murphy broke the ice by remarking, "I heard a very interesting story about you from yesterday."

Earlier, SSP wrote that Brooke Shields recalled a kind gesture from Taylor Swift's mom during Eras Tour.

Top Articles
What double rainbow means in spiritual sense

Meaning of double rainbow as a spiritual sign from above

Oct 16, 2024 13:27 PM
Symbolism and meaning of crickets

Symbolism and meaning of the cricket as a spirit animal

Oct 15, 2024 13:01 PM

Meaning of the yellow butterfly. Symbolism and spiritual meaning of the encounter

Oct 15, 2024 15:05 PM

Keep seeing the number of angel 2222? Read its spiritual meaning

Oct 14, 2024 17:01 PM
More News
Belly Button Piercing

Beyond Beauty: The Spiritual Symbolism of Belly Button Piercings

Apr 1, 2025 21:16 PM
What does a Palm Mean in Your Dream?

What does a Palm Mean in Your Dream?

Apr 1, 2025 20:54 PM

Three zodiac signs are entering a period ripe for self-reflection and inner growth

Apr 1, 2025 19:52 PM

The Spiritual Meaning of Mushrooms in Your Yard

Apr 1, 2025 17:53 PM
Embracing life's pleasures while being mindful: horoscope for April

Embracing life's pleasures while being mindful: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 17:42 PM
Three Zodiac Signs Facing Tests of Patience

Three Zodiac Signs Facing Tests of Patience

Apr 1, 2025 16:17 PM
Exploring new career paths and seek fresh opportunities: horoscope for April

Exploring new career paths and seek fresh opportunities: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 14:29 PM
Three zodiac signs are set for transformative growth and fulfillment

Three zodiac signs are set for transformative growth and fulfillment

Apr 1, 2025 12:21 PM
The emotional highs and lows may happen more frequently: horoscope for April

The emotional highs and lows may happen more frequently: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 11:18 AM

Three zodiac signs will find themselves imbued with a sense of adventure: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 10:34 AM

The Rotten Egg Smell in Your Home: A Spiritual Meaning

Apr 1, 2025 10:13 AM
Familial Conflicts Ahead for Three Zodiac Signs

Familial Conflicts Ahead for Three Zodiac Signs

Apr 1, 2025 09:51 AM
Three zodiac signs will experience a surge in humor: horoscope for April 1

Three zodiac signs will experience a surge in humor: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 09:08 AM
Three zodiac signs are encouraged to tap into their visionary thinking: horoscope for April 1

Three zodiac signs are encouraged to tap into their visionary thinking: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 08:26 AM
Kneeling Down

The Sacred Posture: The Spiritual Power of Kneeling Across Faiths

Apr 1, 2025 08:03 AM

Three zodiac signs will experience a surge of energy: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 07:43 AM

What Does a Jackal Symbolize in Your Dream?

Apr 1, 2025 07:22 AM
A sense of contentment and happiness: horoscope for April

A sense of contentment and happiness: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 07:03 AM
Three zodiac signs can expect promising career developments

Three zodiac signs can expect promising career developments

Mar 31, 2025 21:37 PM
What does a Cobra mean in your dream?

What does a Cobra mean in your dream?

Mar 31, 2025 20:54 PM
Three zodiac signs are poised to embark on a transformative journey

Three zodiac signs are poised to embark on a transformative journey

Mar 31, 2025 20:33 PM
 Helen Mirren Critiques James Bond Films for ‘Profound Sexism’

Helen Mirren Critiques James Bond Films for ‘Profound Sexism’

Mar 31, 2025 20:15 PM

Three zodiac signs should be ready for a life-altering surge in luck and success at the beginning of 2026

Mar 31, 2025 20:15 PM

Kanye West States He Never Wanted Children with Kim Kardashian

Mar 31, 2025 19:25 PM
Three zodiac signs expected to embrace spontaneity without fear: horoscope for March 31

Three zodiac signs expected to embrace spontaneity without fear: horoscope for March 31

Mar 31, 2025 19:08 PM
Three zodiac signs should embrace new worldviews

Three zodiac signs should embrace new worldviews

Mar 31, 2025 18:46 PM