Robbins claims Susan Sarandon lost representation after speaking on Israel-Gaza
"including my ex Susan Sarandon who uh you know was against the what was happening in Israel and lost her agent and you know is having a hard time finding work. This is crazy."
About this episode
Joe Rogan’s interview with actor-director Tim Robbins ranges from film industry economics to political backlash and pandemic-era cultural policy. Robbins recounts opposition to the 2003 Iraq War, including his claim that the Baseball Hall of Fame cancelled an anniversary appearance amid efforts to brand him a “traitor”, and his allegation that media outlets sought to discredit his anti-war stage work Embedded. He also alleges a personal smear by the New York Post during that period.
Robbins draws parallels between wartime and Covid-era pressure, describing how his Los Angeles theatre, The Actors’ Gang, delayed reopening rather than require vaccine passports at the door. He argues that institutions and media messaging during Covid fostered conformity and division, while also discussing the downstream effects he says he has seen in young people’s social development.
On entertainment and power, Robbins says he was offered highly paid roles in projects he characterises as reputation-management efforts, including a FIFA-produced film about the organisation itself. He outlines the financing realities of contemporary film distribution and says risk-taking has diminished.
A major section covers rehabilitation work: Robbins describes The Actors’ Gang’s long-running prison programme in California and offers examples of inmates reporting changed behaviour and reduced violence. The conversation ends with a discussion of AI in Hollywood, including Robbins’s support for an “AI-free” seal and his criticism of union protections.
Key takeaways
- Tim Robbins says the Baseball Hall of Fame cancelled a planned 2003 appearance tied to Bull Durham amid Iraq War tensions.
- He alleges hostile media tactics were used to discredit his anti-war stage work, including false personal smears.
- Robbins says his theatre delayed reopening rather than check vaccine passports, arguing against excluding sections of the community.
- He claims Susan Sarandon lost representation and work opportunities after speaking on Israel-Gaza.
- Robbins describes The Actors’ Gang prison rehabilitation programme and says it operates in 18 California prisons.
- He says he was offered roles in projects he characterises as institutional image management, including a FIFA-funded film.
- Robbins endorses an “AI-free” label for productions and criticises union compromises on AI protections.