From Hollywood to Purpose: The Inspiring Journey of Randy Goodwin

The Look Like Somebody podcast, hosted by Ricky Simmons, launched with a powerful first episode featuring Randy J. Goodwin, a Hollywood actor, filmmaker, and Omaha native. This heartfelt conversation delves into Randy’s path to success, the struggles he overcame, and his commitment to integrity in the entertainment industry.

As two brothers in spirit, Ricky and Randy share personal stories of resilience, faith, and redemption, proving that no matter the challenges, it’s always possible to rise above and “look like somebody.”

 

From Omaha to Hollywood: Chasing a Childhood Dream

Randy Goodwin’s journey to becoming a Hollywood actor and filmmaker started at just eight years old. He recalls a moment from his childhood when he performed in a play about Jesus of Nazareth, and despite dealing with a fake beard that kept falling off, he captivated the audience.

The overwhelming applause made him realize:

“I don’t just want to do this for the rest of my life—I want to make people feel this way for the rest of their lives.”

However, growing up in Omaha, acting didn’t seem like a realistic career path. His parents discouraged him from pursuing it, pushing him toward a more stable profession. Despite this, Randy remained steadfast in his passion.

“I knew God built me for this,” he says.

After high school and a stint in the U.S. Air Force, Randy finally made his way to Los Angeles to chase his dream. But getting into Hollywood wasn’t easy—it required resilience, connections, and, above all, integrity.

 

Hollywood’s Temptations and Staying True to His Values

While many actors get caught up in the glitz, glamour, and dark side of Hollywood, Randy took a different path. He quickly learned that success in the entertainment industry often came with hidden costs—whether it was partying, drinking, or compromising personal values to fit in.

One shocking moment came when a Hollywood executive refused to work with him simply because Randy didn’t drink.

“I don’t trust anyone who won’t drink with me,” the executive said, hinting at the industry’s underlying expectation to compromise in order to climb the ladder.

Instead of playing along, Randy stood his ground, refusing to engage in the industry’s toxic culture.

“I could’ve had Will Smith’s money and Keanu Reeves’ fame if I had taken everything Hollywood put in my face,” he admits. “But there’s always a price to it, and I wasn’t willing to pay it.”

Despite the temptation of multimillion-dollar deals, Randy remained committed to his faith, values, and mission. His choice may have cost him roles, but it solidified his reputation as an actor who stood for something greater than just fame.

 

The Road to Success: From Sleeping in His Car to Leading Roles

Hollywood’s journey wasn’t glamorous for Randy in the beginning.

At one point, he lived in his car for six months, scraping by while auditioning for roles. He took odd jobs, including working security at the Hollywood Athletic Club, just to make ends meet.

Then, he got the call that changed his life.

A producer at Showtime invited him to audition for a major role. Without a car or money, Randy had to rely on a friend, Troy Allen, a senior executive at 20th Century Fox, to drive him. After hours of waiting, he walked into the room and gave his performance.

The legendary Larry Gelbart, creator of MAS*H, was in the room. As he left the audition, Gelbart gave him a simple thumbs-up.

That was it—Randy had booked his first major TV role.

The job paid $17,500 per week for 22 episodes, a life-changing moment for someone who had just lost everything the night before.

It was proof that hard work, faith, and perseverance pay off—without compromising integrity.

 

Bringing Hollywood to Omaha: A Mission to Build the Film Industry

After decades in Hollywood, Randy felt a pull to return home and help develop the Nebraska film industry. While some doubted the potential for filmmaking in the Midwest, he believed that Omaha could become a thriving hub for production.

Randy worked tirelessly for 20 years to push for film incentives and industry growth in Nebraska. With the help of Senator Rita Sanders and other key players, he successfully helped secure legislation supporting film production in the state.

His goal?

Create opportunities for local talent
Develop Nebraska-based film projects
Give young filmmakers the resources he never had

Randy’s production company, Fallen Giant, is dedicated to building up the next generation of filmmakers, proving that you don’t have to move to LA to make an impact in entertainment.

 

The Meaning Behind “Look Like Somebody”

The heart of this podcast, Look Like Somebody, stems from a personal story between Ricky Simmons and his father.

During a low point in his life, Ricky’s father gave him three final pieces of advice:

1️. Never give up.
2️. At some point, you have to put God in your life.
3️. Every day you wake up, look like somebody.

These words stuck with Ricky and became his personal mission—to inspire others, uplift people going through struggles, and prove that redemption is always possible.

The Look Like Somebody podcast will continue to showcase stories of perseverance, growth, and transformation, proving that it’s never too late to turn your life around.

 

Final Thoughts: Why This Conversation Matters

Randy Goodwin’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering integrity. From an eight-year-old boy dreaming of Hollywood to a successful actor and filmmaker, his story is proof that:

Success doesn’t require compromising your values
Faith and perseverance open doors in unexpected ways
Giving back to your community is just as important as personal achievements

As the Look Like Somebody podcast continues, Ricky Simmons promises to bring more inspiring guests, redemption stories, and real-life wisdom to motivate listeners.

If you’re looking for motivation, insight, and a reminder that anything is possible, tune into the full episode of Look Like Somebody featuring Randy Goodwin.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Look Like Somebody podcast episode released on March 4th 2025.

Motivational keynote speaker and author of “The Explosion of Redemption: Trying to Win the Game of Personal Forgiveness in Life: The Journey of Former NFL Player Ricky C. Simmons” and “365 Days of Redemption: Daily Journal of Inspirational Quotes by Former NFL Player and Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker Ricky C. Simmons”. Ricky shares inspiring interviews from people in business, sports, entertainment, and everything in-between–to inspire YOU to know that there is power in a positive mental attitude, and that REDEMPTION IS POSSIBLE!

Edited by Grace Dunbar