Will Poulter: The Bear Forever Changed His Life

When actors step behind the camera, they often explore complex human emotions, but for some, the deepest lessons are found in the kitchen. Actor Will Poulter recently shared how his experience on The Bear fundamentally shifted his outlook on food and cooking, revealing that the art of cuisine is far more than just feeding the body—it is a complete sensory experience.

During a conversation with host Sean Fennessey on The Big Picture podcast, Poulter opened up about how the intensity of the series prompted him to re-examine the profound connection between eating and emotion. He spoke about actively seeking out a connection with the show’s creator, Christopher Storer, which led to a deeper appreciation for the culinary world.

Poulter’s realization extended far beyond taste. He posited that cooking is perhaps the most complete human art form, arguing that it uniquely engages multiple senses simultaneously. While acting allows an actor to connect with audiences through sight and sound, cooking offers an unparalleled immersion that engages sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste all at once.

This multi-sensory engagement is key to the emotional power of food. Just as films and television can move us by representing our experiences, food possesses the power to create deep emotional connections. Poulter noted that you can achieve all those intense sensory experiences in a single moment, allowing food to trigger feelings and memories in a way that mirrors the impact of a powerful narrative.

The experience of cooking, he explained, is a form of emotional storytelling. It allows one to step into a rich tapestry of experiences where every ingredient and technique contributes to a larger, shared moment.

Beyond the culinary realm, Poulter has built an impressive career spanning film and television. He first gained recognition playing Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and achieved widespread fame as Kenny Rossmore in We’re the Millers. His versatility is evident in roles ranging from Gally in The Maze Runner and The Revenant to his contributions to the MCU as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

His acclaimed performances have earned him recognition, including two Primetime Emmy nominations for his work in Dopesick and The Bear. With recent projects including Black Mirror and Warfare, Will Poulter continues to demonstrate a remarkable capacity to inhabit diverse characters and deliver deeply resonant stories across every medium.