In a recent episode of his talk show “Hart to Heart” on Peacock, Kevin Hart shared details about a particular stage in his life when he lived with Jason Segel. This situation originated in 2001, during the production of the television pilot North Hollywood, directed and produced by Judd Apatow. According to Hart, Apatow decided that the two should live together, believing that this coexistence would be beneficial for the project.
A creative encounter
Kevin Hart, 45, and Jason Segel, 44, met at a time when they were both starting their careers in Hollywood. Hart, known for his talents in comedy and acting, revealed that Segel used to write every day on his Mac, using the software Final Draft. Segel, a big proponent of the program, convinced Hart that he should get it if he wanted to seriously get into writing. Despite not owning a computer at the time, Hart decided to invest in the program, an act that symbolized the beginning of his interest in the art of writing.
The challenge of a lack of equipment
In his conversation with Apatow, Hart laughingly recounted that he spent $300 on Final Draft but didn’t even own a computer at the time of purchase. Initial excitement quickly turned to frustration when he realized he had nowhere to install the software. It was Segel who suggested that he needed to buy his own machine. This led Hart to purchase a Dell, and though he was unsure of what he should write, he began working, encouraged by the productive environment that Segel and other artists, such as Seth Rogen, fostered in that environment.
Adapting to the creative environment
Developing the habit of writing was not an effortless process for Hart. However, the constant dedication of Segel and the group of young creators around Apatow served as inspiration. “If they were doing it, I should do it too,” Hart said. Finding himself in an environment where creating and writing were everyday activities motivated Hart to fit in and improve his craft. This habit has been fundamental to his career and significantly contributed to his success in the entertainment industry.
Jason Segel’s perspective
Jason Segel has also recalled his time spent together with Hart in subsequent interviews. In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in April 2022, Segel described the experience as “strange” but formative. According to Segel, Apatow believed that living together for about six months would be beneficial not only for the pilot but also for their individual careers.
Living in a one-room apartment brought challenges and moments of camaraderie. Segel recalled how, on many occasions, Hart would ask him to make breakfast, a request he always complied with in excellent spirits.
One of Segel’s most enduring memories from that time was Hart’s work ethic. While everyone else was out having fun, Hart stayed home to write— a habit Segel says exemplified the path to success. “You’d think, ‘Oh, that’s cute.’ And then you’d say, ‘Oh, that’s how it’s done. That’s how someone ends up being Kevin Hart,’” he said in his interview with Kimmel. This kind of dedication and sacrifice reflects the focus needed to succeed in a competitive field like Hollywood.
Lasting influences
Living with Segel not only positively influenced Hart’s early steps as a writer but also left a lasting impression on Segel. The time spent together between Kevin Hart and Jason Segel is not only notable for the personal anecdotes and shared challenges, but also for the valuable lessons learned and the mutual influences each had on the other.
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