Jason Bateman Opens Up About His Family Life

In an exclusive interview with Esquire, actor Jason Bateman revealed the extent of his complicated relationship with his family, both in real life and on-screen. As a member of the dysfunctional Bluth family from the hit TV show Arrested Development, it's surprising that he enjoys spending time with any family at all.

A Complex Family Dynamic

The Bluths are known for their wealth, privilege, and utter chaos. From the scheming and manipulation to the constant bickering and infighting, this family is a force to be reckoned with. For Bateman, playing Michael Bluth, the show's narrator and moral compass, was both an opportunity to poke fun at his own family's quirks and to explore deeper themes of identity and responsibility.

Growing Up in a Dysfunctional Family

Bateman's real-life family situation is just as complicated as those on-screen. His parents, Pat and J. Scott Bateman, divorced when he was young, leaving him with two siblings and a household marked by tension and conflict. This upbringing has had a lasting impact on his life and career.

"I think it's helped me become the person I am," Bateman said in the Esquire interview. "I mean, I'm not a saint or anything, but I've learned to navigate these kinds of relationships."

On-Set Antics with the Bluths

Working on Arrested Development was a unique experience for Bateman, as he got to play both his own character and those of his family members. The show's creator, Mitchell Hurwitz, has said that he drew inspiration from Bateman's own family dynamics when crafting the Bluth characters.

"I think Jason brought a level of authenticity to the show," Hurwitz said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "He understood what it was like to be part of a dysfunctional family, and that really helped bring the show to life."

Real-Life Family Time

Despite his complicated past with his Bluth family, Bateman does enjoy spending time with his real-life family. In fact, he has been married to actress Frances McDormand since 2005.

"We have two kids together," Bateman said in the Esquire interview. "They're my world. I'm a great father."

A New Chapter for the Bluths

Although Arrested Development ended its original run after three seasons, it has experienced several revivals over the years. In 2013, Netflix revived the show, and a fifth season premiered in May 2018.

The new series saw Bateman reprise his role as Michael Bluth, this time navigating a family business that's both old and new. The show was well-received by fans and critics alike, with many praising Bateman's performance.

Conclusion

Jason Bateman's experience playing the Bluths has been a defining one in his career, but it hasn't always been easy. His complicated past with his family has shaped him into the person he is today – both on-screen and off.

"I'm grateful for it," Bateman said in the Esquire interview. "I think I've learned to appreciate my family's quirks and to find the humor in them."

As a testament to this, Bateman continues to enjoy spending time with his real-life family, including his wife and children. The Bluths may be dysfunctional, but at least they have some familiar faces on the other side of the screen.

References

• Esquire: Jason Bateman on Arrested Development
• Entertainment Weekly: Mitchell Hurwitz Talks Arrested Development
• Netflix: Arrested Development