John Goodman, the beloved actor and Missouri State University alum, returned to Springfield, Missouri, to host the Centennial Kickoff Celebration Concert honoring 100 years of Route 66. In a conversation with TODAY's Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Laura Jarrett, Goodman opened up about his love for coming home, the inspiration he found in college, and his memories of the iconic highway.
"There's nothing like coming back to Missouri," Goodman said. "It's where I found my passion for acting, and Route 66 has always been a symbol of adventure and possibility."
Goodman also shared anecdotes from his early days, including the famous "Chili Finger" incident—a bizarre local story that has become folklore in the region—and reflected on his role in the film Digger, which was shot in the area.
The concert marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of Route 66, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and passes through the heart of Missouri.