Actor, writer, and comedian Jason Segel has had one of the most fascinating careers in Hollywood. From his early days in hit comedies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Muppets to his beloved TV run on How I Met Your Mother, Segel has proven that he can balance humor, vulnerability, and heart. In recent years, he has embraced more mature roles, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Apple TV+ comedy-drama Shrinking, where he stars alongside Harrison Ford.
With Shrinking currently enjoying award-season buzz and Season 3 already wrapped, Segel opened up about what’s next for the show, what it’s like working with new cast members Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels, and how he’s pushing himself into new creative territory with his upcoming projects.
Juggling Fame in His 20s
Segel reflected on how hectic life was during his 20s. While starring as Marshall on How I Met Your Mother, he was also appearing in films like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and The Muppets.
“It was actually overwhelming, and I was very tired,” Segel admitted. The only thing that kept him motivated was remembering how Michael J. Fox managed his workload in the 1980s while doing Family Ties and Back to the Future simultaneously. “We used to say, ‘if Michael J. Fox can do this, so can we.’”
Michael J. Fox Joins Shrinking
In a full-circle moment, Segel now gets to work with his idol. Season 3 of Shrinking, which recently wrapped production, features Michael J. Fox in a guest role. While Segel didn’t share many scenes with Fox, he described the opportunity as incredibly meaningful.
“I got to tell him, ‘hey, you got me through a lot of those overwhelming times,’” Segel said. “He’s such an idol for me and for so many of my peers.”
The new season also introduces Jeff Daniels as the father of Segel’s character, Jimmy. Segel described Daniels as one of the most versatile performers of his generation, capable of seamlessly shifting between comedy and drama. “He’s one of those guys like Peter Sellers—you can’t put him in a box,” Segel said.
Emmy Buzz and Harrison Ford’s Impact
Season 2 of Shrinking has been a critical success, earning Emmy nominations including Outstanding Comedy and Supporting Actor for Harrison Ford—his first Emmy nod ever. Segel praised Ford’s performance in the show’s finale, where his character delivers a powerful monologue about aging and mortality.
“It was the best acting I’ve ever seen in person,” Segel recalled. “Everything he said in that scene felt real, like a reflection of his own life. We were all crying on set.”
For Segel, Ford has become a mentor, teaching him about longevity and the ability to reinvent oneself as an actor. “In your 40s, you start to get richer parts,” Segel noted. “My 20s were rehearsal. Now I get to play roles that have real life experience behind them.”
Beyond Comedy: A New Thriller
While Shrinking continues to expand Segel’s range, he’s already preparing for his next big challenge: a thriller film that he’s writing and starring in.
Describing it as a “two-hander” reminiscent of Fatal Attraction and Cape Fear, Segel revealed that the idea has been with him for over a decade. “I finally feel like I’m old enough and smart enough to write it,” he said. “It’s been haunting me for years.”
Revisiting the Dracula Puppet Musical
Fans of Forgetting Sarah Marshall will remember the unforgettable “Dracula’s Lament” puppet musical that Segel’s character performs in the film. Over the years, this quirky creation has taken on a life of its own, with Segel occasionally staging surprise live performances.
“I did one last year at Hotel Café,” Segel revealed. “I’d love to do another one at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.” While there are no official plans for a full-length puppet musical movie, Segel hinted that the idea isn’t completely off the table.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Segel also touched on past projects that still mean a lot to him, such as Dispatches from Elsewhere, a surreal, pandemic-era series he created and starred in alongside Sally Field and Richard E. Grant. While it didn’t reach a wide audience, Segel still considers it one of his most personal works.
“It was about rediscovering childlike wonder and making art for art’s sake,” he explained. “I poured all of myself into that project.”
When asked about a possible How I Met Your Mother reunion, Segel said he would happily participate if asked. “That show changed my life. I would do anything they asked me to do,” he said.
Embracing the Next Chapter
As he enters his 40s, Jason Segel feels like he’s only just hitting his stride. He’s learned to embrace growth, tackle new challenges, and surround himself with mentors who inspire him. “I realized I could treat my career like a lifetime apprenticeship,” Segel said. “Every project is a chance to learn from people I admire.”
With Shrinking earning critical acclaim, Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels joining the cast, a new thriller in the works, and his quirky Dracula puppets still delighting fans, Segel continues to prove that he’s not limited to one genre or role.
Final Thoughts
Jason Segel’s career is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and creativity. From sitcom stardom in his 20s to more layered, emotionally complex roles in his 40s, he continues to evolve as an artist. With Shrinking Season 3 on the horizon, audiences can expect both heartfelt storytelling and exciting new dynamics with Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels.
And who knows—maybe one day, fans will finally get that full-length Dracula puppet musical.