Jason Segel recently opened up about how Michael J. Fox served as a crucial source of inspiration throughout his career, especially during challenging times. Segel, who is starring alongside Fox in season 3 of the Apple TV series Shrinking, described the experience of working with his longtime idol as deeply meaningful. The actor credited Fox not only for his performances on screen but also for his strong work ethic, which helped guide Segel during his early career struggles.
In an interview, Segel expressed the honor he felt when learning that Fox would appear on the show. He reflected on how, around 20 years ago, he and his colleagues would motivate themselves by reminding each other that Fox had successfully balanced television and film work, inspiring them to do the same.
“When we heard that Michael J. Fox was going to appear on this show, I think we all felt really honored. He’s an idol of mine,”
Segel said.
“There was a period when me and my crew — it’s 20 years ago now for me — but when I was doing a TV show and trying to make movies at the same time, and it’s scary and exhausting, and we would literally say to each other, ‘Hey, Michael J. Fox did it.’ We would say it all the time,”
he added.
A Meaningful Encounter on Set
After years of admiring Fox from afar, Segel finally had the opportunity to convey how much Fox’s example had meant to him while working on Shrinking. Segel recalled telling Fox that he was like a “true north” during a pivotal moment in his career when he sought direction and inspiration.
“I got to say like, ‘Hey, I want you to know, in a period when I was trying to figure out what I could do with this job, you were like our true north,’”
Segel said.
“It was really cool to get to say that to him.”
Segel’s own career includes notable roles in television and film, such as his work on How I Met Your Mother from 2005 to 2014, and starring parts in movies including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Despicable Me, The Muppets, and I Love You, Man. His admiration for Fox reflects a shared journey of managing both television and film commitments.
Michael J. Fox’s Impact on Hollywood and Shrinking
Michael J. Fox, recognized for his prolific career during the 1980s, famously balanced starring roles in hit TV shows like Family Ties while simultaneously appearing in major films such as the Back to the Future trilogy. Now 64, Fox remains an influential figure in Hollywood.
Fox’s involvement in Shrinking season 3 came about after he reached out to the show’s creator, Bill Lawrence. When Fox learned that Harrison Ford’s character in the series had Parkinson’s disease, the same illness Fox had been diagnosed with in 1991, he initiated contact to participate in the project.
“I said, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’”
Fox recalled.
“And he said, ‘Oh, you want to do it?’ And I said, ‘I’d love to do it.’ So he said, ‘Let me think about it, see what I can do.’ So he went to work on it and came up with this concept, it’s really good.”
Fox appears in a three-episode arc as a patient with Parkinson’s in season 3 of Shrinking, which airs new episodes weekly on Apple TV through April 8.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Jason Segel’s account highlights the enduring impact Michael J. Fox has on actors who look up to him for inspiration beyond his acting talent—his resilience and dedication in the face of personal challenges provide a powerful example. Fox’s guest role on Shrinking not only brings authenticity to the series but also serves as a testament to the respect and admiration he commands across the industry.
As the series progresses, the collaboration between Segel and Fox underscores the importance of role models in creative fields, reminding audiences and performers alike of the influence that perseverance and mentorship can have on careers and personal growth.
