Jason Segel recently opened up about his admiration for Michael J. Fox while discussing their collaboration on the Apple TV+ comedy series Shrinking. Segel, who considers Fox a longtime inspiration, shared that working alongside him was a special experience during the show’s latest season.
Admiration Rooted in Early Career Experiences
In an interview with ScreenRant, Segel revealed how much he idolized Fox when he was starting out as an actor. He explained how, years ago, he and his colleagues would use Fox as a benchmark during challenging moments in their own careers.
“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.
Expressing Gratitude During Filming
Segel also described the meaningful moment when he was able to tell Fox directly how much he meant to him and his career path while on set. This acknowledgment highlighted the deep respect Segel holds for Fox’s work and influence.
“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 recalled.
“It was really cool to get to say that to him.”
The Importance of Role Models in Hollywood
This connection demonstrates how Fox’s career has served as a guiding example for actors like Segel, especially when navigating the pressures of balancing television and film commitments. Segel’s acknowledgment of Fox’s impact reinforces the value of mentors and idols in the entertainment industry.
With Shrinking continuing to gain attention, Segel’s tribute to Michael J. Fox not only shines a light on their on-screen collaboration but also on the lasting influence Fox has had on newer generations of actors.
