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Ted McGinley has enjoyed a long-standing career in television, first gaining fame with his role on Happy Days and later becoming a familiar face in iconic ’80s shows like The Love Boat, Dynasty, and Married… With Children. However, for much of his career, McGinley grappled with an unfair label as a “show killer,” a tag that he claims in previous interviews cost him numerous acting opportunities.
This context makes his heartfelt response to the praise he’s received for his role in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking all the more poignant.
“I’ve been brought to tears,” McGinley expressed to Gold Derby. “I’ve often been labeled the worst, or seen as a bad addition to a show. This experience has been incredible, and I genuinely feel blessed. I share scenes with Harrison Ford, someone I admired throughout my life. To now be working alongside him and Jason Segel—these are my peers—I still can’t believe it. Honestly, I’d show up to work for free if I could.”
Shrinking, co-created by Segel, Brett Goldstein (who also featured in Season 2), and Bill Lawrence, follows the story of Jimmy (Segel), a widowed therapist navigating life after his wife’s death. He receives support from friends, including fellow therapists Paul (Ford) and Gaby (Jessica Williams), as well as Brian (Michael Urie) and neighbors Liz and Derek (Christa Miller and McGinley). This season, Liz’s past resurfaces, challenging her relationship with Derek, leading to a romantic predicament that culminates in a secret kiss.
“I didn’t know how the storyline would evolve, and I deliberately choose not to inquire, as it enriches my role as an actor,” McGinley explained regarding the tensions between Liz and Derek. “It feels authentic; I felt genuinely sympathetic toward Derek during this turmoil. He truly loves her, and their bond is rooted in honesty, allowing for open expression.”
In a critical episode, Derek directly addresses Liz about her moment of infidelity, revealing his feelings of betrayal. This scene allows McGinley to showcase his talent for delivering realistic dialogue that resonates with contemporary audiences. Fortunately, as a comedy, the series navigates toward reconciliation by episode’s end.
“The writing is exceptional and never condescends. It’s a unique environment—we have the freedom to be creative without judgment,” McGinley remarked. “On many sets, time constraints dominate, but here, there’s a sense of space that encourages exploration.”
Collaboration with Miller enhances the experience for McGinley. “In intimate scenes, I never know how she will respond. Her unpredictability makes working with her incredibly rewarding; she’s an exceptionally talented actress,” he noted.
Shrinking Season 2 stands in line for Emmy Awards consideration, aiming to exceed its two nominations from Season 1. As the cast prepares for Season 3, filming has begun, with a premiere anticipated later this year.
McGinley shared that they’ve completed about seven episodes so far, with additional filming set to occur due to challenges from the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. “It’s been an eventful year for Derek, with many intriguing developments ahead,” he teased, careful not to divulge too much. “I always worry they might write me off!”
All episodes of Shrinking can be streamed on Apple TV+.
Source
www.goldderby.com