Ted McGinley feels amazed by the love and praise he’s received for his role in Shrinking.
The 66-year-old actor, with over 90 acting credits, told PEOPLE that playing Derek brought him to tears as he reflected on the critical recognition for his work.
At the Dec. 12 “An Evening with Shrinking at PaleyLive” event, Ted McGinley shared that playing Derek has been one of the best moments of his career. Derek is the calm, easygoing husband of Christa Miller’s character Liz and the neighbor of Jason Segel’s Jimmy.
Advertisement I get emotional every time, I’m so used to hearing unkind comments about me. It feels really good to finally hear something positive.
McGinley said
“I’ve had amazing jobs,” McGinley said, adding that he’s worked with “wonderful people.” But he shared that his current role is “the best experience” he’s ever had. He thanked the writers for creating a character that “really connects with people.”
Derek feels like hope when things are tough and like a cozy blanket when you’re lost in the cold, I think that’s something truly special.
he explained
McGinley’s role as the calm and steady husband has earned him praise from both critics and viewers, something he admitted took him by surprise.
I’m completely blown away, It makes me emotional every time I think about it. I never imagined I’d reach this point in my career.
he said
When talking to PEOPLE, McGinley shared how he got the role, explaining that he had auditioned with show co-creator Bill Lawrence several times.
I’m not great at auditions. Most of my jobs come because I’ve already done other jobs, For me, work always leads to more work. I show up, do my best, and then someone says, ‘Hey, are you interested in this?’ That’s how I’ve gotten every role.
said the Married… with Children actor
He added that Lawrence once told him, “Someday, we’re going to work on something amazing together.”
He kept his promise and called me one day saying, ‘I’ve got something for you,’ It shows that if you stay patient, trust the process, and keep trying, good things can happen. You just have to stay in the game and believe it’ll work out.
McGinley shared. He added,
When McGinley got the role, the details about his character and the show were kept “almost top secret.” Lawrence explained that Derek is a guy who “might say things that don’t sound nice, but his heart is always in the right place.”
I started to understand Derek’s role in a show filled with hurt and pain. He’s there to bring light, a safe place where people can lean on during tough times.
McGinley shared,
Shrinking follows Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel), a single dad coping with the sudden loss of his wife, as he manages his friendships with Liz, Derek, Gaby (Jessica Williams), Brian (Michael Urie), and Paul (Harrison Ford).
You can watch Shrinking every Wednesday on Apple TV+.