Michael Urie Reveals What It’s REALLY Like Acting Opposite Harrison Ford on “Shrinking”

Photo Credit: Andrew Lipovsky

Emmy-nominated actor Michael Urie has spent the better part of two decades proving himself to be one of the most versatile performers working today. From his breakout turn as the scene-stealing Marc St. James on Ugly Betty to acclaimed performances on Broadway and in film, Urie has built a career defined by sharp comedic timing, emotional intelligence, and a knack for bringing deeply human characters to life. These days, he’s winning over audiences once again as Brian on Apple TV’s hit dramedy Shrinking, a role that earned him both an Emmy nomination and a Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, Shrinking follows a grieving therapist who begins breaking the rules with his patients—saying exactly what he thinks and making radical changes to their lives, and his own, along the way. The series has become beloved for its rare ability to balance laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional depth, exploring grief, friendship, healing, and the messy process of figuring life out alongside the people who become our chosen family.

Season three, premiering January 28 on Apple TV, finds the ensemble cast navigating major turning points—from evolving relationships to career crossroads—while continuing to explore the complicated, heartfelt connections that have made the show such a standout.

I caught up with Urie to talk about what’s ahead for Brian this season, the show’s signature blend of humor and vulnerability, and why Shrinking continues to resonate so deeply with audiences.

Shrinking manages to be hilarious and emotionally devastating sometimes in the same scene. When you first read the scripts, did you immediately understand the tone—or did it take a minute to realize, “oh, this show is going to break people’s hearts and make them laugh in the same breath”?

When I read the very first episode back in the day, I immediately saw the potential for that magical laugh/cry thing and knew that the team behind it (Bill, Jason, Brett) were capable of pulling it off – my only question then was ….. could I (if cast)? 

The show revolves around this idea of “chosen family,” where a group of slightly dysfunctional people somehow become each other’s support system. Did that dynamic develop off camera as well, or is the cast energy more chaotic sibling than warm family?

It’s absolutely a warm family dynamic. It’s the most chill job I’ve ever had. The fact that no two cast members are alike is really helpful. But, like the characters on the show – who didn’t really know each other when the show started (or who’s relationships had been strained) – we as a cast didn’t know each other at all when we started and we’ve also grown into that chosen family. Life has sort of imitated art.

Brian has become one of the emotional anchors of the series, but he’s also incredibly funny and unapologetically blunt. What do you enjoy most about playing someone who can deliver a heartfelt moment one second and a savage line the next?

The misdirect is my favorite kind of comedy, and because Shrinking has this ability to do the cry/laugh turn in a matter of seconds, I get to do it a lot and I just effing love it.

Without giving anything away, where do we find Brian emotionally this season? Has he settled into his life a bit more, or is he still figuring things out in true Brian fashion?

I’m so proud of Brian! He is finally starting to figure out how to put others first. He hits roadblocks and doesn’t always like it, but he is working on himself and it’s cool to watch/play.

Photo Credit: Andrew Lipovsky

The show deals with some heavy themes—grief, healing, change—but it never feels heavy. Why do you think audiences connect so strongly to its emotional honesty?

I think it’s easy to tap into the hard stuff because it’s so funny. We don’t do jokes like a traditional sitcom, the characters like to be silly or funny with each other and a lot of the humor comes from that. It’s a great spoonful of sugar to help the very real medicine go down.

The series balances comedy and real emotional vulnerability so well. As an actor, how do you approach scenes that need to land both the laugh and the emotional truth at the same time?

Interesting question – they both require a certain amount of preparation and a certain amount of spontaneity. Ultimately, there are very few scenes that are just one thing – most are funny and also contain deep emotional truths.

You’re working alongside Harrison Ford, which is the kind of sentence that still sounds surreal. What was your first day on set with him like?

After our first take I said something like, “you know you’re very good at this.” and he said, “don’t tell anyone.”

Harrison Ford has this legendary on-screen presence, but what is he actually like between takes? Does he lean into the dry humor we imagine, or does he surprise people?

99% of his on-set life is trying to make people laugh.

Was there ever a moment filming with him where you suddenly had the realization: “I’m acting in a scene with Indiana Jones”?

Absolutely, like doing car scenes with Harrison. I always think about the incredible car chases in the Indiana Jones movies. I asked him about it once, and he got so excited to show me pics from a motorcycle chase in the latest Indiana Jones movie, but he couldn’t find them on his phone, haha.

Photo Credit: Andrew Lipovsky

If Harrison Ford’s character, Paul, decided to give Brian some brutally honest life advice, what do you think he’d tell him?

“Brian, you’re a textbook narcissist. Cut it out.”

This season also brings in incredible guest stars like Jeff Daniels and Michael J. Fox. What was it like welcoming them into an ensemble that already feels so tight-knit?

I mean, legends are always welcome to the family! But this group embraces any guest, no matter their credits.

You’ve had such a varied career—from Broadway musicals to indie films to directing and producing. Is there one type of project that still feels the most creatively satisfying to you?

Whichever one I’m currently working on! :) The projects I have spearheaded that bring in other artists are certainly the most rewarding (like Pride plays and Richard II)  — but any chance to act is its own brand new adventure.

If the entire Shrinking cast actually went to therapy together, who do you think would talk the most— and who would absolutely refuse to open up?

Harrison for both.

What to you is the greatest luxury in life and why?

Health. Also, silk eye masks.

Photo Credit: Andrew Lipovsky