Michael Urie
Shirt by ORTTU
Pants by COS
Gloves by WEISHENG PARIS
Boot by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
Michael Urie plays ‘Brian’ in Apple TV’s “Shrinking,” a newly released comedy show. He acts alongside Jason Segal, Jessica Williams, and Harrison Ford. He is originally from Texas and later attended Julliard. He is known for playing Marc St. James in ABC’s 2006-2010 comedy show “Ugly Betty,” as well as his roles in “Single All The Way,” “Torch Song,” and “Buyer & Cellar.” Urie has experience in theater, film, and television. He has also worked as a director and producer.
Left:
Full look by Maison Audmi
Right:
Full look by ORTTU
What was your first experience acting?
The first play I was ever in was “Fiddler on the Roof” at Vines High School in Plano TX. Back then, directing movies was my dream so I talked my teacher into being her assistant director. After the auditions, when we didn’t have nearly enough boys, she made me take on a role. The next year during a production of “The Curious Savage” I got my first real laugh, a big one. It came out of nowhere; I made a bold choice and the entire audience burst out laughing. That was that and I never looked back.
Tell us about playing Brian in “Shrinking.” How would you describe your character?
Brian is annoyingly optimistic. His mantra is “Everything goes my way,” something that bugs those around him, but it’s also a defense mechanism that’s clearly covering up his own pain and grief.
What stuck out to you about the show when you decided to take the role?
I knew from reading the first episode and my audition material (from the second episode) that this character was going to have the same kind of deep journey as the others. From seeing Jimmy, Gabby, Paul and the rest battle their trauma with humor, it was clear that Brian would get the same treatment soon, and I was right. The writers took great care of me.
Left:
Suit by LEE RICKIE COLLECTION
Shirt by WEISHENG PARIS
Boot by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
Right:
Full look by John Varvatos
What kind of preparation did you do for this role?
Believe it or not, I started therapy, ha-ha. I was going through my own stuff and it made sense but reading the scripts each week and learning about the mental health issues through the characters encouraged me to seek help with my own mental health. It’s just as important as physical health.
What similarities or differences do you find between yourself and your character?
I lead with joy whenever possible, like Brian. A very cool thing about “Shrinking” is how the writers tailor the characters to the actors. They made my character from Texas (like me) and gave Brian my middle name as a last name. Little things like that give an actor great confidence and ownership.
What is it like to work alongside Harrison Ford?
I was certainly nervous to have my first one-on-one scene with the legend, but immediately he tackled our scene like any other actor. He wanted to talk about motivation and blocking, and he was generous. I knew I was in good hands with my scene partner.
Left:
Suit by LEE RICKIE COLLECTION
Shirt by WEISHENG PARIS
Boot by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
Right:
Full look by ORTTU
Boot by BAROLLO
How was being behind the screen directing and producing affected the way you view being on screen as an actor?
Producing is really hard, so much problem solving. I’ve really only directed for the screen on a budget, which is also hard. It’s really the work done in an editing room that’s taught me the most about acting what is the camera seeing, how does a take splice together with another take, and so on.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My partner and I love to thrift, ride bikes and cuddle our animals. My favorite thing to come out of the pandemic lockdown was collecting vinyl. We raided our families’ records and have amassed quite a collection.
Full look by Maison Audmi
Boot by John Varvatos
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I am a lucky actor, a very lucky one. I’ve gotten to play dream roles, worked in a lot of mediums, and had a lot of fun. I’ve been out of drama school for almost twenty years and look back with crazy gratitude. My only hope is that I can keep it up.
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Michael Urie
Fashion Stylist: Michael Fusco at Exclusive Artists
Groomer: Peter De Oliveira
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
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