Blocks w/ Neal Brennan William H. Macy
Mar 6, 2025
William H. Macy, an award-winning actor known for his roles in classics like "Fargo" and "Shameless," shares his journey through the highs and lows of acting. He opens up about feelings of loneliness, perseverance, and the emotional challenges that come with aging in the industry. The conversation dives into the art of balancing scripted lines with spontaneity, revealing the complexities of portraying iconic characters. Macy also reflects on the importance of authenticity, both on-screen and in life, and offers insights into the struggles and joys of parenthood.
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Macy on Acting
- William H. Macy enjoys the quiet moment when it's his turn to speak.
- He finds the pressure and responsibility of that moment exhilarating.
The Shameless Moment
- Macy learned a valuable lesson about acting on Shameless.
- He realized his "moment" often happened earlier than he expected, teaching him to trust his first impulses.
Ad-Libbing Woes
- William H. Macy recounts an instance of an actress excessively ad-libbing on a set where he was the writer.
- He eventually told her, "I wrote this script, shut the fuck up."