Jason Segel: Balancing HIMYM & Movie Career Was "Tricky"

Jason Segel, known for his comedic roles in both movies and television, recently opened up about the challenges he faced while balancing his commitment to How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) with his burgeoning movie career. He described the experience as "tricky," highlighting the difficulties of navigating two demanding paths simultaneously.

Segel, who famously portrayed Marshall Eriksen on all nine seasons of How I Met Your Mother, spoke with Scott Feinberg on The Hollywood Reporter's Award's Chatter podcast about the complexities of managing his rising film career alongside his television commitments. His experiences shed light on the pressures and trade-offs involved in pursuing multiple career paths in the entertainment industry.

Before landing his role on How I Met Your Mother, Jason Segel had already gained recognition for his work on shows like Freaks and Geeks. However, it was during his time on HIMYM that his film career truly began to take off.

The "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" Breakthrough

Segel revealed that he filmed his breakthrough movie, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, during a hiatus from How I Met Your Mother. The film's success presented him with a pivotal decision: how to balance his commitment to the series with the exciting opportunities emerging in his film career. How could he possibly manage both?

“Listen, it's like the best problem you could ever have, for sure, especially when you're scared you might never work,” Segel said, acknowledging the fortunate position he was in. Forgetting Sarah Marshall performed exceptionally well, opening doors for him to pursue his own writing projects. However, How I Met Your Mother was also gaining momentum, forcing him to find a way to integrate both aspects of his career.

“The way my life was for about six years was I would be shooting How I Met Your Mother. And during that time, I would be writing a movie that we would then shoot on the four months off and get done in time to get back to How I Met Your Mother,” Segel explained, illustrating the demanding schedule he maintained for several years. This rigorous routine required immense dedication and careful planning.

The Return to Television with "Shrinking"

After How I Met Your Mother concluded in 2014, Jason Segel made a notable return to television with Apple TV+'s Shrinking in early 2023. The series features Segel alongside Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and others, portraying therapists navigating their professional and personal lives. This critically acclaimed comedy has brought Segel back into the television spotlight.

While he didn't appear in many films between How I Met Your Mother and Shrinking, Jason Segel has remained a prominent figure in comedy. Ultimately, he successfully found a balance between his role as Marshall and his other creative endeavors. This balance allowed him to thrive in both television and film, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft.

You can currently watch Jason Segel on Apple TV+'s Shrinking, where he continues to demonstrate his comedic talent and acting range. His journey highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing multiple creative outlets in the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, Jason Segel's experience balancing How I Met Your Mother with his growing movie career underscores the complexities of navigating success in the entertainment industry. His ability to manage both television and film projects demonstrates his talent, dedication, and strategic approach to career management.