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Jason Segel, the beloved actor and comedian, recently revealed how pivotal career advice from filmmaker Judd Apatow transformed his path in Hollywood. In a candid interview with Today host Willie Geist, Segel, 44, reflected on the mentorship he received from Apatow during their time on the cult TV series Freaks and Geeks, calling it a “life-changing” experience.
Jason Segel on Judd Apatow:
Apatow, known for his work on The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, played a crucial role in launching the careers of several young actors, including Segel. As the cast of Freaks and Geeks prepared to disband following the show’s cancellation, Apatow pulled Segel and a few others aside for what Segel described as “a bit of an apprenticeship.”
“Judd said to me, ‘Listen, if you can improv the way you’re improv-ing on this show, you can write. You need to learn how to do it, so I’m going to teach you how,'” Segel recalled. Under Apatow’s guidance, Segel and his co-stars learned the art of screenwriting. Apatow’s advice didn’t stop there—he provided Segel with a crucial piece of wisdom that the actor has carried with him throughout his career.
“Listen, Jace, you’re a weird dude. The only way you’re going to make it is if you write your own material,” Apatow told Segel. Taking this to heart, Segel channeled his distinctive comedic voice into writing Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a hit romantic comedy that catapulted him to stardom in 2008.
Segel’s career blossomed from there, with notable roles in How I Met Your Mother, Bad Teacher, and The Muppets. However, it was that formative period working with Apatow on Freaks and Geeks that laid the foundation for his future success.
Although Freaks and Geeks aired for just one season between 1999 and 2000, the series has since gained a devoted following and is regarded as a launchpad for several stars, including Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Linda Cardellini. Created by Paul Feig and produced by Apatow, the show’s raw depiction of high school life has earned it a place in television history despite its short run.
Segel’s journey from that short-lived show to Hollywood heavyweight underscores the importance of Apatow’s mentorship and the value of forging your own path in a competitive industry.