Plano-raised actor Michael Urie called himself “the luckiest actor alive” after receiving an Emmy nomination for his role in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking.
Urie, 44, is up for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series. If he wins, it would be the first Emmy Award of his career.
In an Instagram post showing the Shrinking cast, Urie wrote: “Not pictured are hundreds of other people who make the sausage that is Shrinking. If not for all of them, I wouldn’t be sitting here today with an Emmy nom. Pinching myself, refreshing my feed to make sure it’s real, trying to breathe — grateful and proud, but mostly just real real lucky.”
He also shared a text message from co-star Harrison Ford, who congratulated Urie. Ford, who is 83, also received his first Emmy nomination in the same category.
The Emmys ceremony, dubbed TV’s biggest night, will take place at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Sept. 14. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the show will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Shrinking is centered around therapist Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel), who is reeling after his wife’s death. Brian, portrayed by Urie, is his best friend.
After the series’ second season premiered in October, Urie reflected on his career trajectory in an interview with The Dallas Morning News. His dream was at first to be a high school drama teacher in Texas.
“I didn’t think I had what it takes to become an actor. It seemed so unattainable,” he said.
The path was set in motion after a field trip to New York City facilitated by Collin County Community College, which Urie attended.
On the trip, he toured the Juilliard School and, at the advice of a local professor, he later auditioned there and was accepted into the prestigious conservatory.
“I’ve gotten a lot of the things that I dreamt about,” Urie told The News, “and some things that I didn’t even know I wanted.”
