1223: William H. Macy | What Shameless Taught Him About Being Shameless

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

• William H. Macy believes that the core of acting technique, influenced by David Mamet's 'Practical Aesthetics,' focuses entirely on the character's objective and action, allowing emotions to follow naturally.  Copied to clipboard!
• The most compelling actors, according to Macy, are those who 'don't give a shit' because they pursue their goals irrespective of external approval, which is liberating for the performer.  Copied to clipboard!
• Macy credits the decade-long run of *Shameless* with refining his artistry, allowing him to finally learn how to act efficiently by shedding baggage and focusing on the essential task of 'really look[ing] and really listen[ing]' to scene partners.  Copied to clipboard!
• The best actors, according to William H. Macy, are those who do not care what people think, though he admits he is not quite there yet.  Copied to clipboard!
• Success in the acting industry is largely attributed to luck, although strong technique can certainly help.  Copied to clipboard!
• When reading a script, William H. Macy advises skipping stage directions and reading only the dialogue in one sitting to visualize the film in real-time.  Copied to clipboard!

Segments Expand All Collapse All

Jack Buck’s Motivation in Soul on Fire

Copied to clipboard!

(00:03:05)

• Key Takeaway: Jack Buck’s motivation for helping the burn victim likely stemmed from a personal need to use his public influence for good, contrasting with a potentially distant personal life.
• Summary: The reason Jack Buck helped the burn victim in Soul on Fire remains unanswered in the film, though stories suggest he secretly helped many people. Macy suggests Buck might have been seeking connection outside his family, where his son described him as distant. Character is defined by action, and Buck used his power for altruistic purposes.

Actor’s Need for Direct Communication

Copied to clipboard!

(00:05:19)

• Key Takeaway: Actors thrive in high-communication environments where peers are direct, contrasting with ‘civilians’ who often talk over each other.
• Summary: Macy prefers the high level of direct communication found among actors and directors, where people get straight to the subject due to time constraints. He finds it frustrating when non-actors talk around issues, leading him to sometimes bluntly ask them to stop interrupting. This preference for directness may contribute to his limited number of close personal acquaintances.

The Itch Driving Actors

Copied to clipboard!

(00:07:19)

• Key Takeaway: For some actors, the motivation is the ability to feel braver and more comfortable under imaginary circumstances than in real life.
• Summary: The drive to act often stems from an ‘itch’ that cannot be scratched otherwise, potentially related to understanding people missed in youth. Macy finds comfort and bravery in imaginary circumstances, enjoying the focus when the camera is on him. He notes that while some actors dislike attention, he welcomes the external direction while maintaining internal focus on the scene partner.

Founding Chicago Theater Company

Copied to clipboard!

(00:09:07)

• Key Takeaway: Financial support from family allowed Macy and collaborators to stage David Mamet’s American Buffalo after an initial production failed.
• Summary: Macy, David Mamet, and others started a theater company in Chicago, initially succeeding with Mamet’s Squirrels before a disastrous Eugene O’Neill production bankrupted them. His mother sent $40,000 inherited from his grandmother, which they used to stage American Buffalo. Macy felt obligated to make that production successful to honor his grandmother’s money.

Mamet’s Influence and Practical Aesthetics

Copied to clipboard!

(00:10:27)

• Key Takeaway: David Mamet taught Macy his acting aesthetic, which is defined as ‘Practical Aesthetics,’ focusing solely on action rather than emotion.
• Summary: Mamet taught Macy everything he knows and provided his aesthetic, which is based on action, not emotion. The technique involves determining the character’s objective—something that can be done in real time without wind-up—and letting the resulting emotions naturally follow. This contrasts with Stanislavski’s focus on emotion.

Connecting with Desperate Characters

Copied to clipboard!

(00:11:42)

• Key Takeaway: Macy excels at making audiences root for despicable characters by focusing on their relentless, never-give-up fight for their objectives.
• Summary: Macy acknowledges playing many characters defined by ‘shameless desperation,’ like Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo. He believes his knack is making audiences root for despicable people by showing they are fighting for something they perceive as righteous, such as saving their family. A key trick is never giving up, which is compelling to watch regardless of the character’s morality.

The Power of Not Giving a Damn

Copied to clipboard!

(00:15:22)

• Key Takeaway: An actor who ‘doesn’t give a shit’ is magnificent because they pursue their goal irrespective of audience perception, which is liberating.
• Summary: The quality of not caring makes a performer bulletproof because they refuse to take ’no’ for an answer and ignore unflattering perceptions. This attitude is liberating for an actor, allowing them to focus solely on their objective rather than worrying about pleasing the director or peers. Macy adopted this attitude during auditions, stating his decision on the role: ‘Take it or leave it.’

Internal Life vs. External Action in Film

Copied to clipboard!

(00:17:15)

• Key Takeaway: In film, thinking an action is sufficient because the camera captures the internal life, meaning ‘doing nothing’ is still a visible action.
• Summary: Doing nothing is impossible on camera because it still speaks volumes, as the audience can see into the actor’s soul through thought alone. Macy learned this when his wife perceived him reacting to a smell on stage when he had only thought about it. The rule is: if you don’t know what to do, don’t make a fake decision; let the internal life register on the face.

Navigating Feedback with Spouse

Copied to clipboard!

(00:19:31)

• Key Takeaway: Macy and his wife, Felicity, manage giving creative feedback by being gentle and only offering notes if they can suggest an actionable improvement.
• Summary: Because both Macy and his wife are actors, they give each other notes and criticize each other’s work. They have learned to be gentle and adhere to the rule: if a critique isn’t actionable, don’t say it. Macy admits he was wrong when he advised Felicity against the film Transamerica, which earned her an Oscar nomination.

Learning to Act Through Shameless

Copied to clipboard!

(00:21:30)

• Key Takeaway: Macy achieved his 10,000 hours of refinement and learned to act efficiently during the decade he spent on Shameless.
• Summary: The long run of Shameless provided Macy the consistent work needed to refine his technique, which he felt he hadn’t done until he was nearly 60. He stopped creating extraneous backstory, realizing everything needed for the performance is on the page. His focus shifted to simply looking and listening, which he found surprisingly difficult to maintain consistently.

Focusing on Strengths Over Weaknesses

Copied to clipboard!

(00:46:20)

• Key Takeaway: Successful people focus on maximizing their inherent strengths rather than spending excessive energy trying to refine their weaknesses.
• Summary: Macy observes that mediocre people often try to fix weaknesses (like poor math scores) instead of doubling down on strengths. He cites an NFL quarterback who only remembered focusing on football, ignoring other subjects. He regrets spending time in liberal arts school trying to achieve C grades in subjects he hated, aiming for mediocrity instead of excellence.

Actor’s Role in Comedy

Copied to clipboard!

(00:33:51)

• Key Takeaway: The actor’s job in comedy is mechanical: setting up the joke and hitting the punchline precisely, as humor often comes from the character’s dead seriousness.
• Summary: Macy agrees with the Mamet quote that it is the writer’s job to be funny, but the actor must understand the mechanics of the joke structure. In dark comedy like Fargo, the humor arises because the character treats the absurd situation with dead seriousness. The actor must know what is funny and deliver the punchline clearly, not mumble it or turn away.

Actor’s Mindset and Bills

Copied to clipboard!

(00:52:27)

• Key Takeaway: The point of acting is to embrace discomfort, as the best actors disregard public opinion.
• Summary: The discussion emphasizes that an actor’s goal is to lean into discomfort, which is essential for performance. William H. Macy noted that top actors do not worry about what others think. However, the practical necessity of paying bills remains a primary concern.

Cook Unity Sponsorship Details

Copied to clipboard!

(00:52:46)

• Key Takeaway: Cook Unity offers variety through small-batch meals prepared by different top chefs, avoiding repetition.
• Summary: Cook Unity is presented as an alternative to personal chefs, providing variety without the monotony of bulk-cooked leftovers. The service features meals from chefs like John DeLucy (lobster ravioli) and Mina Srinivas (butter shrimp curry). Meals are ready in minutes, require no cooking or cleanup, and are made with fresh ingredients.

Tonal Workout System Benefits

Copied to clipboard!

(00:54:11)

• Key Takeaway: Tonal functions as a built-in coach that automatically adjusts weight in one-pound increments to ensure continuous strength progression.
• Summary: Tonal addresses the difficulty of self-motivation by providing automated weight adjustments based on user strength gains. It offers real-time coaching cues to maintain proper form across various workouts like strength training and yoga. This system removes the mental load of planning and second-guessing workout effectiveness.

Airbnb Hosting Opportunity

Copied to clipboard!

(00:55:18)

• Key Takeaway: Homeowners can utilize Airbnb’s co-host network to manage properties while traveling, allowing homes to earn income.
• Summary: While traveling, hosts can let their empty homes work for them by listing them on Airbnb. The co-host network allows hiring local professionals to handle guest communication and check-ins remotely. This enables property owners to enjoy travel while their asset generates income.

Oddest Recognition Encounters

Copied to clipboard!

(00:56:36)

• Key Takeaway: William H. Macy was recognized by Regis Philbin in a New York office building restroom while desperate for a bathroom.
• Summary: William H. Macy shared an unusual recognition story involving Regis Philbin in a New York office building restroom. He also recounted being recognized as ‘Frank’ while on a motorcycle trip in Italy, despite wearing a helmet. His wife’s fame from Desperate Housewives caused a massive, unexpected fan reaction in Paris.

Alternative Career and Whiskey

Copied to clipboard!

(01:01:29)

• Key Takeaway: If not an actor, William H. Macy would likely have pursued carpentry, which aligns with his interest in motorcycles and whiskey.
• Summary: Macy stated that carpentry would have been his alternative career path, noting he has a shop in Colorado. He finds the process of distilling whiskey romantic, referencing historical figures like Sarah the Jewess who accidentally invented alcohol while attempting alchemy. Accidentally inventing booze instead of gold is considered a successful second place.

Advice for Actors and Film Craft

Copied to clipboard!

(01:02:29)

• Key Takeaway: Actors should discuss craft, but talking about the specific film or play being made is often verboten on film sets.
• Summary: When advising actors, Macy often focuses on audition techniques. He noted that while craft discussion happens, actors on film sets generally avoid discussing the specific project they are currently working on, unlike in theater rehearsals. He believes success is heavily reliant on luck, though strong technique is beneficial.

Independent Film Success and Decorum

Copied to clipboard!

(01:03:51)

• Key Takeaway: Independent film is currently on the rise, exemplified by the sold-out premiere of Soul on Fire in St. Louis.
• Summary: Macy expressed optimism about independent film, noting that Soul on Fire was released in thousands of theaters and had a sold-out premiere in St. Louis. He was impressed by the audience’s formal dress code at the premiere, contrasting it with modern casualness he dislikes in fine dining settings. He values decorum and believes it enhances the experience.

Approaching a Role and Character Trick

Copied to clipboard!

(01:05:58)

• Key Takeaway: Character creation is a trick played on the audience with their endorsement, requiring the actor to commit fully to the illusion.
• Summary: Macy decided to take on the role of Jack Buck because the script made him emotional, and he appreciated the enigma of the character. He felt it was important to do a look-alike for the beloved public figure, focusing on the signature white hair rather than mimicking the voice exactly. The audience pays to be tricked, and the actor must maintain the illusion until the audience has a reason to doubt it.