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Jason Segel
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Jason Jordan Segel (/ˈsiːɡəl/ SEE-gal; born January 18, 1980) is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for his role as Marshall Eriksen in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother from 2005 to 2014. He began his career with director and producer Judd Apatow on the television series Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000) and Undeclared (2001–2002) before gaining prominence for his leading roles in various successful comedy films in which he has starred, written, and produced.
Key Information
Segel's comedic films include Knocked Up (2007), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), I Love You, Man (2009), Bad Teacher (2011), The Five-Year Engagement (2012), This Is 40 (2012), and Sex Tape (2014), as well as family films such as Despicable Me (2010), and The Muppets (2011). For his role as David Foster Wallace in The End of the Tour (2015) he received a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. He also starred in the dramas Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011), The Discovery (2017), Our Friend (2019), and Windfall (2022). From 2022 to 2023, he played the role of Paul Westhead in the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
In 2023, he began starring as Jimmy Laird, a therapist in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, which he also co-created alongside Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein. For his performance, he was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
Early life
[edit]Segel was born on January 18, 1980, in Santa Monica, California, to Jillian (née Jordan; born 1952) and Alvin Segel, a lawyer.[1][2][3][4] He grew up in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.[5] He has an older brother, Adam,[1][6] and a younger sister, Alison.[7]
Segel's father is Jewish,[8][9][10] whereas his mother is of English, Scottish, Irish, and French descent.[11] He has stated that he was raised Jewish,[12] as well as "a little bit of everything".[13] Segel went to Hebrew school and had a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. He also attended St. Matthew's Parish School, a private Episcopal school.[9][14][15]
Following elementary school and middle school, Segel completed his high school studies at Harvard-Westlake School, where his 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) frame helped him as an active member of the 1996 and 1997 CIF state champion boys' basketball team.[16][17] He won a slam dunk contest in high school[18] and he was nicknamed "Dr. Dunk."[19] He was a backup to the team's star center, Jason Collins, who went on to play in the NBA.[16]
Career
[edit]
Segel's first major role was as stoner "freak" Nick Andopolis on the critically acclaimed but short-lived 1999 NBC comedy-drama series Freaks and Geeks. The series revolved around a group of suburban Detroit high school students circa 1980. Segel personally composed a song for his character, Nick, to sing to the lead female character, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini).[20]
Segel had recurring roles on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Neil Jansen and on Undeclared as Eric. He played Marshall Eriksen on the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother; he had previously stated he would move on to other projects in 2013 when his contract expired,[21] but was convinced to finish the series after its ninth season in 2014.[22]
Segel made his film debut with Can't Hardly Wait in 1998. His other early feature film appearances include Slackers, SLC Punk!, The Good Humor Man, and Dead Man on Campus. In 2007, he appeared in Knocked Up, directed by Freaks and Geeks producer Judd Apatow. Segel starred in the lead role of 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a film he wrote and Apatow produced with Shauna Robertson for Universal Pictures. He also starred in I Love You, Man, which was released on March 20, 2009, by DreamWorks.[23]
In Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Segel's character writes a "Dracula" musical performed by puppets. He also appeared in the most prominent scene containing full frontal nudity in the film.[24] In an interview,[25] he stated that the Dracula musical with puppets, as well as being broken up with while naked, were real experiences he wrote into the movie. The film's puppets were custom-made by the Jim Henson Company, and the experience emboldened Segel to pitch his concept for a Muppets movie.[26] Segel performed a song from the film, "Dracula's Lament", on the 1,000th episode of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.[27]
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For the 2010 comedy Get Him to the Greek, Segel co-wrote most of the soundtrack's music which was performed by the fictional celebrity singer, Aldous Snow, including Infant Sorrow. He also appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and sang an original song entitled "Wonky Eyed Girl".[28]
In 2010, he voiced Gru's arch-rival Vector in Universal's CGI animated film Despicable Me and appeared as "Horatio" in a fantasy comedy film Gulliver's Travels directed by Rob Letterman and very loosely based on Part One of the 18th-century novel of the same name by Jonathan Swift. Segel appeared in Bad Teacher, starring Cameron Diaz, which opened in June 2011. He played gym teacher and thwarted suitor Russell Gettis.[29] Along with Nicholas Stoller, Segel approached Disney in 2007 to write the latest Muppets film. Disney was unsure on how to take the request, as Segel had just appeared nude in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but after realizing that he was a fan, the project was approved. Segel stated that he wanted to do the film because the last film in the series to be released in theaters was Muppets from Space in 1999, and he felt that the younger generation was missing out on enjoying one of his childhood favorites.[30]
Segel decided not to star in the sequel to The Muppets, Muppets Most Wanted.[31] He filmed The Five-Year Engagement with Emily Blunt in the spring of 2011 in Michigan, and the film was released on April 27, 2012.[32]
In 2013, Segel revealed he was working on a series of young adult novels, based on a story he conceived when he was 21.[33] In the fall of 2014, the first novel of the series Nightmares!, co-written with Kirsten Miller, was released with the follow-up coming out the following year.[34][35]
In 2015, Segel received praise[36][37][38] for his portrayal of the late author David Foster Wallace in the independent biographical drama film The End of the Tour. For his performance, he earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Male Lead.[39]
In 2017, Segel and Miller released a new book, Otherworld , the first of a new young adult series. A second book in the series, OtherEarth, was released in 2018, and a third novel, OtherLife, in 2019. Segel created and starred in the American drama television series Dispatches from Elsewhere, which premiered on March 1, 2020, on AMC.
In 2019, Segel starred in Our Friend based on Matthew Teague's 2015 essay "The Friend".[40]
Personal life
[edit]Segel is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church.[41] He performed a wedding ceremony on The Tonight Show on July 6, 2010, for a couple that solicited his services by placing pictures of him around his hometown and the bar he frequently visited.[42]
Segel dated his Freaks and Geeks co-star Linda Cardellini for several years following the show's cancellation.[43] He dated Michelle Williams from 2012 to 2013.[44] From December 2013 to April 2021, Segel dated photographer Alexis Mixter.[45][46] Since 2023, he has been dating former Taylor Swift backup dancer Kayla Radomski.[47] In June 2025, Radomski announced their engagement via Instagram.[48]
Filmography
[edit]
Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Can't Hardly Wait | Matt | |
| Dead Man on Campus | Kyle | ||
| SLC Punk! | Mike | ||
| 2002 | Slackers | Sam Schechter | |
| 2003 | 11:14 | Leon (Paramedic #1) | |
| Certainly Not a Fairytale | Leo | ||
| 2004 | LolliLove | Jason | |
| 2005 | The Good Humor Man | Smelly Bob | |
| 2006 | Bye Bye Benjamin | Theodore Everest | |
| Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny | Frat Boy | Deleted scenes | |
| 2007 | Knocked Up | Jason | |
| 2008 | Forgetting Sarah Marshall | Peter Bretter | Also writer |
| 2009 | I Love You, Man | Sydney Fife | |
| 2010 | Despicable Me | Victor "Vector" Perkins | Voice role |
| Gulliver's Travels | Horatio | ||
| 2011 | Bad Teacher | Russell Gettis | |
| Friends with Benefits | Brice | Uncredited cameo | |
| Jeff, Who Lives at Home | Jeff Thompkins | ||
| The Muppets | Gary | Also writer and executive producer | |
| 2012 | The Five-Year Engagement | Tom Solomon | Also writer and executive producer |
| This Is 40 | Jason | ||
| 2013 | This Is the End | Himself | Uncredited cameo |
| 2014 | Sex Tape | Jay Hargrove | Also writer and executive producer |
| 2015 | The End of the Tour | David Foster Wallace | |
| 2017 | The Discovery | Will Harbor | |
| 2018 | Come Sunday | Henry | |
| 2019 | Our Friend | Dane Faucheux | |
| 2022 | The Sky Is Everywhere | Big Walker | |
| Windfall | Nobody | Also story writer and producer | |
| 2023 | Mooned | Victor "Vector" Perkins | Short film, voice role[49] |
| 2024 | Despicable Me 4 | Victor "Vector" Perkins | Uncredited voice role cameo via archival audio |
| 2026 | Over Your Dead Body | Dan | |
| TBA | Anxious People † | TBA | Post-production |
| Sponsor † | Peter | Also writer and producer; filming |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2000 | Freaks and Geeks | Nick Andopolis | Main cast |
| 2001 | North Hollywood | Unsold pilot[50] | |
| 2001–2002 | Undeclared | Eric | Recurring role |
| 2004 | Harry Green and Eugene | Eugene Green | Unsold pilot[51][52] |
| 2004–2005 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Neil Jansen | 3 episodes |
| 2005 | Alias | Sam Hauser | Episode: "The Road Home" |
| 2005–2014 | How I Met Your Mother | Marshall Eriksen | Main role; 208 episodes |
| 2009 | Family Guy | Marshall Eriksen (voice) | Episode: "Peter's Progress" |
| 2011 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (host) | Episode: "Jason Segel/Florence and the Machine" |
| 2020 | Dispatches from Elsewhere | Peter | 10 episodes; also creator, writer, director, and executive producer |
| 2020 | Home Movie: The Princess Bride[53] | Fezzik | Episode: "Chapter Two: The Shrieking Eels" |
| 2022–2023 | Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty | Paul Westhead | 12 episodes |
| 2023–present | Shrinking[54] | Jimmy Laird | Main cast; also creator, writer, and executive producer |
Awards and nominations
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Jason Segel". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ Mills, Nancy (July 8, 2010). "'Despicable Me' star Jason Segel really gets into his roles". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 11, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
- ^ "Now Trending: Jason Segel reveals he made his mother cry with full-frontal nudity scene". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
- ^ "Jason Segel – Latest news, videos, and information". today.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
- ^ Iley, Chrissy (February 4, 2012). "So Jason Segel, are you a man or a Muppet". The Guardian. UK. Archived from the original on April 24, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ "Jason Segel Explains the Mysteries of Guydom". Fresh Air. October 16, 2009. Archived from the original on June 18, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ Abele, Robert (April 13, 2008). "This breakup really broke up Jason Segel". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ Tobin, Andrew (July 30, 2015). "Actor Jason Segel opens up about childhood as Jewish outsider". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
- ^ a b Pfefferman, Naomi (March 15, 2012). "Segel's starry-eyed man-child amuses and moves us". The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ "Jason Segel: The Best Man For The Job". NPR. March 23, 2009. Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
- ^ "Turning nasty was no stretch for Sarah Marshall's Jason Segel". The Sydney Morning Herald. September 2, 2010. Archived from the original on September 20, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
- ^ Bloom, Nate (March 31, 2009). "Interfaith Celebrities: Jason Segel on the Benefits of Not Fitting In". InterfaithFamily.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Pfefferman, Naomi (April 24, 2012). "Jason Segel on the universe—and 'The Five Year Engagement'". The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Elkin, Michael (March 19, 2009). "Who Loves Ya, Man?". Jewish Exponent. Archived from the original on March 31, 2009. Retrieved March 19, 2009.
- ^ Andrew Tobin, "Actor Jason Segel opens up about childhood as Jewish outsider" Archived August 2, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, July 30, 2015
|...attending Christian school during the day and Hebrew school at night. "At Christian school you're the Jewish kid, and at Hebrew school you're the Christian kid. I think that's the nature of groups," he said. "And so everyone wants to compartmentalize people. And I think I decided at that point, like OK, its me versus the world, kind of." - ^ a b Sondheimer, Eric (October 30, 1996). "Fastbreak to Silver Screen". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "Jason Segel Biography" Archived June 6, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Buddy TV. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
- ^ "Jason Collins on Jason Segel's Secret Dunking Past". May 2, 2013. Archived from the original on September 13, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ Miller, Julie (June 13, 2014). "Jason Segel's High-School Nickname Was "Dr. Dunk"". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ "gbdesigns.com". "The William S. Paley Television Festival: A Dedication to 'Freaks and Geeks'". Archived from the original on February 10, 2007. Retrieved January 12, 2007.
- ^ "Jason Segel to quit 'How I Met Your Mother'". timeslive.co.za. August 1, 2012. Archived from the original on April 29, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
- ^ Finke, Nikki (December 21, 2012). "EXCLUSIVE: 'How I Met Your Mother' To Return For Season 9; Cast Deals Closed Today After Jason Segel Turnaround; Show Was Given Up For Dead Until 11th Hour". Deadline. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
- ^ Vilkomerson, Sara (March 10, 2009). A Romantic Comedy About Two Straight Men: John Hamburg's I Love You, Man May be the First Dude Flick With a Heart Archived March 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine (HTML). The New York Observer, LLC. Retrieved on March 11, 2009
- ^ "Jason Segel Goes Full-Frontal In "Forgetting Sarah Marshall"". The Huffington Post. April 25, 2008. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
- ^ Opie and Anthony, 104.1 WBCN in Boston
- ^ Fleming, Michael (March 12, 2008). "Segel and Stoller take on Muppets". Variety. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
- ^ Evans, Anderson (December 16, 2009). "Jason Segel Performs Puppet Opera on 1000th Episode of The Late, Late Show". Gawker. Archived from the original on October 3, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ Craig Ferguson has Jason Segel serenade his "Wonky Eyed Girl". YouTube. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
- ^ Dargis, Manohla, "When the Teacher Gets High Marks in the Raunchy and the Profane" Archived December 5, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, The New York Times, June 24, 2011. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ Jay Leno. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – Jason Segel, Part 2 (11/8/11) – Video". NBC.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Angela Dawson/Front Row Features. "'Home' boy: Jason Segel 'was just born hilarious'". Knoxville.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ "'Five-Year Engagement': 7 Things You Didn't Know About Jason Segel and Emily Blunt". The Hollywood Reporter. April 23, 2012. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ "Jason Segel writing young adult book series". 3 News NZ. April 8, 2013. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
- ^ Jason Segel Sells Three-Book Children's Series Archived December 8, 2019, at the Wayback Machine hollywoodreport.com, April 23, 2013
- ^ Children's Audiobooks – Jason Segel Reads "Nightmares!" Archived August 27, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, New York Times, November 21, 2014.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian (January 24, 2015). "The End of the Tour". Rogerebert.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ Nashawaty, Chris (July 29, 2015). "The End of the Tour". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ Lawson, Richard (January 25, 2015). "'The End of the Tour Is a Deeply Affecting Tribute to a Cherished Writer, and a Huge Breakthrough for Jason Segel". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ McNary, Dave (November 24, 2015). "'Carol', 'Spotlight', 'Beasts of No Nation' Lead Spirit Awards Nominations". Independent Spirit Awards. Variety. Archived from the original on November 25, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
- ^ Sydney, Bucksbaum. "How Our Friend made Jason Segel a better friend". EW. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
- ^ "Ordained Minister Jason Segel Marries Couple on 'Tonight Show' (VIDEO)". Aoltv.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Karpel, Ari (December 10, 2010). "Kevin Smith, Kathy Griffin and Jason Segel Officiate at Weddings". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
- ^ "they have 1 child. This breakup really broke up Jason Segel". Los Angeles Times. April 13, 2008. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
- ^ "Inside Michelle Williams' Love Life Since Heath Ledger: From Jason Segal to Her New Husband". People. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ @gonzoaesthetic; (December 21, 2017). "Instagram post about Segal's and Mixter's relationship" – via Instagram.
- ^ "Jason Segel & Girlfriend Alexis Mixter Split After 8 Years Together: 'I Will Never Stop Loving You'". People. April 29, 2021. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
- ^ "Who Is Jason Segel's Girlfriend? All About Kayla Radomski". Peoplemag. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
- ^ Mazzeo, Esme (June 18, 2025). "Jason Segel Is Engaged to 'So You Think You Can Dance' Alum Kayla Radomski". People. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ Eclarinal, Aeron Mer (November 20, 2023). "Despicable Me Studio Announces Surprise New Spin-off Releasing Next Month". thedirect.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "North Hollywood Unaired Pilot". YouTube. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
- ^ Ehrmann, Bert (February 23, 2004) [2004-01-02]. "2004–2005 Television Pilots (Incomplete at Best)". dangerousuniverse.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2007.
- ^ "Shows A-Z - Harry Green & Eugene (ABC)". The Futon Critic. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
- ^ Starner, Nina (June 26, 2020). "Quibi just announced a Princess Bride remake you never expected to see". Looper.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
- ^ "Shrinking: Apple TV+ Orders New Comedy Series Starring Jason Segel". October 14, 2021.
- ^ "Jason Segel". Golden Globes. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
- ^ "Nominees & Winners — 2023 - 75th Emmy Awards". Television Academy. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- ^ "Nominees & Winners — 2025 - 77th Emmy Awards". Television Academy. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- ^ "Nominees & Winners — 2026 - 78th Emmy Awards". Television Academy. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- ^ "RAZZIES Celebrate 35 Years of Worst Achievements in Film with Inclusive Nominees List ...and New "Redeemer" Award". Golden Raspberry Award Foundation. Archived from the original on January 15, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jason Segel.
- Jason Segel at IMDb
- Jason Segel on National Public Radio in 2009
- Jason Segel at the Library of Congress, with 24 library catalog records
Jason Segel
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Family background
Jason Segel was born on January 18, 1980, in Los Angeles, California.[6] He is the middle child of Jillian Jordan, a homemaker of English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry, and Alvin Segel, a lawyer of Ashkenazi Jewish descent from Russia, Poland, and Austria.[6][7][8] Segel has an older brother named Adam and a younger sister named Alison.[8][9] He grew up in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, an area known for its scenic coastal views and proximity to the entertainment industry.[10][11] He attended Hebrew school in the evenings and had a Bar Mitzvah ceremony, aligning with his Jewish upbringing.[9] This upbringing in a culturally rich environment provided Segel with early exposure to entertainment through the local Hollywood scene and familial discussions influenced by his interfaith heritage.[10][9]Education and early interests
Segel attended St. Matthew's Parish School, a private Episcopal institution in Pacific Palisades, California, during his early years, followed by Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles for high school.[6][9] Standing at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), Segel excelled in athletics at Harvard-Westlake, playing on the boys' basketball team that captured the 1996–97 CIF Southern Section and state championships.[12][13][14] His dunking ability earned him the nickname "Dr. Dunk," highlighted during a high school slam dunk contest.[15] Parallel to his sports involvement, Segel nurtured an early passion for acting, performing in school productions like Edward Albee's The Zoo Story under drama teacher Ted Walch, who organized private sessions and a secret showcase for casting directors.[16][17] He also appeared in plays at the nearby Palisades Playhouse, exploring comedy through theatrical roles.[6] These experiences, inspired by watching films and stage performances, were bolstered by his parents enrolling him in acting classes to overcome shyness and build social connections.[18]Career
Television roles
Jason Segel's television career began with his debut as Nick Andopolis in the short-lived but critically acclaimed series Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000), where he portrayed a lovable, drum-obsessed slacker navigating high school awkwardness in Judd Apatow's ensemble cast, marking his breakout role that established him as a promising comedic talent.[19] This performance in the Emmy-nominated NBC comedy-drama launched Segel's on-screen presence and led to further collaborations with Apatow.[20] He continued this partnership in Undeclared (2001–2002), playing Eric, a freshman college student dealing with the uncertainties of young adulthood, which further honed his skills in ensemble-driven humor and solidified his reputation within Apatow's creative circle.[19] Segel's defining television role came as Marshall Eriksen in How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014), where he depicted the affable, environmentally conscious lawyer and devoted husband over nine seasons and 208 episodes, embodying unwavering loyalty and heartfelt optimism that became central to the show's enduring appeal. In addition to acting, Segel co-wrote several episodes, contributing to the series' blend of romance and comedy.[21] The role elevated him to widespread fame, showcasing his ability to sustain a long-form character arc with emotional depth and physical comedy.[19] In 2020, Segel created, starred in, and executive produced the AMC surreal drama series Dispatches from Elsewhere, portraying Peter, an ordinary man drawn into a mysterious alternate reality game alongside an ensemble cast including Sally Field and André Benjamin. Throughout his career, Segel has made notable guest appearances on shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and provided voice work in television animations, such as voicing Marshall Eriksen in Family Guy (2009), adding a layer of versatility to his television portfolio.[22] More recently, Segel starred as Paul Westhead in the HBO miniseries Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022–2023), portraying the intense, fast-paced basketball coach who led the Lakers to a championship, highlighting his range in dramatic, period-specific roles.[23] He returned to leading man status in Shrinking (2023–present), co-created with Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, as Jimmy Laird, a therapist grappling with profound grief after his wife's death, whose unfiltered advice disrupts his clients' lives and his own; the Apple TV+ series premiered its first season in 2023 and second season in October 2024, which concluded in December 2024, with a third season set to premiere on January 28, 2026.[24][4]Film roles
Segel made his feature film debut in the 1998 teen comedy Can't Hardly Wait, portraying William Lichter, a minor character known as the Watermelon Guy who injects vodka into a watermelon at a house party.[25] His early screen presence was limited, but the role marked his entry into Hollywood's ensemble-driven youth films. Segel's visibility expanded through Judd Apatow's comedy circle, particularly with his supporting role as Jason in the 2007 hit Knocked Up, where he played one of protagonist Ben Stone's immature roommates and friends navigating unexpected fatherhood.[26] The film, a box-office success that solidified Apatow's influence in raunchy ensemble comedies, helped elevate Segel's profile from television to wider cinematic audiences.[27] He achieved a major breakthrough as the lead in the 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, written by and starring Segel as Peter Bretter, a sensitive TV composer reeling from a breakup and seeking solace in Hawaii.[28] The role highlighted Segel's ability to blend physical comedy, emotional vulnerability, and self-deprecating humor, earning praise for its heartfelt take on heartbreak.[29] Segel followed with a string of comedic leads that showcased his affable everyman persona. In I Love You, Man (2009), he played Sydney Fife, a free-spirited bachelor who becomes the unlikely best friend to a newly engaged man (Paul Rudd), exploring male friendship through "man-dates" and rock concerts. He appeared briefly in Get Him to the Greek (2010) as Sergio Roma, a flamboyant waiter serving a disastrous flaming cocktail to rock star Aldous Snow. He also provided the voice of the villainous Vector in the animated film Despicable Me (2010) and its sequel Minions (2015). Segel then starred as Gary in The Muppets (2011), a devoted fan reuniting Kermit and the gang for a comeback show, infusing the family musical with earnest enthusiasm and ensemble charm. That year, he appeared in the ensemble comedy Bad Teacher as the substitute teacher Trent. Transitioning toward dramatic roles, Segel portrayed the aimless but intuitive Jeff in the 2012 indie drama Jeff, Who Lives at Home, a brother on a mundane errand that uncovers family secrets, co-starring with Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon. His performance demonstrated a shift from broad humor to introspective character work. He also starred in the romantic comedy Sex Tape (2014) opposite Cameron Diaz. Segel earned widespread acclaim for his dramatic turn as acclaimed author David Foster Wallace in The End of the Tour (2015), depicting the reclusive writer's five-day book tour interview with journalist David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg). Critics lauded his nuanced portrayal of Wallace's intellectual depth, social awkwardness, and underlying isolation, marking a pivotal evolution in his career.[30] He continued in drama with The Discovery (2017), a Netflix sci-fi thriller where he played Will, the skeptical son of a scientist (Robert Redford) whose afterlife proof sparks a suicide epidemic; the role explored grief and existential doubt amid romantic tension. In 2019, he starred as Dane Faucheux in the biographical drama Our Friend, based on a true story of friendship and loss. In the 2020s, Segel took on the supporting role of Big Walker, the compassionate uncle, in the 2022 Apple TV+ adaptation The Sky Is Everywhere, a coming-of-age story about a teen grappling with her sister's death through poetry and first love. That year, he also appeared in the Netflix thriller Windfall in an ensemble cast. In 2023, he reprised his voice role as Vector in the animated short Mooned. Looking ahead, Segel is set to star in the psychological thriller Sponsor (2025), directed by James Ponsoldt.[31]Writing and production work
Jason Segel made his screenwriting debut with the 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which he wrote and starred in under director Nicholas Stoller. The screenplay drew from Segel's personal experiences, including a humiliating breakup that inspired the film's opening scene of full-frontal nudity. The movie's iconic "naked breakup" moment earned a nomination for Best WTF Moment at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.[27][32] Segel continued his writing collaboration with Stoller on The Muppets (2011), co-writing the screenplay that revived the dormant Muppet franchise after a 12-year absence from feature films. The project marked Segel's first major production role as an executive producer, alongside his on-screen performance. The film received critical acclaim for its nostalgic yet fresh take on the characters, grossing over $165 million worldwide.[33][34] During his tenure on How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014), Segel contributed original songs to several episodes, enhancing the show's musical comedy elements. Notable examples include "You Just Got Slapped" from season 3 and "Marshall vs. the Machines" from season 6, both performed in character as Marshall Eriksen. These compositions highlighted his multifaceted creative involvement beyond acting.[35][36] Segel co-wrote the screenplay for The Five-Year Engagement (2012) with Stoller, who also directed; the film explored relationship delays through Segel's lead character. In television, he co-created and served as executive producer on the Apple TV+ series Shrinking (2023–present), collaborating with Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein on a comedy-drama centered on therapy and grief. Segel infused the project with personal insights from his own experiences with loss, shaping its emotional core.[37][38][39] He also created and executive produced Dispatches from Elsewhere (2020) for AMC. Beyond film and television, Segel ventured into songwriting for Forgetting Sarah Marshall, composing the songs for the in-film Dracula puppet musical, including the lead number "Dracula's Lament (Inside of You)." He also co-authored the children's horror fantasy book series Nightmares!, starting with the 2014 debut novel written with Kirsten Miller; the trilogy originated from an unproduced screenplay Segel penned early in his career.[40][41]Personal life
Relationships
Jason Segel began dating his Freaks and Geeks co-star Linda Cardellini shortly after the show's production in 1999, with their relationship becoming public around 2001.[42][43] The couple dated for approximately six years, maintaining a low profile during much of their time together, before splitting amicably in 2007.[42][44] In 2012, he started dating actress Michelle Williams after being introduced by mutual friend Busy Philipps; the pair went public in March of that year.[42][45] Their relationship, which lasted about a year, ended in February 2013, with Segel later reflecting on its emotional intensity in interviews, noting how it deepened his approach to vulnerability in roles.[46][45] Following his breakup with Williams, Segel was briefly linked to actress Bojana Novakovic in 2013, though details of their short romance remain sparse.[47] Segel began a relationship with production designer Alexis Mixter in 2013, keeping it private until 2015 when they made their red carpet debut.[42] The couple dated for eight years, often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media, before Mixter announced their amicable split in April 2021.[48] In 2023, Segel started dating professional dancer and So You Think You Can Dance alum Kayla Radomski, making their relationship public with a red carpet appearance at the 2024 Golden Globes. The couple became engaged on June 18, 2025, after two years together, with Radomski confirming the news on social media; as of November 2025, they have no children and are planning a wedding.[49][50] Segel has publicly discussed how his personal relationships, particularly breakups, influenced his work, such as writing the 2008 film Forgetting Sarah Marshall—which he starred in and penned—directly inspired by a real-life naked breakup scene from his early 20s, emphasizing themes of emotional vulnerability.[51] This personal touch extended to later roles, where he drew on relational experiences to portray authentic emotional depth.[52]Health and philanthropy
Jason Segel has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction during the early 2010s, a period marked by frequent nightclub appearances and personal challenges following high-profile relationships. In April 2013, following his breakup with Michelle Williams, he joined Alcoholics Anonymous and reported being sober for 12 days at that time. He has maintained sobriety since 2013, crediting the experience with helping him portray complex characters dealing with substance issues, such as in his role as David Foster Wallace in The End of the Tour. Segel's advocacy for mental health gained prominence through his co-creation and starring role in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking (2023–present), where he plays a grieving therapist navigating personal trauma and ethical boundaries in treatment. The series draws from his own experiences with therapy, including couples counseling and addressing lifelong anxiety, which he has described as contributing to an "existential crisis" after achieving sobriety. In interviews, Segel has emphasized reducing the stigma around mental health by portraying therapists as flawed individuals in need of support themselves, reflecting his commitment to honest conversations about grief and emotional vulnerability. In philanthropy, Segel supports education initiatives through the Fulfillment Fund, an organization aiding underprivileged students in pursuing higher education, aligning with his interest in youth development. He has also contributed to arts preservation, notably by publicly endorsing and aiding the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles to sustain its operations as a cultural landmark. These efforts underscore his focus on community and creative access, often tied to his Los Angeles roots. Segel maintains a connection to his Jewish heritage, having been raised in an interfaith household with a Jewish father and Christian mother; he attended Hebrew school and had a bar mitzvah. As an adult, he observes the High Holy Days, keeping items like a tallis in a dedicated space at home for such occasions. As of 2025, he resides in Ojai, California, a small town near Los Angeles, where he has lived since around 2013 to foster a quieter lifestyle post-sobriety.Filmography
Films
- Can't Hardly Wait (1998) – Kenny (supporting)[2]
- Dead Man on Campus (1998) – Cooper "Coop" Feldman (supporting)[2]
- SLC Punk! (1998) – Mark (supporting)[2]
- Slackers (2002) – Sam Schecter (supporting)[2]
- 11:14 (2003) – Leon (supporting)[2]
- Lollilove (2004) – Jason (lead)[2]
- The Good Humor Man (2005) – Smelly Bob (supporting)[2]
- Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) – Frat Boy (supporting)[2]
- Knocked Up (2007) – Jason (supporting)[2]
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) – Peter Bretter (lead)[2]
- I Love You, Man (2009) – Sydney Fife (supporting)[2]
- Get Him to the Greek (2010) – Sergio Roma (supporting)[2]
- Gulliver's Travels (2010) – Horatio (supporting)[2]
- Despicable Me (2010) – Victor "Vector" Perkins (voice, supporting)[2]
- Bad Teacher (2011) – Russell Gettis (supporting)[2]
- Friends with Kids (2011) – Jason (supporting)[2]
- Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011) – Jeff (lead)[2]
- The Muppets (2011) – Gary (lead)[2]
- The Five-Year Engagement (2012) – Tom (lead)[2]
- This Is 40 (2012) – Jason (supporting)[2]
- This Is the End (2013) – Jason Segel (cameo)[2]
- Sex Tape (2014) – Jay (lead)[2]
- The End of the Tour (2015) – David Foster Wallace (lead)[2]
- The Discovery (2017) – Will Harbor (lead)[2]
- Come Sunday (2018) – Henry (supporting)[2]
- Hotel Artemis (2018) – Xavier (supporting)[2]
- Our Friend (2019) – Dane Faucheux (supporting)[2]
- The Sky Is Everywhere (2022) – Big (supporting)[2]
- Windfall (2022) – Ben (supporting)[2]
- Despicable Me 4 (2024) – Vector (voice, cameo)[2]
Television
Jason Segel's television career began with supporting roles in short-lived series and evolved into leading parts in long-running sitcoms and limited series. He first gained notice for his portrayal of Nick Andopolis, the kind-hearted but dim-witted drummer in the cult classic coming-of-age dramedy Freaks and Geeks, appearing in all 18 episodes across its single season from 1999 to 2000.[53] In 2001, Segel had a recurring role as Eric, the obsessive ex-boyfriend of a college freshman, in the Judd Apatow-created comedy Undeclared, which ran for 13 episodes over one season.[54] From 2004 to 2005, he made three guest appearances as lab technician Neil Jansen in the procedural drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, including episodes "Mea Culpa," "Compulsion," and "Iced."[55] Segel achieved widespread recognition as Marshall Eriksen, the affable lawyer and loyal husband, in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, starring in all 208 episodes from 2005 to 2014.[56] In 2009, he provided the voice of his How I Met Your Mother character Marshall Eriksen in a guest spot on the animated series Family Guy in the episode "Peter's Progress."[57] Segel hosted Saturday Night Live on November 19, 2011, with musical guest Florence + the Machine, performing sketches including a Muppets musical number.[58] He created, executive produced, and starred as the disillusioned everyman Peter Dubek in the surreal mystery miniseries Dispatches from Elsewhere, which consisted of 10 episodes airing in 2020.[59] From 2022 to 2023, Segel portrayed Paul Westhead, the unconventional Lakers assistant coach who briefly became head coach, in the first season (10 episodes) of the HBO sports drama Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Since 2023, Segel has co-created and starred as grieving therapist Jimmy Laird in the Apple TV+ comedy-drama Shrinking, appearing in all 22 episodes across its first two seasons, with a third season scheduled to premiere in 2026.[60]Awards and nominations
Wins
Jason Segel has garnered a number of awards for his multifaceted contributions to comedy, writing, and performance in film and television, with most recognizing his role in reviving the Muppets franchise and his breakout comedic work. His wins are often shared with collaborators and focus on musical and ensemble achievements rather than individual acting accolades.- 2009 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards – Top Box Office Films: For Forgetting Sarah Marshall, honoring the film's commercial success and musical elements.[61]
- 2012 Critics' Choice Awards – Best Song: Shared with Amy Adams and Bret McKenzie for "Life's a Happy Song" from The Muppets.[62]
- 2011 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards – Commedia Extraordinaire Award: For his comedic contributions to The Muppets, celebrating excellence in humor that affirms human values.[61]
- 2012 Christopher Awards – Feature Films: Shared with director James Bobin, producers David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, and the cast for The Muppets, recognizing films that affirm the highest values of the human spirit.[61]
- 2012 Online Film & Television Association (OFTA) Film Awards – Best Music, Original Song: For "Life's a Happy Song" from The Muppets.[61]
- 2020 MTV Movie & TV Awards – Greatest of All Time: Heartbreaking Break-Up: Shared with Kristen Bell for the scene in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.[63]