November 18, 2004 |
William H. Macy Shuts Up
by Daniel R. Coleridge
Despite his scene-stealing roles in films like Seabiscuit and Fargo, William H. Macy is currently in danger of becoming known as Mr. Felicity Huffman. The amiable 54-year-old actor couldn't be happier for his spouse's success on ABC's Desperate Housewives, though. Here, he discusses life as one half of a Hollywood power couple, as well as his leading role in TNT's holiday tearjerker, The Wool Cap (Sunday, 8 pm/ET). It's a follow-up to his 2002 TNT drama, Door to Door, which scooped up six Emmys, including Macy's own trophy for outstanding lead actor in a TV miniseries or movie. Cap also seems to mark the start of a quirky career trend for Macy... TV Guide Online: In Door to Door, you had cerebral palsy. Now you're mute. What's up with these disabled roles?
William H. Macy: Truthfully, I was just sick of memorizing lines. I kept looking for a movie where I didn't have to. TVGO: So playing mute is perfect. Clearly, Bill, you're just lazy.
Macy: Just plain lazy. (Laughs) We were worried that it covers some of the same territory [as Door to Door]. But that's the nature of the beast. TNT and [our sponsor] Johnson & Johnson were looking for family fare. To their credit, man, they stretched their definition of that to the breaking point. Our lead character is a drinking, alcoholic [Vietnam veteran]. There's also drugs, violence and inner-city grime in this thing. TVGO: On the cheerier side, your wife recently gave you a shout out on Oprah.
Macy: I did, indeed! I don't think Oprah Winfrey has ever said my name before — and I like it. They're working Felicity's butt off on Desperate Housewives, but she's just having a grand old time. TVGO: You must have behind-the-scenes dish. Who's buried under that pool?
Macy: I don't know. Felicity doesn't know, either. I keep trying to get the inside scoop from her! TVGO: How have your lives changed since Desperate debuted to such big ratings?
Macy: She doesn't get that yet. We went to dinner the other night, and I asked, "How are you? Do you know what's going on?" She's not aware of it because she's working so hard in between raising our 2-year-old and 4-year-old. I told her, "You're in a big, fat hit, babe. Take a second and have a deep breath. This is one of the sweetest smells you'll ever smell, and it doesn't come along that often." TVGO: Is there drama behind that soap's scenes?
Macy: The cast like each other. They're all getting along and they have some laughs sometimes. I think this cast is going to sort itself out into a tight-knit group. I predict a long, looong run for this. TVGO: You and Felicity both do spicy love scenes. For instance, you hook up with Catherine O'Hara in Wool Cap...
Macy: I got to roll around and kiss her and stuff. Oh, it was fun. TVGO: So any jealousy on the home front?
Macy: It can get sticky. Felicity reacts the same way I do. I avert my eyes when she's swappin' spit with some guy on television. I don't need to watch that. I look away, hum to myself and come back when it's over. She does the same thing when it's me with someone else.
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