William H. Macy’s Fargo was one movie many fans came to love from the moment it was released. The unique storytelling presented by the Coen brothers was one that the actor was heavily inspired by. So when it came to becoming a part of the movie, he did not want to leave any stone unturned. He wanted to do everything in his power to get the role and that even meant going a little over the top.
He found an opportunity and decided to take it. However, that did not come without hardships. The actor is known best for his roles in Shameless, Fargo, and Jurassic Park III. With so many different movies in his pocket, there is no wonder as to why he would so greatly want to work with such talented directors.
William H. Macy was Mesmerized by the Script of Fargo
When William H. Macy first found out that the Coen Brothers were working on Fargo, he was extremely hyped about wanting to be a part of the film. While talking to the British Film Institute, he explained as to how desperately he fell in love with the film.
‘“That’s real good. You want to go out and read Jerry?” They gave me about 20 minutes. I came in and read. They said, “That’s real good. You want to go home and work on it and come in tomorrow?” So I went home. Every actor I know did shifts [auditioning]. I went in and read it again. And they said: “That’s real good. We’ll let you know.”’
He auditioned for a completely different role only for the directors to later tell him to read for the role of Jerry Lundegaard. That gave him hope of success in the film. He auditioned twice for the role, only to be told that he would hear from them later. However, that later did not seem to come.
William H. Macy was Ready to Shoot Dogs
When William H. Macy did not get any reply from the Coen Brothers, he did not decide to sit quietly. He found out where the casting session was being held in New York and did not waste a single second. According to the British Film Institute, he flew to the city immediately.
“I found out they were going to New York and holding a casting session there. So I got my Lutheran ass on an aeroplane and crashed the audition. I said: ‘I want to audition again.’ Then I made the joke to Ethan, which was: ‘I’ll shoot your dog if you don’t give me this role.'”
He quite literally crashed into the audition and threatened the directors to give him the role of Jerry Lundegaard. He exclaimed that Macy would shoot their dog if the role wasn’t his for the taking going all John Wick on them. All of it was a jest of course.
Source: British Film Institute
