Work in Progress: Michael Urie
Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, Hosted by iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia welcomes her longtime co-star and multifaceted artist, Michael Urie. Michael, renowned for his role as Mark St. James on ABC’s Ugly Betty, shares his extensive career spanning television, Broadway, and his current acclaim in Apple TV’s Shrinking, for which he recently won a Critics’ Choice Award. Sophia highlights Michael’s ventures beyond acting, including his humor-driven podcast Still Ugly with Ugly Betty co-star Becky Newton and his co-founding of New York City's Pride Plays, an initiative celebrating and elevating LGBTQ voices in theater.

Nostalgic Recollections of Ugly Betty

The conversation kicks off with Michael reminiscing about pivotal moments from Ugly Betty.

Michael Urie [01:53]: "We were the first gay kiss on CBS. And it was a peck. Just a peck."

Sophia adds a touch of humor and affection as they recall their on-set experiences.

Sophia Bush [02:03]: "It was a little smoochy. You were very cute."

Their shared memories highlight both the progress and the challenges of LGBTQ representation during the show's run.

Transition to Shrinking and Working with Bill Lawrence

Michael delves into his current project, Shrinking, discussing the influence of creator Bill Lawrence.

Michael Urie [04:38]: "Bill Lawrence... runs such an asshole-free zone... he's a generous, fun, kind man."

Sophia draws parallels with her own experiences on sets, particularly referencing her time on a Shonda Rhimes production.

Sophia Bush [05:40]: "I've had the best and the worst... the Shonda Rhimes set has been wild."

Their dialogue underscores the importance of positive leadership and a supportive environment in the entertainment industry.

Reflections on Personal Growth and Acting Career

The duo reflects on their personal and professional growth over the years. Michael shares insights into his character development and confidence as an actor.

Michael Urie [12:36]: "Whenever I think I haven't figured anything out yet, now as a 44-year-old, I think, I don't know anything. I haven't figured anything out yet."

Sophia relates by discussing her own journey and the realization that confidence from youth can be both inspiring and challenging to maintain in adulthood.

Sophia Bush [13:30]: "I love knowing that you have that [confidence]."

Representation and Impact of Queer Stories in Media

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the importance of authentic queer representation. Michael discusses the evolution of his character in Shrinking and the broader impact on audiences.

Michael Urie [17:25]: "There's something about these straight guys now, it's pretty moving... they've tapped into a masculine sensitivity."

Sophia echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the positive portrayal of healthy masculinity in media.

Sophia Bush [09:06]: "It's nice to see masculinity that isn't trying to punch you in the face."

Their conversation highlights the strides made in representing LGBTQ characters thoughtfully and the ongoing need for diverse storytelling.

Still Ugly Podcast and Its Significance

Michael elaborates on the genesis and growth of his podcast Still Ugly with Becky Newton, tracing its roots back to their time on Ugly Betty and its evolution into a platform for rewatching and discussing beloved episodes.

Michael Urie [30:03]: "We stayed friends all these years. We did a cabaret act together... we were literally like, I had a parking spot at Warner Brothers."

Sophia praises their initiative, noting how the podcast fosters community and provides a space for fans to seek advice and share experiences.

Sophia Bush [33:31]: "Sometimes the people just want an opinion from a friend."

Advocacy and Pride Plays

Michael passionately discusses his role in co-founding Pride Plays, an initiative aimed at providing more authentic opportunities for queer stories in theater. He shares the challenges and successes of creating a platform that accommodates diverse narratives within the LGBTQ community.

Michael Urie [60:20]: "We wanted to create this opportunity for people to have opportunities... to represent all of them."

Sophia supports this mission, recognizing the critical need for such initiatives in today's cultural landscape.

Sophia Bush [60:20]: "Do you also see it in that way as helping people be seen, as helping queer stories be seen?"

Navigating Adversity and Maintaining Joy

Amidst discussions of advocacy, Sophia and Michael address the exhausting nature of combating ongoing societal challenges against the LGBTQ community. They reflect on maintaining joy and resilience in the face of adversity.

Michael Urie [42:32]: "It's exhausting to have to put out the same fire over and over again."

Sophia highlights the emotional toll and the importance of spaces like the GLAAD Awards for healing and celebration.

Sophia Bush [46:19]: "It's a really big deal. And it was also just the most fun to watch you crush and host."

Personal Insights and Future Work

As the conversation winds down, Michael shares his personal work-in-progress areas, including embracing mentorship and balancing his professional endeavors with personal growth.

Michael Urie [67:35]: "There's some adulting that I think is a real Work in progress... I'm still figuring out how do you be a man in this."

Sophia encourages this journey, celebrating Michael’s achievements and his ongoing evolution both personally and professionally.

Sophia Bush [67:35]: "You got to clean house on your end of the things. And we will just be at the GLAAD Awards."

Their final exchanges are filled with mutual support, humor, and a shared commitment to advocacy and representation.

Conclusion

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers a deep dive into Michael Urie’s multifaceted career, his dedication to queer representation, and his personal journey of growth and mentorship. Through candid reflections and shared experiences, Sophia and Michael provide listeners with an inspiring narrative of resilience, friendship, and the ongoing pursuit of authenticity both on and off the screen.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Urie [01:53]: "We were the first gay kiss on CBS. And it was a peck. Just a peck."

• Sophia Bush [09:06]: "It's nice to see masculinity that isn't trying to punch you in the face."

• Michael Urie [60:20]: "We wanted to create this opportunity for people to have opportunities... to represent all of them."

• Michael Urie [67:35]: "There's some adulting that I think is a real Work in progress... I'm still figuring out how do you be a man in this."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Sophia and Michael’s conversation, highlighting their camaraderie, professional insights, and heartfelt discussions on representation and personal growth.