The first show where Brett Goldstein really stood out to me wasTed Lasso, and after admiring his work as Roy Kent, it’s incredibly jarring to see the actor looking drastically different inShrinking. In 2020,Ted Lassobecame one of the biggest hits on Apple TV+ with the shows sharp wit and the cast of brilliant actors shining through despite the streaming platforms' general lack of visibility. While Apple TV+ was putting out some great quality shows, there wasn’t a lot that really kept viewers coming back for more.

Ted Lassowas one of the surprising shows that really changed that for me, and it was even more of a shock because I’m not really a fan of sports in general. So, when a show about an American football coach being hired to train an English soccer team was announced, I really didn’t expect much. However, the show is incredibly heartfelt, emotional, and features one of the most fun and varied ensemble casts on TV. And among those talented actors who madeTed Lassoso full of emotion and laughter, wasthe stubborn and constantly angry Roy Kent, played by Goldstein.

A composite image of Ted Lasso sitting in a chair and sipping tea from Ted Lasso

I Nearly Didn’t Recognize Brett Goldstein In Shrinking Without His Beard

The Beard Is Part Of Roy Kent’s Identity

Roy Kent is such a character because of his efforts to have a tough exterior, literally growling, and trying to turn anyone who comes close away. Along with his distinctive personality, Kent sports a tight, but thick dark beard that defines his character, and he is never seen onTed Lassowithout it. Which made it all the moresurprising when the actor showed up inShrinkingwith a clean-shaven face that was almost unrecognizable.

Ted Lasso Season 4: Confirmation, Cast, Story & Everything We Know

The Apple TV Plus comedy Ted Lasso has kept audiences rolling with laughter for three seasons already. Now here’s everything we know about season 4.

Goldstein appears inShrinkingseason 2as the drunk driver who caused the accident that killed Tia, Jimmy’s wife on the show. Aside from the fact that he’s clean-shaven, theactor arrives in the show completely out of the blue, with a significant role. However, already, in the short time that he has been on-screen, it’s clear that this character and the one we are so much more familiar with fromTed Lasso,are going to be completely different.

Jimmy (Jason Segel) smiling and Paul (Harrison Ford) looking unexpressive in Shrinking

Brett Goldstein’s Shrinking Character Will Be Very Different From Roy Kent In Ted Lasso

Shrinking From Hero To Zero

Roy Kent is a retired footballer who had a long career which saw him widely praised for his skills. As he continued playing football though, younger players started to quickly arrive on the scene, and it wasn’t long before Kent stopped being the new kid on the block, and began to be the oldest man on the field. Throughout this period, Kent put on a tough outer shell, and largely kept to himself. Throughout the show, the new coach, Ted, helps tocoax Kent’s more emotional side out, which helps him to form more genuine relationships and accept life as a retired player.

However,Goldstein’s role inShrinkingappears to have the actor exploring a very different path. Having caused the death of a young mother and wife through reckless drunk driving,Goldstein’s character appears to be stuck. In the first couple of episodes, they have yet to say more than a few words, but it looks as though they are seeking forgiveness and redemption, potentially to try and find a way out of their guilt and grief. ConsideringShrinkinghas set a precedent for exploring tough subjects, it seems well-positioned to tackle this complex character and how they interact with others like Jimmy.

Shrinking New TV Poster

Shrinking Continues Brett Goldstein’s Apple TV+ Success

Goldstein Is A Star In Front Of And Behind The Camera

Brett Goldstein first rose to fame for his work onTed Lasso, which debuted in 2020. However, after a long hiatus ahead of afutureTed Lassoseason 4, the actor, writer and producer, has begun to shift their attention to other work. Goldstein did some work with the writers forTed Lasso, but he is actuallyone of three co-creators working onShrinking. Now he will also have an on-screen role, but behind the scenes, Goldstein has been involved since the start, developing the project withScrubscreator, Bill Lawrence, and star of the show, Jason Segel.

Shrinking Season 1 Recap: 8 Season 2 Questions Answered

From why Grace is in jail to the status of Jimmy and Gaby’s relationship, these 8 questions are important to have answered before Shrinking season 2.

While the first season of the show received generally positive feedback, season 2 is off to an excellent start as the reviews onRotten Tomatoesare already at 90% Fresh from critics. This is a great sign for Brett Goldstein’s second season, and his on-screen role. Beyond Apple TV+, Goldstein also recently appeared in the MCU as Hercules inThor: Love and Thunder, and many other projects. So, while Brett Goldstein’s time onTed Lassomay be in the past, his future withShrinkingand beyond is incredibly bright.

Shrinking

Cast

In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.