Could a single phrase have jeopardized an actor's entire career? This is the story of Ted McGinley, a familiar face if you've watched Apple TV's "Shrinking," where he plays Jimmy's neighbor, Derek. However, many may not know that his journey in Hollywood took a difficult turn when he joined the cast of the classic sitcom "Happy Days," following the exit of star Ron Howard. McGinley's involvement with this show would inadvertently link him to the controversial concept of "jumping the shark," a term that emerged from an infamous episode in which Henry Winkler's character, Fonzie, water-skis over a shark. This connection was not just a trivial fact in his career; it nearly unraveled it, despite McGinley's optimistic demeanor throughout.
The term "jump the shark" describes a moment when a show begins to decline in quality, showcasing this decline through The Fonz's unlikely escapade in the fifth season episode titled "Hollywood: Part 3." While many fans claim that "Happy Days" truly veered off course after Howard's departure in its eighth season, the writers shifted focus to Fonzie, who had already been elevated in prominence since season two. Ted McGinley was introduced as a new character, Roger Phillips, the nephew of Marion Cunningham. Initially presented as a teacher and basketball coach at Jefferson High School, Roger's character was brought to life in season eight's "Hello, Roger." Unfortunately, his addition didn’t resonate well. Alongside Cathy Silvers' character Jenny Piccalo, Roger was seen as one of the less successful introductions to an already beloved cast, making it challenging for the writers to create engaging storylines for him. This struggle naturally reinforced McGinley’s association with the term "jumping the shark," an association often deemed unfair.
But here's where the controversy lies: although Roger Phillips may not have been the standout character on "Happy Days," McGinley continued to appear regularly throughout seasons eight and nine. He ultimately became part of the main ensemble for the show's tenth and eleventh seasons. Following the conclusion of "Happy Days" in July 1984, he successfully transitioned to notable series like "The Love Boat," "Dynasty," and "Married... with Children." Yet, ironically, these roles began to earn McGinley the dubious title of "The Patron Saint of Jumping the Shark," as coined by Jon Hein, the creator of the website JumptheShark.com.
This label raised eyebrows because it seemed to unfairly implicate McGinley in the disappointing trajectories of these iconic television shows. For instance, he joined "Married... with Children" as a recurring character, Jefferson D'Arcy, in its fourth season, quickly evolving into a main role and staying until the show's end in 1997. Given the show's legacy—marking a significant chapter in Fox's history—placing the blame for its downfall on McGinley feels unjust. A report from Deseret News in 2003 illustrated the backlash he faced on the now-defunct JumptheShark.com, where users linked his presence to the decline of shows. One particularly memorable comment read, "Chances are that if Ted is anywhere near your cast, consider the show on a downward spiral."
Despite the negativity from certain segments of the fanbase, McGinley approached this shark-jumping moniker with humor and resilience. He once stated in an interview, "Look, it took me three and a half years to kill 'The Love Boat,' four and a half years to kill 'Happy Days,' seven and a half years to kill 'Married... With Children.' So I'm hoping it takes me 10 years to kill 'Hope & Faith.'" Yet, beneath that humorous facade, there were deeper ramifications for his career.
In a revealing conversation with NBC News back in 2004, Jon Hein reiterated his stance, unequivocally labeling McGinley as a show-killer. He expressed his well wishes but maintained, "Look, if you see him, the show's going to jump." While McGinley smiled through this scrutiny, he continued to point out his consistent work post-"Happy Days" and the enduring success of the shows he joined.
However, in 2024, while attending a SAG-AFTRA Foundation event, he came clean about the emotional toll this reputation had taken on him. What initially felt humorous turned sour as he started to see the quantity of roles he was losing as a result. His candid remarks revealed the struggle he faced: "I tried to make light of it as best I could, but the truth is, it was extremely wounding. I have a family that I have to take care of. I have to educate my kids and love my wife and feed us all. [Hein] took that away from me, and that was brutal."
Fortunately for McGinley, his luck turned during his time on "Shrinking," a well-received dramedy that allowed him to showcase his talent once again. The role of Derek, a supportive husband, not only revived his career but also endeared him to a new generation of fans. It's safe to say he has shifted the narrative surrounding his career, feeling "blessed" by the acknowledgment and success that came with this role. In a 2025 interview, he shared the emotional depth of his journey, expressing gratitude for the positive response he received: "I’m so used to being the worst, or being told that I’m such a bad guy to add to a show. This has been an amazing journey and experience."
Even beyond "Shrinking," McGinley has remained active in the industry, appearing in shows like "The West Wing" and "Family Guy," while also contributing to "Hope & Faith," which, despite being canceled after three seasons, wasn't a direct consequence of his influence. The industry’s perception of him still casts a long shadow, and it begs the question: how many opportunities might he have lost due to Hein’s harsh critique? This leads us to ponder: Can an individual's reputation truly change the trajectory of their career? Or can resilience in the face of such labels ultimately lead to redemption? Share your thoughts in the comments!
