Key Takeaways:
– Alyson Hannigan struggled to perform intimate scenes with co-star Jason Segel on ‘How I Met Your Mother' because of his smoking habit.
– Hannigan described kissing Segel as like “kissing an ashtray.”
– Despite the issue, the two stars developed a close friendship throughout the show's nine seasons.
– Segel temporarily quit smoking after a bet with Hannigan.
Hannigan's On-Screen Challenges with Segel's Smoking Habit
The globally renowned sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother' delighted fans for nine years and nine seasons. It is best known for its hilarious storytelling of Ted Mosby's love saga, told to his children. Though one of the spotlight shone on the effervescent couple Lily Aldrin and Marshall Eriksen, played by Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel. However, Hannigan recently revealed a challenge she faced on set due to her co-star's cigarette smoking habit.
During the series' duration, both stars embodied their characters with a candid and charming chemistry. Much of the credit for the development of Marshall and Lily's popular relationship lies with their portrayal. Their relationship became one of the most beloved aspects of the series, owing to the actors' quality performance.
Despite the chemistry on film, it was not always easy for Hannigan during romantic scenes with Segel. She admits that his smoking habit made it difficult for her to enact intimate scenes such as kissing due to the overpowering cigarette smell.
Revealing her ordeal during an interview with Digital Spy, she revealed her struggle, stating, “I cannot stand cigarette smoke. It's like kissing an ashtray and he's trying to be polite by having gum or mints, but it doesn't help.”
An Ultimatum and Decided Change
In a vibrant display of on-set camaraderie and problem-solving, Hannigan took matters into her own hands. She hatched a bet with Segel that he would owe her $10 each time he smoked. At the end of the first day, Segel surprisingly owed Hannigan $200. While it remains unknown whether Segel paid off his debt, he quit smoking overnight. Alas, this decision did not last, and he succumbed to the habit again a year later.
Starring in a sitcom like ‘How I Met Your Mother' provides a unique opportunity for actors to form close bonds with their cast members on and off-screen. Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan shared such a friendship, fostered over 9 seasons.
Friends Off-Screen Too
Segel's appreciation for Hannigan transcended their characters' relationship on set. The stand-out couple from the show enjoyed a fruitful friendship off-set as well. He applauded Hannigan in an appearance on The Talk, stating, “Aly taught me a lot about how to be a man, I gotta say.” Segel revealed her influence, claiming Hannigan provided advice and offered support throughout his journey in the series.
In conclusion, while the delightful sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother' still has global fans hooked, it's not without its behind-the-scenes challenges. Alyson Hannigan's revelation is anecdotal proof of the trials and tribulations that cast members often face during the making of an iconic series. However, at the end of it all, it's the bond formed and the memories created that truly make the journey special. Although Segel's smoking habit posed a problem to Hannigan, their shared experiences and bond strengthened their friendship even further.
‘How I Met Your Mother' and its nine iconic seasons continue to draw the love and attention of fans and can be streamed on Netflix.
