Overview of Not Skinny, But Not Fat — Episode: Patrick J. Adams: Girl Dad, Leaving Suits, and His Taylor Sheridan Era
Amanda Hirsch interviews actor Patrick J. Adams (best known as Mike Ross from Suits) about his new Taylor Sheridan series The Madison, fatherhood (three daughters), leaving Suits, life after the show, and personal stories from home births to camper-van road trips. The conversation mixes show promotion, career reflection, family anecdotes and candid takes on burnout, creative choices, and working with Michelle Pfeiffer.
Key topics discussed
- The Madison (Taylor Sheridan series)
- Premise: a New York family (the Clyburns) forced to relocate to rural Montana after a sudden loss; themes of grief, reconnection and culture shock.
- Patrick plays Russell — the New York husband out of his element who wants to support his wife and family.
- Praise for Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance, the emotional heart of the show, and the cinematography/directing (Christina Voros).
- Fatherhood and family life
- Patrick and actress Troian Bellisario have three daughters: Aurora (≈7), Elliot (≈4), and newborn Imogen.
- Home birth experience (Imogen born at home in a tub; one daughter was born in a car).
- Role as “girl dad”: supportive with day-to-day childcare and older kids’ routines.
- Leaving Suits
- Patrick left Suits because of burnout and a desire to start his married life with Troian — not primarily for headlines about drinking.
- He reflected on losing creative joy after long runs and the importance of choosing work that doesn’t compromise family or personal happiness.
- Suits resurgence & spinoff
- The show enjoyed a later resurgence on streaming (and a brief, complicated industry moment during the strike). Patrick watched from a distance and couldn’t capitalize professionally at the time.
- He’s open to reunions but explained there were other projects and logistical reasons behind spinoff decisions.
- Personal anecdotes & behind-the-scenes
- Receiving a handwritten note (and jam) from Meghan Markle—he describes the letter and memorabilia with fond amusement.
- Audition tape for Suits resurfacing online; he reposted it and reflected on nerves in those early audition rooms.
- Camper-van life and road trips: family drives from LA to their cottage north of Toronto; he brought his camper van while filming in Montana.
The Madison — what to expect
- Tone: More emotional/heart-driven than soap; still carries Sheridan’s visual scope (big landscapes, cinematic production design).
- Cast/chemistry: Michelle Pfeiffer leads; strong ensemble of women (young and old) with Patrick providing a male perspective within that family dynamic.
- Production notes: Filmed mostly in Montana (three months) with additional shoots in Fort Worth; the production built the cabin set used in the show.
- Recommendation: Amanda and Patrick both urge viewers to watch — Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance is highlighted as a major reason to tune in.
Notable insights & quotes
- On the decision to leave Suits: “If you're unhappy, what's the reason to do it? If the money is the only reason, that's not a good enough reason.”
- On working with Michelle Pfeiffer: She’s talented, humble, and creates a safe space on set; Patrick admitted to being starstruck and even re-watching her films to calm nerves.
- On family priorities: Patrick prioritized being present for his wife, kids, and aging father even when it interfered with career logistics (e.g., missing an in-person audition in Wyoming).
Career reflections and creative choices
- SAG naming anecdote: He uses the “J.” because another actor already had the same name; he admires Michael J. Fox and sees a nostalgic connection.
- Burnout: Seven seasons on Suits led to creative exhaustion. Patrick described a shift from enthusiasm to frustration and ego—leaving was a reset to preserve relationships and personal growth.
- Resurgence: The Suits streaming comeback happened during a writers/actors strike window; it generated industry conversations about value and compensation but Patrick stayed away from public resentment.
Personal life & human details
- Family dynamics: He and Troian are both introverted homebodies who value quiet family life over Hollywood socializing.
- Parenting role: He focuses on the “logistics” of parenting (drop-offs, caring for the older kids) allowing Troian to recover and bond in the newborn phase.
- Birth stories: One daughter born in a car motivated a later home birth; the newborn (Imogen) was two weeks late and they delayed naming her for a while.
- Travel & lifestyle: Long seasonal road trips in a camper van (LA → Toronto cottage) are part of their family tradition.
Anecdotes listeners will find memorable
- The tiny Suits audition tape resurfacing online — Patrick watching an earlier self and feeling proud of “that kid.”
- The handwritten Meghan Markle note and jam story (light, playful celebrity moment).
- The production built the Montana cabin set specifically for The Madison; cast lived and worked on location, deepening their bond.
- Patrick sleeping sometimes in his camper van when filming in Montana — he enjoys the solitude and wilderness.
Takeaways / recommendations
- Watch The Madison for: Michelle Pfeiffer’s lauded performance, emotional storytelling about family and grief, and strong cinematography.
- Patrick’s career choice is a good case-study in prioritizing creative fulfillment and personal life over financial incentives.
- Fans of Suits can expect openness from Patrick about reunion possibilities but should understand industry/logistical limits.
- For listeners: the episode balances entertainment gossip (Amanda’s reality-TV opening) with substantive conversation about art, family, and work-life priorities.
Podcasts referenced: Not Skinny, But Not Fat (Amanda Hirsch). Guest: Patrick J. Adams. Topics range from his new Taylor Sheridan series to candid reflections on family and leaving a long-running show.