Nick Offerman Compares Choreographing Wrestling to Jazz Improv

Emmy Award-winning actor Nick Offerman recently joined Talk Is Jericho, where he discussed his role as former professional wrestler, Jinx Millet, in the new Apple TV series, Margo’s Got Money Troubles. In the series, Offerman’s Jinx Millet is the father of Elle Fanning’s Margo. He moves in with his daughter to assist her with childcare and offer her wrestling-inspired advice.

During his chat with Jericho, Offerman discussed learning how to choreograph wrestling for the series, comparing it to jazz improvisation. Below are some highlights (via Fightful):

Nick Offerman on Choreographing Wrestling

“When I would choreograph and participate in stage combat, whether with swords or hand-to-hand, the most important thing is your trust. I found the same thing with wrestlers. The first thing you do is establish that we have eye contact, we’re all on the same page, and nobody is going to throw a move until you know everybody is ready, and that keeps everyone safe.”

On How It’s Similar to Jazz Improv

“I really liken it to improv. It’s improv, but it’s like improving a jazz dance or performance. You have a vocabulary of moves or notes, so you’re not just going to flip out and do something crazy. You know you have three moves to get back to a hip check. It’s fascinating to learn because you trust each other, and you pick your moves based on your body size, strengths, and weaknesses. The way you choose to do that is where your style comes in. My style turned out to be slow and clumsy. That makes me a perfect collaborator with talented people.”

Margo’s Got Money Troubles, featuring Nick Offerman, is streaming now on Apple TV. The first season finale debuts on May 20.