In a recent conversation on Pop Culture Unplugged, Rachel Stubington opened up about her experience playing Summer on Shrinking, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, career reflections, and heartfelt insights about the character fans have grown to love.
From landing the role through a simple self-tape to becoming part of one of television’s most beloved ensembles, Stubington’s journey mirrors Summer’s own evolution — unexpected, exciting, and full of growth.
From Small Audition to Fan-Favorite Character
Stubington revealed that when she first auditioned, she had no idea the role would become such a major part of her career.
“It was just a random audition for a smaller part… I didn’t really understand that four years later this would be my job.”
She credited the show’s creative team — especially creator Bill Lawrence — for building stories where even smaller characters gradually expand into meaningful arcs.
“You see background characters grow into full storylines. I feel like Summer was kind of the same thing.”
Did She Expect the Show to Blow Up?
While she didn’t predict the scale of the show’s success at first, one casting choice made her suspicious it might become huge:
“The second you hear that Harrison Ford is in the show, I feel like you kind of have to assume… it’s going to be big.”
She also shared that during Season 1 she got to watch as a fan as much as a cast member:
“I wasn’t in a ton of the first season, so I got to just watch it as a lover of TV — and I knew they had something really special.”
Building Summer Through Improv
One of the most surprising revelations was how much of Summer’s personality came from improvisation during early scenes.
“They kept throwing improv lines in… and through all of that we kind of built out a lot of what Summer was going to become.”
By Season 2, Stubington said the writers were crafting storylines she never could have predicted — proof that the character had grown far beyond her original description of simply “a high school girl who likes to have fun.”
Understanding Summer’s Heart
While Summer is known for her bold personality and blunt honesty, Stubington believes audiences sometimes misjudge her.
“I feel like maybe the misunderstanding is that she lacks self-awareness. She really knows who she is, and she’s really comfortable with herself.”
She especially loves portraying Summer’s loyalty and emotional intelligence, particularly in her friendship with Alice.
“I think she has so much heart… and she likes to make people happy.”
Learning From the Cast
Working alongside such an acclaimed ensemble has been a masterclass in professionalism and generosity for Stubington.
“They’re so kind and generous with their time… it teaches you the decorum of being number one on a call sheet.”
She also shared one co-star she wishes she had more scenes with:
“I love Michael Urie. We’d be too powerful as a duo, though — we’ve got to leave room for everyone else.”
Summer’s Future — and Rachel’s
As for what’s next, Stubington says she hopes Summer eventually finds a meaningful path in life, possibly inspired by the therapy-focused world she’s surrounded by on the show.
“I’d like to think she’s going to figure out something to do with her life that she finds meaningful.”
Off-screen, the actress is also expanding her creative résumé. She recently co-wrote and directed a film with a close friend that’s currently making its way through the festival circuit — an experience she called one of the most fulfilling of her career.
Why Fans Connect With Summer
At her core, Stubington believes Summer resonates with viewers because she embodies something many people wish they had more of: fearless authenticity.
“She doesn’t really care what other people think about her… and it’s so cool to play someone like that.”
⭐ Interview Highlights Recap
Rachel landed the role through a simple self-tape audition.
Summer’s personality was shaped heavily through improv.
She watched early episodes as a fan before becoming more central to the story.
Working with the cast taught her professionalism and generosity.
She hopes Summer’s future includes a meaningful career helping others.
She’s now writing and directing projects of her own.
Final Takeaway:
Rachel Stubington’s journey on Shrinking reflects exactly what makes the show special — growth, heart, humor, and humanity. Just like Summer, she’s evolving with every season, and if her performance so far is any indication, audiences haven’t seen the best of her yet.