Here’s Why A Hollywood Star Spent An Afternoon In North Loop
William H. Macy is probably best known for playing a stressed-out Minnesotan in the movie Fargo (“I’m cooperating here!!”)
But this weekend, several North Loopers got to meet the real guy as he visited MartinPatrick3 for a few hours. And, of course, he is nothing like that frantic salesman, Jerry Lundegaard.
“You live in a wonderful place,” he told us. “Minneapolis figures really high in my career. When I was in my 20s, I got a call from the Guthrie Theater, I did a season here and it was transformative. I was here a year and I fell in love with Minneapolis and Minnesota. It was just great. And then, of course, we got to shoot Fargo here.”
During his time at MartinPatrick3, he not only posed for photos and chatted with shoppers, he also bought them drinks! Because now, in addition to his acting and writing, Macy is part owner of a high-end Colorado distillery, Woody Creek, and he’s so passionate about the whiskey, gin and vodka they sell, he’s making stops like this in strategic locations to promote them.
“It’s a genuine company,” he said. “Everything we make, we make. Nothing is sourced. So all of it comes from Colorado. We know the farmers, we’ve known them for 10 years. It’s a bit cheeky to say, but we make the finest spirits in America. There are others that are really fine. But there are none better. All people have to do is taste it.”
So why stop here? Well, Woody Creek is also doing a collab right now with a Minnesota company, Red Wing, and its representatives are well aware of MartinPatrick3 and its award-winning retail space. So they reached out and asked if the store would host them.
Photos with MartinPatrick3 owners Greg Walsh and Dana Swindler
“Oh, I think it’s awesome because I really like him as an actor,” said MartinPatrick3 co-owner Dana Swindler. “I think he’s funny. And I just appreciate the opportunity to host, and put the North Loop in the limelight.”
Macy posed for professional photos throughout the shop that will end up in marketing materials for both Woody Creek and Red Wing. And then he did some shopping on the way out.
“We’re doing a family vacation in Italy, down in Puglia,” he said, “and it’s gonna be blazing hot, and I’m gonna be the best dressed guy there. I got some linen pants and this white shirt. It’s gonna be cool.”
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer
