Harrison Ford Says the Addition of Michael J. Fox to the Cast of SHRINKING Has Been Essential to His Character
Actor Harrison Ford has had a whole new lease on his acting career in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, in which he plays a psychologist named Paul who is rough around the edges, but is trying to find a better way to relate in both friendships and his relationship as he navigates a new diagnosis.
He is brilliant in the role, and brings a deadpan, quiet comedy to the series that is so endearing. In the upcoming season of the show, Ford will be joined by actor Michael J. Fox, who is coming out of retirement to play a role that we can assume will be someone who will help Paul with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, as Fox has been living with the condition for decades.
In an interview with Variety, Ford talked about the show’s third season, and said of Fox’s involvement:
“It’s been essential. Michael’s courage, his fortitude and his grace, more than anything else, is on full display. He’s very smart, very brave, noble, generous, passionate guy, and an example to all of us, whether we’re facing Parkinson’s or not.
“You cannot help but recognize how amazing it is to have such grace. So he gives me both a physical representation of the disease to inform myself with, but more than that, he allows me to believe that Paul could believe that he could be adequate to the challenge.
“The truth is that we can’t be fucking around with this just to make a joke or anything. Parkinson’s is not funny. And I want to get it right. It’s necessary to be correct with what we do in respect of the challenge that Parkinson’s represents, and that we don’t use it for its entertainment value.”
It’s great that Fox was willing to come out of retirement for this series. It’s an organic storyline for him, integrating the condition that may have held him back from other roles.
My grandmother had Parkinson’s, and I like that this show I love is highlighting stories of people who are battling it, despite it being fictional.
Shrinking season 3 recently wrapped filming, and should be headed our way end of 2025/beginning 2026.