Harrison Ford Opens Up: ‘Shrinking’ Feels Like a Meaningful Culmination in His Storied Career
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Harrison Ford, the 83-year-old icon known for his stoic roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, shared deeply personal reflections during a recent Apple TV+ press panel in Santa Monica. The event, held to promote the ongoing third season of the acclaimed comedy-drama Shrinking, saw Ford express profound gratitude for the series, suggesting it could serve as a fulfilling endpoint to his six-decade career.
Moderated by Ashley Nicole Black, the panel featured Ford alongside co-stars including Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Michael Urie, Ted McGinley, Luke Tennie, and Lukita Maxwell. When asked about the deeper questions the thought-provoking show prompted, Ford responded candidly: “Where do you go from here? The kind of work that we’re able to do is remarkable given the tools we have to work with, and the notion that lies behind this series. And if it was all over here, that would be sufficient.”
He continued, emphasizing the project’s unique impact: “This has been a different kind of job for me, and I’ve been doing this for a long time. This is very special and it really nurtures me and makes me feel like what we’re doing has value and importance. I look for that in my life and I’m happy to have found it here.” The remarks drew cheers from the audience, highlighting a shift from Ford’s typically gruff, quip-filled interview style to one of genuine emotional openness.
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Ford stars as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a curmudgeonly veteran therapist grappling with Parkinson’s disease while mentoring younger colleagues in a practice run by Segel’s character, Jimmy Laird. The role, loosely inspired by Shrinking co-creator Bill Lawrence’s experiences and his mentor Michael J. Fox from Spin City, allows Ford to explore themes of aging, vulnerability, and legacy—elements that resonate deeply with his own life stage.
A highlight of the panel was Ford’s heartfelt discussion of working with Michael J. Fox, who guest-stars in Season 3 as Jerry, a fellow Parkinson’s patient. Ford admitted the collaboration was “a bit daunting” due to the responsibility of portraying the condition authentically while Fox lives with it in reality. “I’ve always felt a real sense of responsibility for getting that part of my story right,” Ford said. “But Michael is an extraordinary, generous and lovely fellow, who I did not know at all and had a chance to, just working on this show. It was an extraordinary experience to work with him. He is such a powerful presence. Such grace and courage and indomitability, and some of that, I hope, will help me color my portrayal of a character with Parkinson’s.”
Ford’s performance has earned praise, with Fox himself moved to tears on set, noting in interviews that he recognized genuine understanding of the disease in Ford’s eyes. The mutual respect underscores Shrinking‘s blend of humor and heartfelt drama, tackling mental health, grief, and illness with sensitivity.
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Created by Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Segel, Shrinking premiered in 2023 and quickly became a critical darling for its witty writing and strong ensemble. Ford joined in Season 1, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his supporting role. Season 3, now streaming on Apple TV+ with new episodes Wednesdays through April 8, 2026, features guest stars like Jeff Daniels alongside Fox. The series was renewed for a fourth season shortly after Season 3’s launch, ensuring more adventures for Paul and the team—though Ford’s comments hint he may view his involvement as potentially finite.
For longtime fans, this chapter represents Ford embracing emotional depth on screen and off. The man once famous for terse, sarcastic responses now speaks openly about finding purpose and value in his work. As Shrinking continues to explore life’s complexities with warmth and honesty, Ford’s journey in it feels like a poignant, nourishing finale—or perhaps just another rewarding stop—in an extraordinary career.
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