During the most recent season of Apple TV+’s Shrinking, Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s journey took center stage both on and off the screen, thanks to unwavering support from Harrison Ford. When Fox returned to acting after his 2020 retirement, he found genuine encouragement from Ford, making his comeback momentous for both personal and professional reasons.
Harrison Ford’s Encouragement Behind the Scenes
Michael J. Fox credited Ford with fostering a positive and supportive working environment while filming the show. At the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s gala on November 15, Fox discussed the impact of Ford’s presence and their collaboration on the set. He shared that Ford’s talent often exceeded expectations, highlighting Ford’s subtleties as an actor.
“Harrison is so good… I should say he’s an underrated actor because everybody knows how great he is, but the subtlety of his work.”
– Michael J. Fox
Fox also spoke warmly about Ford’s approachability and care during the demanding filming schedule, reflecting on how Ford’s demeanor eased his own transition back to acting.
“[He’s] so brilliant and so fun to work with. [He’s] so protective of me and wanted me to have a great experience.”
– Michael J. Fox
Connecting Real-Life Experience with On-Screen Storytelling
Fox was drawn to Shrinking because Ford’s character, Dr. Paul Rhodes, is depicted as living with Parkinson’s disease—a role deeply resonant with Fox’s own journey. Fox approached the show’s creators, including Bill Lawrence, with enthusiasm about the overlap between life and art. Reflecting on this, Fox lightheartedly confronted the creators about being left out.
“You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?”
– Michael J. Fox
The authenticity that Fox brought to his role was transformative. He explained that, for the first time, he felt able to appear on set without self-consciousness or concern about displaying the symptoms of his condition.
“It was the first time ever I get to show up on-set, and I didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything,”
– Michael J. Fox
Bill Lawrence and Ford Reflect on Representation and Inspiration
Bill Lawrence, the showrunner, revealed that Dr. Paul Rhodes was inspired by Fox himself, as Lawrence and Ford had previously worked with Fox on Spin City in the 1990s. Lawrence explained that the aim was to depict Parkinson’s disease in a way that was uplifting, drawing from his personal admiration for Fox.
“It’s cool to get to write about things you care about now, and Michael J. Fox is my first mentor, so we wanted to represent it in hopefully an inspiring and not sad or tragic way,”
– Bill Lawrence, Showrunner
Harrison Ford also honored Fox’s resilience and leadership, speaking publicly about the lasting influence Fox has had, not only on those affected by Parkinson’s but on everyone who encounters his story.
“Michael’s courage, his fortitude and his grace, more than anything else, is on full display.”
– Harrison Ford
“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.”
– Harrison Ford
The Power of Community and Legacy
At the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s recent gala, Fox acknowledged the overwhelming support he continues to receive from friends, colleagues, and supporters. The positive atmosphere, marked by reconnections and shared experiences, highlighted the impact of Fox’s work both as an actor and an advocate for Parkinson’s research.
“All these people are friends of mine, family, and it’s really great to see them, and I walk on the red carpet surprised to see them, and I think, ‘Well, why should I be surprised?’”
– Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox’s ongoing Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s journey, reinforced by the encouragement of icons like Harrison Ford and the purposeful representation in Shrinking, continues to inspire hope, authenticity, and unity in the face of adversity. The partnership between Fox, Ford, and creators like Bill Lawrence not only shines a light on Parkinson’s disease but also celebrates the enduring strength of empathy and creative storytelling.
