On February 1, 2026, Jason Segel expressed his excitement about collaborating with Michael J. Fox on the Apple TV+ series Shrinking. Segel, 46, spoke about his admiration for Fox, describing him as an idol who influenced his career journey, especially as he balanced working in both television and film.
Segel emphasized how significant it was for him to appear alongside the legendary actor during the show’s third season, sharing how Fox represented a guiding figure during challenging times in his own work life.
The Impact of Michael J. Fox on Jason Segel’s Career
Jason Segel revealed to ScreenRant how Fox’s example encouraged him and his team when they were navigating the difficulties of managing TV and movie roles simultaneously. Segel recalled,
“There was a period when me and my crew – it’s 20 years ago now for me – but when I was doing a TV show and trying to make movies at the same time, and it’s scary and exhausting, and we would literally say to each other, ‘Hey, Michael J. Fox did it.’ We would say it all the time.”
– Jason Segel
He also cherished the opportunity to express his gratitude directly to Fox during filming, saying,
“I got to say like, ‘Hey, I want you to know, in a period when I was trying to figure out what I could do with this job, you were like our true north. It was really cool to get to say that to him.”
– Jason Segel
Harrison Ford’s Role in Shrinking and On-Set Presence
In addition to Michael J. Fox, Hollywood icon Harrison Ford also stars in Shrinking. Segel praised Ford’s appearance and energy despite his age of 83, describing him as remarkably handsome and influential even in social situations. He shared with The Hollywood Reporter,
“I was just doing a little bit of ADR [Automated Dialogue Replacement] and Harrison Ford came on screen. I was like, ‘Oh, my God, he’s so handsome.’ (Laughs) It’s really insane to me that at 83 years old, if I was in a bar and it was between me and Harrison, I would still choose Harrison. The guy is so amazing, and so is the vulnerability with which he explores getting older.”
– Jason Segel
Behind the Scenes: Harrison Ford’s True Personality
Michael Urie, who also appears on the series, recently commented on Ford’s public image, suggesting that the often perceived cantankerous demeanor is a performance rather than reality. Speaking to People magazine, Urie said,
“I know he seems cantankerous on the red carpet, [but] that’s just an act. He’s actually very sweet, and he loves being there.”
– Michael Urie
Urie described Ford as playful and enthusiastic on set, showing a side contrary to his usual public persona.
Significance of These Collaborations in Shrinking
Jason Segel’s opportunity to work with two acclaimed actors like Michael J. Fox and Harrison Ford highlights the caliber of talent on Shrinking. For Segel, Fox represents both inspiration and a benchmark for success in navigating a multifaceted acting career. Meanwhile, Ford’s continued vitality and willingness to embrace aging openly adds depth to the show’s dynamic cast. These collaborations likely enhance the series’ appeal and may continue to draw attention as the new season unfolds on Apple TV+.
