On the set of Apple TV’s comedy series Shrinking, Jessica Williams enjoys stirring reactions from her co-star Harrison Ford, a dynamic central to the show’s appeal. The series, now in its third season, features Ford and Williams as Paul and Gaby, two therapists who manage intertwined personal and professional challenges, with Williams purposely pushing Ford’s buttons to enrich their scenes.
Williams, 36, candidly shared her playful approach to working alongside Ford, 83, explaining that her goal is to create moments that both entertain and challenge him during filming.
Challenges and Chemistry Behind the Scenes
Williams elaborates that she embraces crafting irritation both off-camera and in the script to provoke Ford’s character, contributing energy and spontaneity to their exchanges.
“I live to irritate that man, both privately and on the show,”
she said.
“There’s nothing funnier than seeing Harrison Ford be annoyed.”
She further described Ford’s typical roles as embodying rugged cowboy archetypes who may seem reluctant yet genuinely enjoy their roles.
“That’s kind of the essence of Harrison and why it works. He plays these kinds of cowboy archetypes that are just hemming and hawing, but secretly want to be there and having a great time,”
Williams remarked.
She explained,
“If it’s in the script, that’s what I’m gonna do and then I’m gonna just irritate Harrison just a little more so that it gives him something to push off of too. Part of being a good supporting actor is always trying to give that polarity for the other actor.”
This deliberate provocation enhances the dynamic between their characters and enriches the show’s comedic timing.
The Characters’ Interactions Mirror the Actors’ Playfulness
The relationship among the characters Gaby, Paul, and their coworker Jimmy, played by Jason Segel, also reflects this teasing pattern. Williams pointed out that Gaby and Jimmy are designed to bother Paul to create tension and humor.
“So, to give Harrison something that he can work with and just be so annoying is key to the performance,”
she said, emphasizing the joy it brings during production.
Williams also noted Ford’s openness to improvisation, often leading to unexpected and memorable moments.
“Harrison is a very surprising person, actually,”
she said.
“He does bits. He’s very silly, very giving and yeah, he’ll surprise you. That’s what’s fun about him, he’ll try stuff.”
She recalled a specific instance involving Michael Urie’s character Brian, who wore bright orange running shorts as part of a comedic bit.
“He’s like, ‘The shorts are too short.’ That’s, like, the bit, and Harrison improvised a line right when my character walks out. He just looks at Michael and he goes, ‘You look like you’re on fire.’ And that was never in the script, but it was so funny that it made it in,”
Williams highlighted.
“That’s Harrison freaking Ford for you,”
she concluded.
Co-Stars Share Insights on Working with Ford’s Unpredictable Humor
Michael Urie, 45, echoed the sense of camaraderie with Ford on set, emphasizing that despite Ford’s film legend status, he approaches the work with familiar discipline and professionalism.
“He’s our coworker, right? We see him all the time, and in many ways, he’s just another actor,”
Urie explained.
“He approaches it the same way we all do. He learns his lines. We think about the work, we talk about the blocking and we work out our bits. We’re colleagues and collaborators.”
Urie also shared a humorous anecdote illustrating Ford’s playful side during a photo shoot.
“I was wearing this yellow get-up that was very flamboyant and wonderful. And I hear him saying, ‘Where’s my wallet?’ And I’m like, ‘Ugh, grandpa lost his wallet. There he goes again.’ And he’s like, ‘I can’t find my wallet. It was in my pants.’ I’m like, ‘What’s wrong with him?’ And I turn around and he’s got my bright yellow banana pants and he’s riffling through them as if they were his. And I’m like, ‘You’re playing a joke on me, aren’t you?’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah.’ He’s a giant kid and he will say crazy s–t,”
Urie recalled.
Luke Tennie Highlights Ford’s Playful Nature and Impact
Luke Tennie, who plays the character Sean on the show, described Ford as a
“goofball and a joker and a prankster.”
He further explained,
“He’s just somebody who loves to catch people off guard.”
Tennie emphasized Ford’s warmth and humor by noting,
“He loves to compliment and uplift and also cajole and tease.”
Beyond humor, Tennie expressed admiration for Ford’s willingness to explore new facets of his acting range within Shrinking.
“It’s like no matter what I do in my career, I get to have been a part of that. And that’s really exciting,”
he said, recognizing the unique opportunity to collaborate with such an iconic performer in a role that allows for unexpected vulnerability and spontaneity.
New Episodes Continue to Showcase Ford and Williams’ Engaging Dynamic
The third season of Shrinking continues to air new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV through April 8. The series leverages the interplay between Ford’s seasoned experience and Williams’ energetic provocations to deliver a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, captivating audiences.
With each episode, viewers witness Harrison Ford on Shrinking embracing novel challenges, embracing improvisation, and sharing a fresh side rarely seen from the legendary actor, thanks in large part to the playful and intentional provocation from Jessica Williams and their fellow cast members.
