Actor Neil Flynn recently opened up about his experience filming alongside Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox in the Apple TV dramedy Shrinking, which has drawn attention due to its unique cast and subject matter. Now in its third season as of early 2026, the show features Flynn reprising his role as Raymond, a character who receives therapy from Ford’s character, Dr. Paul Rhoades. Michael J. Fox joined the cast this season as Gerry, whose Parkinson’s diagnosis creates a compelling connection with Paul.
Flynn described the experience of working closely with these Hollywood icons as something extraordinary.
“All my scenes so far have been with Harrison, which is just great. Recently, we did one with Harrison and Michael J. Fox where the two of them were in the room, and it was very strange to be in that situation. But this late in the game, it’s all a thrill,”
Flynn revealed during an interview with People magazine.
Before Shrinking, Flynn was best known for his role as the Janitor on the medical comedy Scrubs, a show created by Bill Lawrence, who is also a co-creator of Shrinking.
Cast Members Share Their Admiration for Ford and Fox
The cast of Shrinking, including Jessica Williams, Jason Segel, and Christa Miller, expressed their enthusiasm and respect for sharing the set with Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox during an Entertainment Tonight interview in January 2026. Williams, who portrays Dr. Gaby Evans, recalled the emotional impact of seeing Ford and Fox perform together.
I remember when he first shot with Harrison, I wrapped that day and I stayed so I could watch them work together and that was a really special moment,
Williams said.
Christa Miller, who plays Liz Bishop and is married to co-creator Bill Lawrence, noted that Ford was excited to have Fox join the cast. Miller added that Ford admired Fox’s impeccable comedic timing and felt he learned a great deal from working with him. She also shared that Fox, who has Parkinson’s disease, reached out directly to Lawrence to join Shrinking for its third season—a testament to their long-standing connection, dating back to Fox’s starring role in Spin City alongside Miller’s husband until 2002.
Jason Segel, portraying the therapist Jimmy Laird and also a co-creator of the series, expressed deep appreciation for both legendary actors. Segel spoke about his admiration for Fox’s extraordinary work ethic while balancing fame in the 1980s, especially starring simultaneously in Back to the Future and Family Ties.
I got to tell him what an idol of mine he is. And you know, there was this era when I was in my 20s, where me and a few of my contemporaries were working too hard. I was doing, How I Met Your Mother, and, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, at the same time, and writing the stuff and all that. And we really did use to say, ‘If Michael J. Fox could do it when he was doing, Back to the Future, we can do it.’ And I got to tell him that.
Segel remarked.
Segel also credited Harrison Ford with offering him valuable guidance and said,
We’ve become really close. It’s not lost on me, what a special thing that is,
highlighting the profound bonds formed on set.
Why This Collaboration Matters in ‘Shrinking’
The inclusion of Michael J. Fox on Shrinking carries both artistic and personal significance, given his public battle with Parkinson’s disease, which parallels his character Gerry’s storyline. Ford’s presence as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a therapist navigating his own health struggles, complements this deeply human narrative and elevates the show’s emotional weight.
Neil Flynn’s enthusiastic remarks and the cast’s respect for Fox and Ford underscore the remarkable synergy between these actors, all contributing to a series that combines humor and heartfelt drama. With these dynamic performances, Shrinking is positioned to engage audiences further while highlighting issues of health and resilience in a relatable format.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect more memorable scenes showcasing the powerful on-screen chemistry of Michael J. Fox and Harrison Ford, enriched by an experienced ensemble cast committed to telling meaningful stories.
