Harrison Ford Opens Up on Michael J. Fox’s Courage and Humor Amid Parkinson’s Battle in ‘Shrinking’!

Hollywood legends Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox are teaming up in the most moving way for season three of Apple TV+’s hit series Shrinking—and Ford says working with Fox is already a highlight of his career.

At the Shrinking FYC Event at Apple TV+ Emmy House in Los Angeles, Ford, 82, spoke to PEOPLE about Fox, 63, joining the cast, describing the Back to the Future star as “a great source of inspiration” whose involvement gives the project “real purpose.” This marks Fox’s highly anticipated return to on-camera acting since announcing his retirement in 2020 to focus on his health as he continues his decades-long journey with Parkinson’s disease.

“I didn’t know Michael very well before he joined the cast, but I’ve met him a few times over the years,” Ford shared. “His willingness to be part of our show is a great source of inspiration. It’s not just us coming together as two actors. There’s a story to tell, and our commitment to the story is what joins us together. I appreciate his willingness to be a part of the show.”

The plot details of Fox’s role remain tightly under wraps, but his casting brings him back together with Shrinking’s co-creator Bill Lawrence, the creative force behind Spin City—the Emmy-winning sitcom Fox starred in even as he navigated the early stages of Parkinson’s.

Ford’s role as Dr. Paul Rhodes—himself a therapist coping with a Parkinson’s diagnosis—has made the topic of the disease central to Shrinking’s narrative. Parkinson’s, a progressive brain disorder, impacts movement and can bring challenges ranging from tremors to depression and memory loss. Both Ford and Fox have become public faces for Parkinson’s awareness—Fox through his acclaimed acting, his bestselling memoirs, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, launched in 2000 after he disclosed his diagnosis at age 29.

Ford says Fox is “pleased” to help bring Parkinson’s “more into the light,” noting, “It’s an accomplishment of all of us trying to meet all the ambitions, both obvious and attendant, to the ideas we’re trying to deal with.” Ford added that his and Fox’s characters are in different stages of the disease, but praised Fox’s humor, intellect, and courage. “He is totally there on the intellectual level. And emotionally, his humor and his courage are evident.”

The Indiana Jones legend, who takes his portrayal of Parkinson’s “deadly f—— seriously,” is clear about the responsibility. “There’s no intention to make it into a joke, but there are people that absorb these kinds of experiences with grace and courage and a little bit of wisdom. That is something I feel is worth sharing with our audience,” Ford said.

For fans, the union of Ford and Fox—two icons who have defined eras of film and television—promises not just entertainment, but a powerful story of resilience and humanity. With their on-screen collaboration and shared commitment to Parkinson’s advocacy, Shrinking season three is poised to be its most meaningful yet.

Seasons 1 and 2 of Shrinking are currently streaming on Apple TV+.