“Like an Old Pair of Jeans”: Wendie Malick Shares the Joy of Working with Harrison Ford on Shrinking

Wendie Malick has crossed paths with some of Hollywood’s finest in her decades-long career, but working alongside Harrison Ford on Apple TV+’s Shrinking has proven to be a particularly memorable chapter. As Dr. Julie Baram, a neurologist and romantic interest to Ford’s Dr. Paul Rhoades, Malick has had a front-row seat to Ford’s unexpected comedic and heartfelt turn in the hit series—and she’s loving every second of it.

In recent interviews, Malick shared a series of candid, funny, and touching anecdotes about her time with the legendary actor, painting a portrait of Ford far removed from the swashbuckling action hero most know him as. “He’s so lovely,” she said, describing their instant chemistry as “like an old pair of jeans”—comfortable, familiar, and easy to slip into. That natural connection has translated seamlessly on-screen, giving their romantic storyline a gentle authenticity that resonates with viewers.

Off-screen, Ford’s charm and thoughtfulness are just as apparent. Malick reveals that he often swings by in a golf cart—adorably named “Cowboy”—to pick her up and drive her to set. And when the workday winds down, he’s been known to introduce her to fine wines or mix up a custom tequila cocktail, cementing his reputation as a generous and down-to-earth scene partner.

One of Malick’s most personal stories involves a missed opportunity from decades past. In the early 1980s, she auditioned for Raiders of the Lost Ark but, by her own admission, bombed the audition due to a hangover. Sharing the story with Ford on the Shrinking set became a full-circle moment, turning a long-past disappointment into a shared laugh.

Though Ford plays a self-described “curmudgeon” in the series, Malick insists there’s a warm heart beneath the gruff exterior. “He loves leaning into the cranky persona, but he has this mischievous smile and dry wit that makes everyone adore him,” she said. That balance of toughness and tenderness, she adds, is key to what makes his character—and Ford himself—so beloved.

Both actors also find common ground in their appreciation for Shrinking’s deeper themes. The show tackles emotional terrain—grief, aging, friendship, and found family—in a way that feels honest and relatable. “It mirrors real life,” Malick said, “especially the parts where you think you’re done with love or new connections, and then—surprise—you’re not.”

Despite Ford’s towering legacy, Malick says he brings zero ego to set. “He doesn’t take himself too seriously,” she noted, praising his humility and his commitment to the role. “He shows up with trust, with presence, and with a willingness to play.”

After decades in the industry, Malick still lights up when talking about her current co-star. “Working with Harrison? It’s just fun. He’s delightful. What more could you want?”

For fans of Shrinking, the real magic isn’t just in the script—it’s in the quiet, genuine connection between two seasoned performers who know how to find humor, heart, and a little mischief in every scene.