Michael J. Fox Joins *Shrinking* for a Parkinson’s-Focused Guest Spot with Harrison Ford

In the season-3 premiere of Apple TV’s comedy-drama *Shrinking* (aired January 28), Harrison Ford’s character—an aging therapist living with Parkinson’s disease—encounters a fellow patient portrayed by Michael J. Fox. The brief scene positions Fox’s character as a mentor and friend for the remainder of the season, marking Fox’s first on-screen appearance since 2020.

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*Shrinking* follows therapist Dr. Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) as he balances grief, fatherhood, and unconventional therapy methods. Ford, who is in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, plays Laird’s mentor and boss. Fox, who has lived with Parkinson’s for decades, was moved by Ford’s “human” and “accessible” depiction of the condition. After expressing his enthusiasm to Bill Lawrence—co-creator of *Shrinking* and Fox’s former *Spin City* boss—plans were set for the cameo, generating buzz among cast and fans.

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Fox described Ford’s performance as “powerful” and said he was “brought to tears” by its authenticity. He also praised Ford’s subtlety, calling him “an underrated actor because everybody knows how great he is.” Ford returned the compliment, referring to Fox as “an extraordinarily powerful person.” Co-star Michael Urie noted the on-set excitement, saying “Everyone’s hearts grew” when Fox arrived.

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• “Bill, why the f*** am I not on the show?” — Michael J. Fox, phone call to Bill Lawrence

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• “Just a haircut.” — Michael J. Fox, line in *Shrinking* scene

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• “Speaking with Vanity Fair, he shared, “I wasn’t prepared for how much of [Ford’s] own understanding of the disease he brought to it.” — Michael J. Fox, interview with Vanity Fair

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• “I was just brought to tears by it.” — Michael J. Fox, interview with LA Times

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• “an extraordinarily powerful person.” — Harrison Ford, interview with LA Times

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• “Everyone’s hearts grew” — Michael Urie, *Shrinking* co-star

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New episodes of *Shrinking* continue to air on Wednesdays on Apple TV, further exploring the characters’ journeys with Parkinson’s disease and the mentorship dynamic introduced by Fox’s cameo.

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