Harrison Ford Opens Up About Portraying Parkinson’s Journey in ‘Shrinking’

Harrison Ford portrays Dr. Paul Rhodes in ‘Shrinking’ with a great deal of seriousness, particularly when it comes to the character’s experience with Parkinson’s disease. During his appearance on ‘PaleyLive’s An Evening with Shrinking’ in December recently, the 82-year-old actor stressed the significance of accurately portraying the illness. In order to provide viewers with an accurate and significant representation of the diagnosis, he stated that his portrayal of Paul’s Parkinson’s journey is handled with the highest gravity.

Ford saw the need to convey the emotional toll that Parkinson’s disease takes while also emphasizing that some people handle such difficulties with dignity, bravery, and insight. By demonstrating how Paul interprets and expresses his experience with the illness, he hopes to give the character depth and realism.

Image Courtesy: People

In an interview on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’, Brett Goldstein, the show’s co-creator and writer, disclosed that his own father, who has Parkinson’s disease, served as the model for Ford’s role. Goldstein clarified that he hadn’t intended to make this public at first, but he changed his mind after co-writer Bill Lawrence unintentionally brought it up. In a humorous and proud response, Goldstein’s father said, “Are you telling everyone that I’m Harrison Ford?” and encouraged him to continue the story when Goldstein told him about the news.

Ford discussed his acting career and his choice to stay in the business at the age of 82 in an October interview with Vanity Fair. He revealed that performing gives him the chance to work with talented and seasoned people as well as the necessary human connection. Ford has always balanced comedy and serious drama in his acting, and he doesn’t really distinguish between the two. He cherished the memories of his father’s enjoyment of jokes, which shaped his own sense of humour and narrative.

Image Courtesy:  Apple

According to Ford, he finds value in both comic and emotional sequences and approaches them with the same perspective. His work on ‘Shrinking’ demonstrates this fusion of humour and nuance, as he authentically tells Paul’s experience while preserving the comedy overtones of the program. The second season of ‘Shrinking’, which is currently accessible on Apple TV+, features Ford.

–Farheen Ali