Harrison Ford said it’s “essential” to have Michael J. Fox on the set of Shrinking as his character deals with Parkinson’s disease.
In a new interview with Variety, the 83-year-old Hollywood legend was asked if talking with the equally legendary Fox, 64, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, has been helpful.
It’s been essential. Michael’s courage, his fortitude and his grace, more than anything else, is on full display. Very smart, very brave, noble, generous, passionate guy, and an example to all of us, whether we’re facing Parkinson’s or not, adding that anyone cannot help but recognize how amazing it is to have such grace.
Ford said in the interview published on Wednesday, July 30
In Shrinking, Ford plays Dr. Paul Rhoades, a senior therapist at the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Fox, who worked with Shrinking co-creator Bill Lawrence before on Spin City, is coming out of retirement to play a role that hasn’t been revealed yet.
Fox gave Ford Both a physical representation of the disease to inform myself with, but more than that, he allows me to believe that Paul could believe that he could be adequate to the challenge.
the Indiana Jones star told Variety
Ford took portraying the effects of Parkinson’s very seriously. The disease is a “brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination,” according to the National Institute of Aging.
It gets worse over time, with some people who have it going through “mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.”
The truth is that we can’t be f—ing around with this just to make a joke or anything. Parkinson’s is not funny. And I want to get it right. It’s necessary to be correct with what we do in respect of the challenge that Parkinson’s represents, and that we don’t use it for its entertainment value.
Ford told Variety
In an earlier interview with PEOPLE in May, Ford said Fox’s choice to join the series is “a great source of inspiration and gives us a real purpose.”
It’s not just us coming together, 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.
Ford told PEOPLE at a Shrinking FYC Event at Apple TV+ Emmy House, The Hollywood Athletic Club, in Los Angeles.
Shrinking recently wrapped up filming its third season. The show’s second season got Ford the first Primetime Emmy nomination of his career. His co-stars Jason Segel, Michael Urie, and Jessica Williams also received nominations.
The first two seasons are now available to stream on Apple TV+.
Source: PEOPLE