Harrison Ford has hinted that his long and illustrious acting career may be coming to an end with the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, something the actor admits he would be grateful for rather than regret. The 83-year-old acting icon made the comments while speaking at a panel event during Apple TV’s first-ever press day in Santa Monica, Calif., on February 3, where the cast gathered to celebrate the series, which is currently airing its third season and has already been renewed for a fourth.
With Shrinking, Harrison Ford finds peace
When asked to think about the big questions he had considered when joining such a thoughtful and emotionally charged series, Ford gave an unusually thoughtful answer. “If it was all over here, that would be sufficient,” Ford said to the applause of the room. Ford went on to say that the series is a “different kind of job” compared to anything else he has done throughout his long and illustrious acting career, finding it to be a “nurturing” series. Ford also said the series makes him feel “valuable” and “important,” something he actively seeks at this point in his life.
The panel itself had a sense of warmth among its actors, with Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, Michael Urie, and Ted McGinley each praising the other actors for their work. Some of the actors praised Ford for his leadership during production, citing his kindness and respect for every crew member. McGinley noted that Ford’s attitude is a reminder that everyone on set is important, from the lead actors to the person who brings a cup of water at dawn.
“It was a bit daunting when I thought about it, because I am representing a character that has Parkinson’s, and Michael, of course, has the real thing,” Ford said during the panel. “I’ve always felt a real sense of responsibility for getting that part of my story right. But Michael is an extraordinary, generous, and lovely fellow, whom I did not know at all and had a chance to just work on this show.”
Ford also had a chance to speak about his own feelings of respect for Michael J. Fox, who appears in three episodes of the new season. Fox, who has had Parkinson’s disease since 1991, has a personal connection to the character that Ford plays, who is also dealing with the disease. “It was an extraordinary experience to work with him. He is such a powerful presence. Such grace and courage and indomitability, and some of that, I hope, will help me color my portrayal of a character with Parkinson’s.”
The series is now available to stream on Apple TV+. Regardless of whether or not he is “officially” retiring, it is clear that Ford is ending his work with a sense of purpose and a sense of peace.
