In a deeply moving moment from the second season of the Emmy-nominated series Shrinking, actor Harrison Ford delivered a poignant monologue about living with Parkinson’s disease. This powerful scene was inspired by a real conversation that Michael J. Fox had with his co-stars during his time on the show Spin City. Ford’s portrayal has resonated with many, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with this condition.
Real Conversations Informing Fiction
During a recent interview, Ted McGinley, Ford’s co-star on Shrinking, revealed that the emotional weight of Ford’s speech was drawn from Fox’s candid discussions about managing his medication while dealing with the realities of Parkinson’s disease. McGinley recalled Fox explaining, “He had to save it. He couldn’t use it for rehearsals … He had to save it for his life, for his family.”
The dialogue reflected Fox’s own experiences. He described feeling himself “atrophying” but chose to hold off on medication during rehearsals, illustrating the difficult balance many with Parkinson’s navigate. As McGinley noted, Ford’s character, Paul Rhoades, conveys this struggle in the season finale: “I didn’t take my pills because I want to save them for when I really need them, not to hide from you.”
Impact on Viewers and Personal Connections
Strongly moved by Ford’s performance, Fox shared that he was “brought to tears” by the authenticity Ford brought to the role. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he praised Ford’s ability to portray the nuances of Parkinson’s, stating, “I recognized Parkinson’s in his eyes. The things I was feeling, I recognized in the way he was expressing himself.”
Writer and co-creator Brett Goldstein also shed light on the personal connection Ford has with the subject matter, as Ford’s character was inspired by Goldstein’s own father, who has Parkinson’s. Initially reluctant to disclose this information, Goldstein was encouraged to share it after Lawrence inadvertently revealed it. Goldstein recounted the conversation, saying, “I called my dad, and I was like, ‘Listen, Dad, Bill said about you having Parkinson’s. I hope that’s not a problem.’” To which his father responded, “F—ing cool. Go for it.”
The third season of Shrinking is currently streaming on Apple TV+, continuing to explore the complexities of life with Parkinson’s and the impact it has on relationships and careers.
