What disease does Harrison Ford's character in Shrinking have? Explained

Shrinking, which premiered on Apple TV+ in 2023 and ended with season 2 on December 25, 2024, has gained significant popularity. The series is set in a world of therapy and exploring emotions. It's the story of Jimmy Laird, a therapist who is still grieving his wife's death.

Harrison Ford, who plays Dr. Paul Rhoades in the show, becomes an important part of Jimmy's journey. In the show, Dr. Rhoades has Parkinson's disease (PD). Ford's portrayal sheds light on the difficulties people with this condition face, combining inspiration and realism in the story.

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More about Harrison Ford's role in Shrinking

In Shrinking, Dr. Paul Rhoades is a seasoned therapist who provides wisdom and guidance to Jimmy, played by Jason Segel. Dr. Rhoades's chronic condition influences not only his interactions but also his journey, challenging him to confront his vulnerabilities.

Ford’s meticulous approach in portraying Paul reflects a genuine understanding of the disease. In an exclusive published December 12, 2024, People magazine asked him how seriously he takes portraying Dr. Paul Rhodes’ Parkinson’s journey. He replied:

“Can I say deadly f---ing seriously? There's no intention to make it into a joke. But there are people that absorb these kinds of experiences with grace and courage and a little bit of wisdom. And that is not to say that some people do not.”

Harrison's character is crafted to exhibit both struggle and resilience, especially by the end of season 1, when the diagnosis is revealed. Through the character, it is shown how individuals face difficulties with courage and grace.

“It's just to say that this is a person particularly equipped to communicate what it is that it's like, and that is something that I feel that is worth sharing with our audience,” he said.

The show’s co-creator and writer, Brett Goldstein, said he was inspired by his own life and experiences. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers in November 2024, Brett mentioned that his father had been diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Although he never planned to reveal that Ford's character is based on his father, Goldstein said he did so after getting permission from his father.

“So my dad has Parkinson's, and it wasn't something we weren’t going to talk about publicly when we were talking about the show. And then [writer] Bill Lawrence let it slip by accident, and I called my dad, and I was like, ‘Listen, Dad, Bill said about you having Parkinson's. I hope that's not a problem.

“And my dad said, ‘Are you telling everyone that I'm Harrison Ford?’ And I said, ‘Yeah,’ and he went, ‘F---ing cool. Go for it. Please, go for it.’”

As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson's is a brain condition that affects movement, sleep, and overall health. The disease becomes a central aspect of Paul's development, influencing his interactions with others and his outlook on life.

The creators of Shrinking have explicitly stated their intentions behind this portrayal. Bill Lawrence remarked,

"It's cool to get to write about things you care about now.”

As reported by People magazine on December 28, 2024, Bill Lawrence got ideas for Shrinking from his mentor, Michael J. Fox's journey with Parkinson's. Spin City, the first show Lawrence co-created, starred Fox, who publicly talked about his Parkinson's disease in 1998 during the show's six-season run from 1996 to 2002.

About his inspiration behind Shrinking, Bill mentioned feeling kind of "obsessed" to show how people can live it.

“I found the first mentor in my life and career, Michael J. Fox, to be so inspiring with the way he took it in stride and continues to work harder than anybody I know. And we want to kind of carry that spirit if we can into the show."

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Shrinking is available to stream on Apple TV+. The show has already been renewed for a third season.