Harrison Ford has hinted that his long and legendary career could be nearing its natural conclusion — and if it were to end with Apple TV+’s Shrinking, the actor has made clear he would be more than content.
The 83-year-old star, whose career spans more than five decades and includes some of the most iconic characters in cinema history, made the comments while appearing on a panel at Apple TV’s Press Day at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Speaking candidly about his role in the acclaimed comedy-drama, Ford suggested that the show represents a rare kind of creative fulfilment.
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Shrinking, which has just begun rolling out episodes of its third season and has already been renewed for a fourth, stars Jason Segel as a grieving therapist who abandons traditional boundaries and begins telling his clients exactly what he thinks. Ford plays Dr Paul Rhoades, a senior therapist navigating both professional challenges and a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Asked by moderator Ashley Nicole Black to reflect on the deeper questions the cast considered when signing on to such a “thought-provoking” series, Ford was the first to respond — and his words immediately struck a chord with the audience.
“Where do you go from here? The kind of work that we’re able to do is remarkable given the tools we have to work with, and the notion that lies behind this series. And if it was all over here, that would be sufficient,” he said.
Ford went on to explain that Shrinking represents a departure from the kind of work he has been known for across blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Blade Runner.
“This has been a different kind of job for me, and I’ve been doing this for a long time. This is very special and it really nurtures me and makes me feel like what we’re doing has value and importance. I look for that in my life and I’m happy to have found it here.”
His remarks were met with warm applause and cheers from the roughly 300 guests in attendance, which included press, influencers and content creators. Black acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, joking, “There’s never been a better place to end a panel.”
The tone of the event reflected the broader atmosphere surrounding Shrinking, a series that has been praised not only for its humour and emotional depth, but also for the close bond among its cast. Fellow panellists Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell and Ted McGinley spoke openly about the sense of mutual respect on set.
McGinley, in particular, highlighted Ford’s influence behind the scenes, noting that the veteran actor treats everyone on set with equal importance — from leading cast members to crew who arrive in the early hours of the morning. Tennie described Jason Segel, who was absent from the panel, as the show’s “quarterback” and credited his leadership for setting the tone on set.
One of the most poignant moments came when Ford spoke about working with Michael J. Fox, who appears in three episodes of the new season. Fox, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 1991, joins the show in a role that mirrors elements of Ford’s own storyline.
Ford admitted he initially felt the weight of responsibility.
“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,” he said. “I’ve always felt a real sense of responsibility for getting that part of my story right.”
He described Fox as an “extraordinary” presence, praising his generosity, humour and resilience.
“He is such a powerful presence. Such grace and courage and indomitability, and some of that, I hope, will help me colour my portrayal of a character with Parkinson’s.”
Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Ford stressed that joy remains central to the experience.
“That’s the serious part of it. But the fun part of it was there as well. He’s so funny,” he added.
While Shrinking shows no signs of slowing down, Ford’s comments have inevitably fuelled speculation that the series could mark the final chapter in one of Hollywood’s most storied careers. If that turns out to be the case, the actor appears at peace with the idea — having found, at this stage of his life, a role that offers meaning beyond legacy.
Shrinking is currently streaming on Apple TV+.
