When we think of beloved veteran actor Harrison Ford, we tend to think of him as a performer exclusive to film. Indeed, Ford has etched a rich tapestry across that medium in classics such as Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, and even a small role in Apocalypse Now. Not to mention his enduring legacy in a galaxy far, far away. So synonymous with his name that I don’t even need to mention the character. This is a Star Wars new site after all, folks!
Yet after more than 60 years of film credits, Ford has now become a bona fide television star with his comedy drama series Shrinking alongside Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall). Ford plays therapist Paul Rhoades, who is struggling with Parkinson's disease and is colleagues with widowed Jimmy Laird, played by Segel.
The series has enjoyed critical acclaim and was recently renewed for a third season. Ford, in particular, has received praise for his emotional and authentic portrayal of a character struggling with Parkinson's. So much so that he earned his own Emmy Award nomination.
Ford, well known for his straightforward and humorously flat tone off-stage, was particularly emotional when praising the cast and crew in an Instagram post shared by Apple TV. He even shared a funny moment with co-star Segel.
Ford, now 83, has received dozens of awards and nominations over an illustrious, decades-long career, including an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and was even made a Disney Legend in 2024. But this is indeed his first Emmy nomination.
Ford’s co-star Jessica Williams, who portrays his wife Gaby, said this of Ford’s performing skills in Entertainment Weekly’s Awardist podcast:
"It was the best acting I've ever seen in person. And it was just an honor. And sometimes, a lot of times, he does stuff and I'll think, oh, that's Harrison f---ing Ford. That's actually what I'll think. And that was one of those days where he just took a room full of people and made all of our jobs really easy, where we just had to witness him."
Shrinking has been renewed by Apple for a third season, although there is, as of yet, no confirmation of a release date, as principal photography had concluded only recently. It’s also unknown if this will be Ford’s last season given how emotional his message to the cast and crew was.
Historically, Ford has been a major film actor, particularly known for his roles in major blockbuster franchises as mentioned above, but also for huge films such as Air Force One and more recently replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross (or the Red Hulk) in this year's Captain America: Brave New World. In both films, he portrays the president of the United States.
Ford has been somewhat of a comeback with television, having also recently appeared in the series 1923, which serves as a prequel to the Yellowstone series.
The 77th Emmy Awards will air on September 14.