After more than six decades in the entertainment industry, Harrison Ford has received his first Emmy nomination at age 83 for his role as Dr. Paul Rhoades in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking. Ford is nominated in the 2025 Emmys category for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy, joining a competitive group of actors including his Shrinking co-star Michael Urie and other nominees such as Ike Barinholtz and Colman Domingo.
Context of the Emmy Nomination and Ford’s Career Recognition
This nomination marks a milestone for Ford, who has been honored with more than 70 nominations during his career, encompassing prestigious awards like the Oscars, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Despite his extensive recognition, the Emmy has eluded him until now. His nomination reflects critical acclaim for his sensitive portrayal of a senior therapist grappling with Parkinson’s disease while developing a new relationship with his doctor, Julie, played by Wendie Malick.
Ford’s Performance in Shrinking and Its Emotional Impact
Ford’s work on Shrinking has already earned him nominations from the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Television Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards in the same category. The show, created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel, has aired two seasons on Apple TV+, with the second season showcasing some of Ford’s most emotionally compelling scenes as his character confronts the progression of his illness.
Discussing the challenges faced by his character, Ford explained,
“You’re going to see increasing difficulty that arises from his disease and complications from his disease,”
and added,
“He’s going to meet those challenges with what we know is in his quiver, personality-wise. But it’s a very challenging and difficult disease and we’re not going to sugarcoat it.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Memorable Scenes and Praise from Cast Members
One of the show‘s most poignant moments occurs in the season two finale during a Thanksgiving celebration, where Dr. Rhoades reflects on what he is thankful for, delivering a scene that resonated deeply with both audiences and co-stars. Jason Segel, who co-created the show and plays therapist Jimmy, called the storyline
“so meta around Harrison and Paul”
and shared,
“These are things that we, Jessica and I, are going to get to have in our minds for the rest of our lives.”
—Jason Segel, Co-creator and Actor
Jessica Williams, who plays therapist Gaby, described witnessing Ford’s performance as a rare and profound experience, saying,
“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.”
—Jessica Williams, Actor
Williams also recalled the emotional weight of the moment on set:
“I remember after filming that, I needed a moment separate from everything where I could just sit with the weight of the moment and the work that he did,”
she said.
“And I remember, it was funny, I was sitting somewhere on the lot and after that and found me, and he just sat next to me. And we just sat together in silence.”
—Jessica Williams, Actor
Significance of the Nomination and Future Prospects for Ford
Harrison Ford’s first Emmy nomination not only celebrates his enduring talent but also highlights his ability to take on emotionally complex roles later in his career. His portrayal of a therapist confronting physical and emotional obstacles adds an important, humanizing narrative to television comedy. This recognition may open doors for more nuanced roles for senior actors and reflects ongoing appreciation for established performers who continue to evolve their craft.
As the 2025 Emmy Awards approach, attention will be on Ford and his fellow nominees to see who will claim the coveted award in this star-filled category, potentially marking a new chapter in Ford’s celebrated career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Harrison Ford diagnosed with?
A. Ford’s representatives told USA TODAY about the diagnosis. Shingles happens when the virus causing chickenpox becomes active again in someone who previously had chickenpox, as per the CDC.
Q. What’s the age gap between Harrison Ford and his wife?
A. When Harrison Ford met Calista Flockhart, he was 60 years old, and she was 38. Although they had a 22-year age difference, they shared a strong bond, which went against common Hollywood trends. Their relationship began at the 2002 Golden Globe Awards, where they were immediately attracted to one another.
Q. How did Harrison Ford get facial scars?
A. Harrison Ford’s real story is simpler: young Harrison began driving without fastening his seatbelt, struggled to find it, and crashed into a telephone pole.
Q. What was the age difference between Harrison Ford and his wife?
A. In 2002, Harrison Ford, at 60, met Calista Flockhart, who was 38. Their 22-year age difference might have started rumors, but their bond silenced doubts. Ford was famous for his roles in Indiana Jones and The Fugitive, while Flockhart was known for her quirky character in Ally McBeal. They seemed like an unlikely pair at first glance.
