At 83 years old, Harrison Ford has earned his first Emmy nomination for his role as Dr. Paul Rhoades in Apple TV+’s series Shrinking, demonstrating that age has not limited his success. This recognition comes decades into a prolific career that includes iconic roles such as Indiana Jones and parts in the Star Wars franchise.
The Story Behind Ford’s Emmy-Nominated Role
Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, Shrinking is a comedy-drama that follows Jimmy Laird, portrayed by Segel, a grieving therapist who chooses to break professional norms by openly sharing his thoughts with patients. This blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling has earned the show critical acclaim and a dedicated audience.
Ford’s role as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a seasoned therapist grappling with a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, has received particular praise for its sensitive and compelling portrayal. His co-stars have lauded him for delivering “a master class” in acting, further emphasizing his skill and presence on screen.
The success of Shrinking is reflected in its numerous honors: the first season earned Emmy nominations for Segel and Jessica Williams, while Ford himself received accolades from the Critics’ Choice and Television Critics Association Awards. Season two debuted in October 2024 and was ranked among the American Film Institute’s top ten TV programs of the year, leading to a confirmed renewal for a third season.
Despite this recognition, Ford continues to focus on the work itself rather than the awards. He shared with Fox News Digital,
“It’s nice, I appreciate the attention,”
and added,
“I appreciate… the proposition. It’s gratifying, but my real pleasure is in the work.”
He also expressed the excitement and challenge of acting, stating,
“What’s going to happen, who’s going to do what—it’s fascinating to be alive, and the stuff we do is so demanding, you’re really scared not to do anything.”
Harrison Ford’s Enduring Dedication to Acting
Although his first Emmy nomination comes after an extensive career, Ford remains deeply committed to acting and shows no intention of slowing down. Speaking to Variety, he highlighted the unique appeal of his profession, saying,
“No. That’s one of the things I thought was attractive about the job of an actor,”
and added,
“That they need old people, too, to play old people’s parts.”
Ford’s recent projects, including his role in Captain America: Brave New World, demonstrate his continued passion for taking on challenging roles. His achievement with the Emmy nomination symbolizes a lasting dedication to storytelling and artistic growth.
With Shrinking maintaining high critical acclaim, including a Rotten Tomatoes score near 97% for its second season, audiences eagerly anticipate what the series and Ford will deliver in the future.
