Actor Neil Flynn opened up about his involvement in the Apple TV dramedy Shrinking, highlighting his current role in the show’s third season. Flynn plays Raymond, a character who receives therapy from Dr. Paul Rhoades, portrayed by Harrison Ford. With Michael J. Fox joining the cast this season as Gerry, a character who shares a Parkinson’s diagnosis with Ford’s role, Flynn described the experience of performing alongside two Hollywood icons.
Flynn expressed how surprising it felt to share scenes with both Ford and Fox.
“All my scenes so far have been with Harrison, which is just great. Recently, we did one with Harrison and Michael J. Fox where the two of them were in the room, and it was very strange to be in that situation. But this late in the game, it’s all a thrill,”
he said during a February 2026 interview with People magazine.
Prior to Shrinking, Flynn was best known for his role as the Janitor on the medical comedy Scrubs, which was created by Bill Lawrence, also a co-creator of Shrinking. This connection highlights Flynn’s continued collaboration with Lawrence across different series.
Cast Members Reflect on Working with Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox
The main cast of Shrinking, including Jessica Williams, Jason Segel, and Christa Miller, shared their impressions of acting alongside Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox in an Entertainment Tonight interview from January 2026. The presence of these seasoned actors made a significant impact on the ensemble.
Jessica Williams, who plays Dr. Gaby Evans, recalled the excitement she felt upon witnessing Ford and Fox working together. She said,
“I remember when he first shot with Harrison, I wrapped that day and I stayed so I could watch them work together and that was a really special moment.”
Christa Miller, portraying Liz Bishop and married to co-creator Bill Lawrence, explained that Ford enjoyed having Fox as a co-star and learned from Fox’s “impeccable comedic timing.” Miller also shared that Fox, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, personally approached Lawrence about joining Shrinking’s third season. She noted their longstanding friendship dating back to Fox’s run on Spin City, which aired for six seasons until 2002.
Jason Segel, Shrinking’s co-creator and actor playing therapist Jimmy Laird, expressed admiration for both Ford and Fox. He described being inspired by Fox’s strong work ethic during the 1980s when Fox balanced roles in the Back to the Future films and the sitcom Family Ties concurrently. Segel recalled telling Fox,
“
I got to tell him what an idol of mine he is. And you know, there was this era when I was in my 20s, where me and a few of my contemporaries were working too hard. I was doing, How I Met Your Mother, and, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, at the same time, and writing the stuff and all that. And we really did use to say, ‘If Michael J. Fox could do it when he was doing, Back to the Future, we can do it.’ And I got to tell him that.
”
Segel also acknowledged the valuable guidance he has received from Ford, who
“given [him] a lot of really good advice.”
Reflecting on their growing relationship, Segel said,
“
We’ve become really close. It’s not lost on me, what a special thing that is,
”
underscoring the meaningful connections the cast has developed during production.
The Importance of Shining a Light on Parkinson’s Through the Series
Shrinking stands out not only for its star-studded cast but also for its thoughtful inclusion of Parkinson’s disease as a significant part of the storyline. Both Ford and Fox portray characters affected by the illness, adding depth and realism to the series. Michael J. Fox’s involvement, given his own public fight with Parkinson’s, brings authenticity and awareness to the role.
The interactions between these characters and the actors’ personal connections to the condition enrich the narrative and offer audiences a nuanced portrayal of life with Parkinson’s. This element enhances the show’s relevance and emotional impact as it explores themes of vulnerability, healing, and hope.
With its acclaimed cast, thoughtful storytelling, and strong creative leadership under Bill Lawrence, Shrinking continues to attract attention and praise as it progresses through its third season. Fans and viewers can anticipate further compelling performances and meaningful moments as the series evolves.
