Michael Urie, co-star of the Apple TV+ drama Shrinking , is effective in his praise of cinematic legend Harrison Ford , claiming the actor’s notoriously “cantankerous” public demeanor is “just an act.”
Speaking to PEOPLE at the opening night of Chess on Broadway on Sunday, Nov. 16, Urie, 45, said that on set, Ford is “silly and makes work fun.”
“He loves being [on set], he really, really loves being there,” Urie said. “I know he seems cantankerous on the red carpet, [but] that’s just an act. He’s actually very sweet, and he loves being there.”
A Dedicated Actor
Urie, who plays Brian on the series, attested to the 83-year-old Ford’s dedication to his craft.“He is a really careful actor, he’s really thinking about the work,” Urie shared. “He really cares about the scene; he treats every scene like it’s its own thing.”
Ford portrays Dr. Paul Rhodes , a compassionate therapist who is grappling with Parkinson’s disease .Teasing the show’s upcoming third season, Urie predicts it will be a major showcase for the veteran actor.
“I’m telling you the Harrison stuff, I know Harrison had an amazing second season, but I think the third season is so Harrison forward,” Urie stated. “He is so wonderful… He’s really amazing this season. It’s going to be a really beautiful, beautiful arc for our Mr. Ford.”
Michael J. Fox Guest Appearance
The highly anticipated third season, set to premiere on January 28, 2026 , will also feature a moving guest appearance from actor Michael J. Fox , who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991. Fox is coming out of retirement specifically for this role.
Urie recalls the emotional impact of Fox’s presence on set. “I remember when [he] came to the set for the first time… and [the crew] were all completely puffy and red-faced from crying because it was apparently so beautiful, the scene with Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox .Of course, it was beautiful.”
Season 3 of Shrinking was announced on October. 21 and will debut new episodes every Wednesday until the finale on April 8, 2026 . The hit comedy, co-created by Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein , also stars Segel, Jessica Williams, Wendie Malick, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, and Christa Miller. Seasons 1 and 2 are currently streaming on Apple TV+.