The Paley Center for Media continued PaleyFest LA 2026 with an evening dedicated to Apple TV+’s beloved comedy Shrinking, bringing the hit series’ cast and creators to the Dolby Theatre.
The event featured a red carpet, special screening, and an intimate panel discussion led by co-creator, showrunner, and executive producer Bill Lawrence alongside co-creator, executive producer, and star Jason Segel. Joining them were cast members Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Christa Miller, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley.
Throughout the conversation, the cast reflected on the show’s signature blend of humor and emotional depth, offering fans insight into the collaborative spirit that has made Shrinking one of television’s most acclaimed comedies.
One of the night’s biggest highlights came when Harrison Ford spoke candidly about portraying Dr. Paul Rhoades, a therapist living with Parkinson’s disease. When asked by Lawrence whether he knew he was funny, Ford drew laughter from the audience with his trademark dry wit, replying, “Yes, if the writing was any good.”
Ford then turned serious when discussing the responsibility of depicting Parkinson’s onscreen, calling the role a balance of “ambition and pure terror.”
“Even though it’s a comedy sometimes, I don’t want to minimize the difficulty of the disease,” Ford said, noting that portraying the condition authentically is something he takes very seriously. He later added that the role has been “one of the most pleasurable experiences of my life.”
Ted McGinley also charmed the crowd while discussing his fan-favorite character Derek, calling the role “the greatest gift.” “People come by and they have the kindest things to say about Derek,” McGinley shared before joking, “I have a little bit of road rage, and I’m always worried that someone’s going to say, ‘Oh my god, Derek just gave me the finger!’ I can’t help it, I live in LA.”
The emotional centerpiece of the evening arrived when special guest star Michael J. Fox made a surprise appearance, earning a thunderous standing ovation from the audience. Fox, whose own journey with Parkinson’s disease has made him a global advocate and inspiration, praised Ford’s performance in the role.
“I didn’t have to prove to him that I had Parkinson’s,” Fox joked. “He had to prove to me that he had Parkinson’s — he nailed it.” Fox also teased the possibility of returning to the series in the future, telling the crowd, “I would love to do it — it would be my honor.”
The moment added a powerful emotional resonance to the evening, underscoring the show’s themes of resilience, healing, and finding humor in life’s hardest moments.
PaleyFest LA 2026 continues at the Dolby Theatre with more star-studded events celebrating television’s biggest and most talked-about series.
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