Actor Harrison Ford Achieves Milestone at 83: First-Ever Emmy Nomination for His Role in Shrinking
In a surprising pivot for the legendary actor, Harrison Ford has made his mark on the small screen with his role in the AppleTV+ series "Shrinking." At 83 years old, Ford's first-ever Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series reaffirms that stellar acting has no age boundaries.
Ford's character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, is a therapist dealing with Parkinson's, a role that has resonated with Parkinson's communities. His portrayal, praised for its subtlety by critics, has been hailed as a masterclass by The Hollywood Reporter. Ford's performance as a no-nonsense mentor to Jason Segel's character, combined with moments of emotional intelligence and expressionless humor, adds to his legacy in Hollywood.
Ford's entry into television was unexpected, given his primary work in movies. Initially expressing reluctance, he was won over by a script sent to him by co-creator Brett Goldstein. His role in "Shrinking" serves as an example of humor and humanity, and audiences have rallied around the emotional life of his character.
Ford faces tough competition in the Emmy Awards, particularly in the comedy and drama categories. In the Outstanding Supporting Actor (Comedy) category for "Shrinking," his main competitors are Ike Barinholtz for "The Studio," Colman Domingo for "The Four Seasons," Jeff Hiller for "Somebody Somewhere," and Michael Urie, Ford's co-star in "Shrinking."
To ensure authenticity, Ford consulted with patients to understand the nuances of playing a therapist with Parkinson's. This dedication to realism has not gone unnoticed, as his nomination places him as the second-oldest nominee in this category, following Alan Arkin's nomination for "The Kominsky Method" in 2020.
As the 77th Emmys approach, with Nate Bargatze set to host the live event on September 14, 2025, audiences eagerly await the results. Ford's nomination indicates that television is welcoming back seasoned talent, and his performance in "Shrinking" stands as a testament to the power of acting, regardless of the medium.
Ford's unexpected foray into television, specifically in the series "Shrinking" on AppleTV+, showcases his versatility within the realm of entertainment, straddling both movies-and-tv. His character's depiction as a therapist with Parkinson's, applauded for its authenticity and subtlety, further underscores his continuous contribution to the entertainment industry.
