Harrison Ford has shared his thoughts on portraying Shrinking character’s Parkinson diagnosis.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Harrison, who plays Dr. Paul Rhodes’ Parkinson’s journey at PaleyLive’s An Evening with Shrinking on December 12, said he was “deadly serious” while playing his character
“There’s no intention to make it into a joke,” remarked the 82-year-old.
However, Harrison pointed out that there are “people that absorb these kinds of experiences with grace and courage and a little bit of wisdom”.
“And that is not to say that some people do not,” noted the Age of Adaline actor.
Harrison further said, “It’s just to say that this is a person particularly equipped to communicate what it is that it’s like, and that is something that I feel that is worth sharing with our audience.”
In November, the show’s co-creator and writer Brett Goldstein revealed that Harrison’s character was based on his father during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
In October, the Indiana Jones star explained what kept him going at this age.
“I get out of it essential human contact. I get to imagine with people that have great skill and experience. It’s fun to work with these people,” mentioned Harrison.
Harrison added, “When I was thinking about becoming an actor, I was ambitious for both kinds of work — serious drama and comedy. I found myself doing both and not really distinguishing much between them.”