Michael J. Fox inspired how ‘Shrinking’ depicts Parkinson’s disease
“Shrinking” co-creator Bill Lawrence was inspired by Michael J. Fox. The showrunner cited the ‘Back to The Future’ star’s public battle with Parkinson’s as a central point in the formation of Paul, who is played by Harrison Ford.
In the series, Ford plays a character struggling with his own Parkinson’s diagnosis while practicing mental health treatment.
Lawrence told PEOPLE on December 12 “An Evening with ‘Shrinking’ at PaleyLive” event that he and co-creator Brett Goldstein share a deep bond with the disease, as both of their fathers are affected.
According to the National Institute on AgingParkinson’s is described as “a brain disorder that causes unintentional or uncontrollable movements, such as tremors, stiffness and problems with balance and coordination,” according to the National Institute on Aging.
“It’s cool to write about things that matter to you right now,” Lawerence said. “And Michael J. Fox is my first mentor. So we wanted to represent it hopefully in an inspiring way and not a sad or tragic way.
Fox was involved in the very first television series in which Lawrence helmed, “Spin City.” The show ran from 1996 to 2002 and lasted six seasons.
Lawerence emphasized his commitment to portraying what it’s like to live with the disease for the upcoming third season.
“I found the first mentor in my life and career, Michael J. Fox, so inspiring,” Lawerence said. “The way he dealt with it and still works harder than anyone else. And we want to convey that spirit a little bit if we can in the show.
Lawerence added that while it can take time for writers to discover their own voice, in his own life he generally tends to combat adversity with comedy.
“I soak up the inspiring people around me,” Lawrence said. “I steal as much as I can from them.” He also talked about how the audience’s reactions to the series were particularly meaningful to him.
Shrinking stars Jason Segel as a single father grieving the loss of his wife while navigating relationships with his friends, coworkers and boss.
Season 2 of “Shrinking” is available to stream on AppleTV+.
