Jessica Williams enjoys the art of annoyance, especially when it comes to her co-star Harrison Ford. During a recent interview, the actress shared her appreciation for getting under the skin of the legendary actor while filming the comedy series *Shrinking*, available on Apple TV. The show, now in its third season, features Williams as Gaby, a therapist navigating personal and professional challenges alongside her colleague Paul, played by Ford.
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Williams, 36, revealed her strategy for achieving comedic gold on set: “I live to irritate that man, both privately and on the show,” she stated, highlighting that the dynamic between the characters Gaby and Paul hinges on annoyance. She believes that Ford’s portrayal of Paul, a character who embodies the archetype of a reluctant cowboy, is enhanced by these playful tensions. “There’s nothing funnier than seeing Harrison Ford be annoyed,” she explained, indicating that her antics provide valuable counterbalance, allowing Ford to showcase his acting range.
In discussing their professional relationship, Williams noted that whenever a script calls for a comedic moment, she takes it a step further to provoke Ford and give him something to react to. “Part of being a good supporting actor is always trying to give that polarity for the other actor,” she commented. This playful relationship contributes to the hilarity of the show, offering audiences a blend of banter and genuine moments.
On set, Williams has witnessed Ford’s unexpected sense of humour first-hand. “Harrison is a very surprising person,” she remarked, commending his willingness to improvise. A memorable instance arose during a scene involving Michael Urie’s character, Brian, who appeared in a pair of outlandishly short orange running shorts. In an unscripted moment, Ford exclaimed, “You look like you’re on fire,” much to the delight of the cast and crew, showcasing his knack for creativity during filming.
Michael Urie, who plays Brian, echoed Williams’s sentiments, asserting that working with Ford is both enjoyable and humbling. “He’s our coworker, right? We see him all the time, and in many ways, he’s just another actor,” Urie noted, but he acknowledged the star’s iconic status in the industry. He fondly recounted an experience where he and Ford were preparing for a photoshoot. Urie, dressed in a flamboyant yellow outfit, was amused to find Ford looking for his wallet, claiming it was lost in Urie’s trousers. “You’re playing a joke on me, aren’t you?” Urie recalled asking, to which Ford playfully admitted, “Yeah.”
Luke Tennie, who portrays Sean in the series, added to the chorus of praise for the legendary actor. Describing Ford as a “goofball and joker,” Tennie shared that Ford loves to keep those around him on their toes. “He genuinely enjoys catching people off guard,” he noted, highlighting Ford’s ability to blend humour with genuine camaraderie on set.
The opportunity for Tennie to work alongside someone of Ford’s calibre is a privilege he treasures. “It’s exciting to see someone of that stature cut loose,” he said. Tennie believes that Ford’s exploration of humour enriches the overall performance and allows the cast to witness a different facet of his talents.
As for the series itself, new episodes of *Shrinking* are airing on Wednesdays through to April 8, ensuring that audiences can continue enjoying the witty exchanges and dynamic chemistry of the cast. The interactions between Williams and Ford, characterised by playful annoyance, promise to keep viewers entertained as they navigate the ups and downs of therapy, relationships, and the humorous complexities of life.
In summary, Jessica Williams’s eagerness to tease Harrison Ford adds a unique layer to their performances and reinforces the show’s comedic foundation. As the series continues, the interactions among the cast, especially under Ford’s playful influence, are likely to provide plenty of laughter for the audience.