Michael J. Fox has expressed a strong desire to return to the hit series *Shrinking* for a potential fourth season, revealing that he would do so “in a heartbeat” if offered the opportunity. The beloved actor shared his enthusiasm during an event titled *A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s*, held in Nashville recently. At 64 years of age, Fox’s comments reflect both his affection for the show and his appreciation for the support it has shown him.
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Speaking to PEOPLE, Fox elaborated on his connection with *Shrinking*, explaining how much it means to him to be involved with the series. “Oh, absolutely. Absolutely,” he stated regarding his willingness to reprise his role. He praised the show’s creator, Bill Lawrence, and expressed happiness at its success. “It’s such a great time being with those actors,” he added, noting the importance of this opportunity in light of his journey with Parkinson’s disease.
In his role on *Shrinking*, Michael J. Fox portrays Gerry, a patient navigating the complexities of Parkinson’s disease. His character forms a close friendship with Dr. Paul Rhoades, a therapist played by Harrison Ford, who is also dealing with the same condition. Fox’s performance marks a significant return to the screen after a six-year hiatus, following his appearance in *The Good Fight*.
Fox reflected on his experience working alongside Ford, highlighting the authenticity that both actors bring to their roles. “The reaction to *Shrinking*… we really seem to have a lot of investment in it,” he noted. He remarked on the unique dynamic between them, emphasizing that it is not his job to convince Harrison of his condition, but rather for Ford to portray his struggles compellingly. “And he does. He’s brilliant,” Fox asserted, expressing admiration for Ford’s acting skills.
The opportunity to return to television came about after Fox approached Lawrence about the portrayal of Parkinson’s on the show, a subject close to his heart. “I said, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?'” Fox recalled, recounting the initial conversations that led to his eventual casting.
Fox also acknowledged the positive atmosphere on set, where he felt supported despite his health condition. “It was the first time ever I got to show up on set and didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything,” he shared. This environment allowed him to integrate his real-life experiences into his character authentically, enabling him to embrace the challenges presented in his role.
Bill Lawrence, the creator of *Shrinking*, has praised Fox not only as a remarkable actor but also as an inspirational figure. “I take great pride in being a person that continually takes him out of retirement,” Lawrence commented. This bond extends beyond their professional relationship, as Lawrence described Fox as a significant mentor during his earlier career in Hollywood.
Given the warmth and camaraderie shared on the set, Lawrence is optimistic about Fox’s potential return for future seasons. “He certainly made the mistake of saying he enjoyed it,” he joked, suggesting that Fox’s enthusiasm assures fans of his presence in upcoming episodes.
*Shrinking*, which premiered its latest season on January 28, is available for streaming on Apple TV. As fans eagerly await the possibility of a fourth season, Fox’s willingness to reprise his role brings a renewed sense of hope and excitement to the series.