“Shrinking”’s Jessica Williams Shares Why She Tries ‘Not to Bother’ Harrison Ford with ‘Nonsense and Shenanigans’ (Exclusive)

Jessica Williams has candidly shared insights into her friendship with Harrison Ford, her co-star on the Apple TV series ‘Shrinking’. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the Television Academy’s 2026 Televerse Festival in Los Angeles, the 37-year-old actress reflected on her relationship with the iconic actor, who is now 84.

During the discussion, Williams expressed her general approach to their off-screen interactions. “For the most part, I try not to bother him,” she stated, recognising Ford’s vast life experience. “He’s a man who’s like 84, who’s lived a lot of life. Like, I don’t need friendship from him. It’s just a matter of [if] he wants to talk, I’ll talk. And if he doesn’t, that’s fine, too.”

Williams offered some perspective on why she maintains this distance: “He’s [84], and you don’t need much nonsense and shenanigans, so save that for your friends in your 30s,” she remarked. She values her younger friendships, explaining that they provide her with meaningful interactions such as sharing humorous memes.

However, Williams does not shy away from a bit of playful teasing while on set. Earlier this year, she told PEOPLE that she enjoys finding ways to annoy Ford, stating, “There’s nothing funnier than seeing Harrison Ford be annoyed.” She described this dynamic as part of the essence of Ford’s on-screen presence, noting that he often portrays characters embodying cowboy archetypes who exhibit a mix of reluctance and eagerness to embrace the moment.

Williams elaborated on her role in ‘Shrinking’, where she plays Gaby, a therapist who collaborates with Jason Segel’s character, Jimmy Laird, and Ford’s character, Paul Rhodes. She explained that her and Segel’s characters are designed to irritate Paul, which creates a natural acting dynamic for Ford. “So, to give Harrison something that he can work with and just be so annoying is key to the performance,” Williams said.

She also praised Ford’s improvisational skills, revealing that he frequently strays from the script: “He does bits. He’s very silly, very giving and yeah, he’ll surprise you. That’s what’s fun about him.” This spontaneity adds richness to their performances and enhances the overall dynamic of the series.

‘Shrinking’ has garnered significant acclaim, earning nine Emmy nominations this year. Williams was recognised for her role as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, while Ford was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Other notable nominees from the series include Segel, Brett Goldstein, Michael Urie, and Michael J. Fox, all of whom received nominations in their respective categories.

For those eager to catch the series, ‘Shrinking’ is available for streaming on Apple TV. The highly anticipated Primetime Emmy Awards will take place live on NBC and Peacock on Monday, 14 September, with Mariska Hargitay serving as the host.

In summary, Jessica Williams’ reflections portray a balanced relationship with Harrison Ford, characterised by mutual respect and playful camaraderie, further enriching the portrayal of their characters in ‘Shrinking’. As the Emmy Awards approach, both actors will be in the spotlight for their impressive performances.