Harrison Ford may be among Hollywood’s most iconic movie stars, but this year he’s enjoying a career first: an Emmy nomination. The 83-year-old legend scored his inaugural nod for his role as gruff-but-vulnerable therapist Paul Rhoades on Apple TV+’s Shrinking. And during a Televerse FYC panel on Aug. 15, Ford’s co-stars made it clear they’re rooting for him to take home the gold.
“First-time Emmy nominee — and who I’m rooting for — the Harrison Ford,” moderator Yvette Nicole Brown declared as she welcomed the first-time nominee to the stage, drawing cheers from the audience.
Ford — who appeared visibly touched throughout the conversation — admitted the recognition still feels “unfamiliar.” “I’m very pleased, very honored. I just don’t … dude,” he joked, referencing a celebratory text exchange with castmate Michael Urie.
At one point, Ford grew emotional while reflecting on his experience with the Shrinking ensemble. “It’s extraordinary to have incredibly talented genius actors to work with, to be in their scenes, just to be around them. This is just a dream for me — and it doesn’t happen — it just doesn’t happen. I’m so grateful for it at this juncture of … whatever it is I’m doing.”
Ford’s castmates were equally effusive about working alongside him. Jason Segel called it “the honor of a lifetime,” and praised Ford’s meticulous care in portraying Parkinson’s disease with nuance and respect. “There is so much love and care being given to portraying this respectfully and honestly,” Segel said. “It’s a master class.”
Urie — a first-time Emmy nominee competing alongside Ford in the Best Comedy Supporting Actor category — shared how much he’s learned from simply watching his co-star on set. “He knew where the camera was and what it was capturing so inherently that he was giving a whole moment before we even started the scene,” Urie explained. “He goes through every human emotion without any words in the background. The camera loves him.”
Jessica Williams summed up the cast’s affection simply: “We really do like each other. Everyone’s really rooting for each other. And there’s something really special about that.”
Brown — echoing the audience’s sentiment — made her position on the Best Comedy Supporting Actor race clear: “Most people, if not everyone in here, have loved you forever. We want you to get this one. We want this to be your first win as well.”
Win or lose, Ford seems content just to be part of the Shrinking family. “The writing keeps us going … you have the reality of the drama and you have the pleasure of the comedy. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for all of us,” he said.
The 2025 Emmys will air Sept. 14 on CBS and Paramount+.
