Michael J Fox has helped many people battle Parkinson's disease over the years… and even informs how it's portrayed in a Golden Globe-nominated show.
Bill Lawrence – Co-creator of the Apple TV+ show “Shrinking” – tells People The 63-year-old actor served as the inspiration for one of the characters who was diagnosed with the neurological disorder.
If you haven't seen the show yet, spoiler alert…Season 2 is watching Harrison FordThe film's character stoically faces Parkinson's disease while continuing to work as a therapist.
Lawrence and co-creators Brett Goldstein have a personal connection to the disorder – both fathers have Parkinson's… and Lawrence says it means a lot to him to write about something so close to his own life.
Bill says Michael J. Fox was his first mentor – the two worked on “Spin City” from 1996 to 2002, during which time Fox publicly announced his diagnosis… and he wanted to portray the illness in a way that was “hopefully inspiring rather than sad.” or tragically.”
Lawrence says he was inspired by the way Fox took the illness in stride, despite the difficulties of living with it, and continued to work as hard as anyone Bill knows.
BL says Fox's influence will be clearly seen in Season 3 of the show… which will likely hit the streamer next year. Season 2 aired this fall – and received two Golden Globe nominations for the ceremony taking place on January 5th.
Ford and Jason Segel Both are nominated for acting awards for their performances. Segel was also nominated for his work in Season 1, but lost Jeremy Allen White for his work in “The Bear.”
It appears that Ford and Segel can partially thank Michael J. Fox for helping promote these nominations.