Harrison Ford admits to the challenges of playing a character with Parkinson's disease as he prepares for new series of Apple TV's Shrinking amid fan concerns for his own health Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] By Kirsten Murray For Mailonline Published: 06:53 EDT, 24 September 2024 | Updated: 06:58 EDT, 24 September 2024 e-mail View comments Harrison Ford has opened up about the challenges of playing a character with Parkinson's disease as he prepares for the second series of Apple TV+ series Shrinking. The Hollywood star, 82, plays Dr.
Paul Rhodes in the comedy series, who is a mentor figure to grieving therapist Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel). At the end of series one it was revealed Paul was suffering with Parkinson's and with series two set to air on October 16, Harrison has revealed the disease's progression won't be 'sugarcoated'. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly , Harrison explained: 'You're going to see increasing difficulty that arises from his disease and complications from his disease.
'He's going to meet those challenges with what we know is in his quiver, personality-wise. But it's a very challenging and difficult disease and we're not going to sugarcoat it.' Harrison Ford has admitted to the challenges of playing a character with Parkinson's disease as he prepares for the new series of Apple TV's Shrinking amid fan concerns for his own health The Hollywood star, 82, plays Dr.
Paul Rhodes in the comedy series and it was revealed at the end of series one that he is suffering with Parkinson's (pictured with Lukita Maxwell who plays Alice) According to the NHS definition, Parkinson's is a disease in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over years. Read More Harrison Ford sparks worry as fans notice something peculiar at event This leads to people suffering from tremors and stiff and inflexible movements that can eventually rob them of their independence. In Paul's case, Jason revealed it will present challenges in every aspect of his life, including his recently repaired relationship with his daughter, Meg (Lily Rabe), his romance with his doctor, Julie (Wendie Malick), and his professional bonds with his colleagues.
Harrison's character's health woes come after fans expressed concerns over the star's health himself following his recent appearance at Disney's D23 Expo in August, where he accepted the Disney Legend honor. The actor received a prestigious hall-of-fame-style award, recognizing his significant contributions to Lucasfilm, a subsidiary of Disney. Ford’s legendary roles — most notably Han Solo from Star Wars and the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones — have firmly established him as one of the studio's most iconic figures.
During the ceremony, he left his handprints in cement, though fans observed that he had difficulty signing his name beside them. A video of the event was shared on the Good Morning America Instagram page, prompting a range of reactions in the comments. Explaining how he will enact the progression of the disease, Harrison said: 'It's a very challenging and difficult disease and we're not going to sugarcoat it' Harrison's character's health woes come after fans expressed concerns over the star's health himself following his recent appearance at Disney's D23 Expo in August, where he accepted the Disney Legend honor During the ceremony, Ford left his handprints in cement, though fans observed that he had difficulty signing his name beside them 'He does not look well,' a concerned fan posted, as another wrote, 'Congrats to him, but it breaks my heart to see him so frail.
' Another chimed in, 'Is anyone else concerned one hand was more pressed than the other?' 'Tough to see my guy getting old,' said another. Yet a fifth fan added, 'Shoot he does not look well.' When the actor took the stage to accept the award from Disney CEO Bob Iger at the August 11 event, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his fans.
'I love the life you’ve given me,' he told the audience, per Variety . 'I love the people that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Nobody does anything in this business for long.
We work in collaboration, no matter what who we are and what we’re doing.' He choked up as he added, 'The stories are for you, about you, about us. To be able to work in that area is a privilege.
' WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website. What are the symptoms? The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness. Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.
Some people can also experience lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration. What are the early signs? Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body. In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk.
Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time. What are the causes? Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease. It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain.
However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes. Scientists say genetics factor can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families. Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says.
How is it diagnosed? No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history and a physical examination. A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition. They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement.
How many people are affected? Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson's UK. What happens if someone is diagnosed? According to the charity, it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment. The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available.
People are also encouraged to partake in more exercise. Can it be treated? Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms. The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways.
What medication is available and what are the side effects? Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking and movement problems. There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor. Each can affect people in different ways.
The drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes. What therapy is available? There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson's through the NHS. Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching.
Does this change the way you live? Most people's life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health. It can also cause some cognitive issues and changes to mood and mental health. Those with Parkinson's are encouraged to exercise more often, with scientists saying 2.
5 hours of exercise a week is enough to slow the progression of symptoms. Share or comment on this article: Harrison Ford admits to the challenges of playing a character with Parkinson's disease as he prepares for new series of Apple TV's Shrinking amid fan concerns for his own health e-mail Add comment.
