Michael J. Fox, a beloved figure in television and film, is making a triumphant return to acting after a five-year hiatus, stepping back into the spotlight in a role that resonates deeply with his own life story. The 64-year-old actor, best known for his iconic performances in Back to the Future and Spin City, appears in the newly released trailer for the third season of Apple TV+’s Shrinking. This marks Fox’s most significant acting role since he stepped away from on-camera work in 2020 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, a condition he has lived with for more than three decades.
The news, reported on December 31, 2025, has been met with excitement and admiration from fans and industry peers alike. According to CNN, Fox’s return is not just a notable moment for television but a testament to his enduring talent and resilience. In Shrinking, Fox plays a character living with Parkinson’s disease, mirroring his own real-life battle with the condition. The role is being widely described as deeply personal and quietly powerful, offering viewers a poignant look at the realities of living with a chronic illness while maintaining humor and humanity.
The trailer, released on December 30, 2025, opens with a memorable scene: Fox’s character is seated beside Harrison Ford’s Dr. Paul Rhoades in a medical facility waiting room. The exchange is brief but impactful. “What are you in for?” Fox’s character asks. “Parkinson’s,” Ford’s character replies. “You?” Fox deadpans, “Just a haircut,” prompting a shared laugh between the two men. According to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, the moment perfectly balances humor, honesty, and emotional weight, setting the tone for Fox’s guest appearance.
For those familiar with Shrinking, Ford’s character has been living with Parkinson’s since the series began, initially hiding his diagnosis before gradually confronting it more openly. The addition of Fox’s character feels like a natural extension of the show’s ongoing exploration of vulnerability, acceptance, and the human side of chronic illness.
Fox’s return to acting is significant for several reasons. Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at just 29 years old, Fox kept his condition private for several years before revealing it publicly in 1998. He continued to work, starring in Spin City for four seasons, but eventually left the show in 2000 as his symptoms became more severe. Over the next two decades, Fox gradually reduced his acting workload, making only sporadic appearances—including a guest role on The Good Fight in 2020 and a voice cameo as “Michael J The Fox” in Zootopia 2—before officially retiring from on-camera roles due to increasing memory and speech challenges.
During his hiatus, Fox focused on advocacy, dedicating himself to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which he founded in 2000. He also appeared in the acclaimed 2023 documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, further cementing his legacy as both an entertainer and a champion for Parkinson’s awareness.
Fox’s new role in Shrinking is the result of a personal initiative. According to IBTimes, Fox himself reached out to series co-creator Bill Lawrence after learning that the show featured a character with Parkinson’s disease. “He personally called Lawrence after learning the show featured a character with Parkinson’s disease, asking why he hadn’t been approached for the role,” the outlet reported. Lawrence, who had previously worked with Fox on Spin City and Scrubs, immediately welcomed the idea, leading to a reunion that fans and colleagues alike have celebrated as both meaningful and timely.
Harrison Ford, who received his first Emmy nomination for his role as Dr. Rhoades, has praised Fox’s involvement as essential to the authenticity of the show’s portrayal of Parkinson’s disease. In an interview with Variety, Ford said, “Michael’s courage, fortitude, and grace are on full display. He’s a smart, brave, and generous example to everyone, regardless of whether they face Parkinson’s themselves.” Ford emphasized his commitment to portraying the disease accurately, stating, “The disease is not funny and I want to get the representation right.”
Bill Lawrence, reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Fox, described him as a mentor and an inspiration. At a December 2024 PaleyLive event, Lawrence told People that Fox “continues to work harder than anyone I know,” and praised his ability to turn personal challenges into compelling storytelling. Lawrence also revealed that Fox enjoyed filming his scenes so much that he ended up shooting multiple episodes, rather than the originally planned single appearance. “His character is far from preachy,” Lawrence said, “He’s a wise-arse who remains as acerbic as ever and plays a key role in the first episode.”
For Fox, the experience was liberating. He explained that being able to incorporate his real-life challenges into his performance allowed him to approach the role with honesty and freedom. “I could simply show up on set without worrying about fatigue or other symptoms, and when difficulties arose, I could work them into my performance rather than fighting against them,” Fox shared, as reported by IBTimes. This approach not only enriched his portrayal but also offered a rare glimpse into the day-to-day realities of living with Parkinson’s—something Fox has championed throughout his career.
Shrinking season three is set to premiere globally on Apple TV+ with a one-hour episode on January 28, 2026, followed by weekly releases through April 8, 2026. The series, created by Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, continues to follow Jimmy, a grieving therapist played by Segel, as he navigates unconventional methods in his practice. The cast includes Segel, Ford, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, Christa Miller, and Ted McGinley. The trailer also revealed the return of Cobie Smulders as Sofi, reuniting her with Segel after their work together on How I Met Your Mother. Additional guest stars for the season include Jeff Daniels, Sherry Cola, and Isabella Gomez.
Fox’s comeback is more than just another celebrity return—it’s a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring power of storytelling. As audiences anticipate the new season of Shrinking, Fox’s presence promises not only poignant drama but also a celebration of humor, honesty, and hope in the face of adversity.
