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‘Shrinking’ Co-Creator Bill Lawrence Says His ‘First Mentor’ Michael J. Fox Inspired How the Show Portrays Parkinson’s Disease: ‘I Suck In the Inspiring People Around Me’

Showrunner and co-creator Bill Lawrence took inspiration from Michael J. Fox for his Apple TV+ series "Shrinking."

The showrunner credited the “Back to The Future” star’s public battle with Parkinson’s as a focal point in shaping Paul, who is played by Harrison Ford. Lawerence told PEOPLE at the Dec. 12 “An Evening with ‘Shrinking’ at PaleyLive” event that he and co-creator Brett Goldstein share a deep connection with the disease given both their fathers have been affected. “Shrinking” stars Jason Segel as a single father mourning the loss of his wife while navigating relationships with his friends, co-workers and boss.

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