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Michael J. Fox Inspired How Parkinson's Is Depicted on Shrinking, Says Creator: 'Not Sad or Tragic Way'

'Shrinking' co-creator Bill Lawrence told PEOPLE at the Dec. 12 "An Evening with Shrinking at PaleyLive" event that he and co-creator Brett Goldstein both have a “deep history” with Parkinson's disease and want to represent those who have the disease on screen in "an inspiring and not sad or tragic way.”

At the Dec. 12 "An Evening with Shrinking at PaleyLive" event, Lawrence, 55, told PEOPLE that he and co-creator Brett Goldstein both have a “deep history” with the disease, citing how both their fathers have Parkinson's. Lawrence confessed he “generally has kind of attacked tough situations with comedy in his actual life," noting, "It takes you a while as a writer to realize what your voice is — I think mine is hopeful and optimistic by nature.” Shrinking stars Jason Segel as single dad Jimmy Laird grieving the sudden loss of his wife as he navigates his friendships with his boss Paul, coworker Gaby ( Jessica Williams), friend Brian ( Michael Urie) and neighbors Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley).

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