Michael Urie Reacts to Harrison Ford’s ‘Cantankerous’ Persona and Shares What He’s Really Like on Set (Exclusive)

Michael Urie is gushing over Shrinking costar Harrison Ford. 

When asked about what it’s like to work with the cinematic icon at the opening night of Chess on Broadway on Sunday, Nov. 16, the 45-year-old actor tells PEOPLE, “He’s silly and makes work fun.”

He adds, “He loves being [on set], he really, really loves being there. I know he seems cantankerous on the red carpet, [but] that’s just an act. He’s actually very sweet, and he loves being there.” 

While on the set of the dramedy, the Emmy nominee, who plays Brian on the show, says he’s seen firsthand how much Ford, 83, truly cares about his craft. “He is a really careful actor, he’s really thinking about the work,” Urie says. “He really cares about the scene; he treats every scene like it’s its own thing.” 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Teasing Shrinking’s upcoming third season, Urie says the new episodes will be a showcase for Ford, who plays Dr. Paul Rhodes, a compassionate therapist grappling with Parkinson’s disease. “I’m telling you the Harrison stuff, I know Harrison had an amazing second season, but I think the third season is so Harrison forward,” the actor says.

“He is so wonderful… He’s really amazing this season,” Urie continues. “It’s going to be a really beautiful, beautiful arc for our Mr. Ford.”

Apple TV announced on Oct. 21 that the hit comedy will be returning for a third season in January 2026. Along with Urie and Ford, the series stars Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Wendie Malick, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell and Christa Miller. The show was co-created by Segel, 45, and Brett Goldstein. 

Shrinking follows Jimmy Laird (Segel), a grieving therapist, and his unconventional approach to the profession, where he breaks the rules and tells his clients exactly what he thinks. 

Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, is coming out of retirement to guest star in season three. 

Speaking about Fox’s appearance in the show, Urie says “it was a very exciting thing.”

“I read the script with the character that Michael J. Fox plays, and I was like, ‘Wait a minute.’ I could tell that it was for him,” Urie says. 

He continues, “I remember when [he] came to the set for the first time… and [the crew] were all completely puffy and red-faced from crying because it was apparently so beautiful, the scene with Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox. Of course, it was beautiful.”

Season 3 of Shrinking premieres on Jan. 28, 2026 on Apple TV, with news episodes debuting Wednesdays until the finale on April 8. Seasons 1 and 2 of Shrinking are currently streaming.