Fans of the beloved Back to the Future star have reason to celebrate—Michael J. Fox is stepping back in front of the camera for the first time in five years. The iconic actor has joined the cast of Shrinking, the acclaimed Apple TV+ comedy, for its upcoming third season. While details about his character remain under wraps, his involvement marks a significant moment in his career, as it’s his first on-camera role since his retirement from acting in 2020.
Fox’s return to acting is a major event for both longtime admirers and new audiences. His last live-action appearance was in The Good Fight (2019), where he reprised his role as Louis Canning from The Good Wife. Since then, he has focused on advocacy work, voice acting (including the 2021 animated short Back Home Again), and his deeply personal 2023 documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which chronicled his life and career alongside his decades-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
A Meaningful Comeback
Fox has been candid about his health struggles and the challenges of performing, but he has never ruled out a return to acting if the right opportunity arose. In a 2024 interview, he expressed openness to projects that align with his experiences. “If someone offers me a part and I do it and I have a good time, great,” he said. “I would do acting if something came up that I could put my realities into it, my challenges, if I could figure it out.”
Shrinking seems to be that perfect fit. The series, which follows a grieving therapist named Jimmy (Jason Segel) and his mentor, Paul (Harrison Ford), blends humor with emotional depth—a tone that resonates with Fox’s own career in balancing comedy and heartfelt storytelling. Notably, Ford’s character was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in season 2, adding a poignant layer to Fox’s casting given his own public journey with the condition.
A Full-Circle Moment with Co-Creator Bill Lawrence
Fox’s involvement in Shrinking also brings his career full circle in another way: the show’s co-creator, Bill Lawrence, worked with him on the hit sitcom Spin City, where Fox starred from 1996 to 2001. Their reunion underscores the actor’s enduring impact on television comedy and the strong creative relationships he’s built over the years.
What to Expect in Shrinking Season 3
Beyond Fox’s guest appearance, Shrinking season 3 is shaping up to be an exciting chapter in the series. Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom, Dumb and Dumber) has been cast as Jimmy’s father, adding another heavyweight actor to the ensemble. The season will also feature Sherry Cola (Joy Ride) and Isabella Gomez (One Day at a Time) in undisclosed roles.
The core cast—including Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley—will return, along with recurring favorites like Cobie Smulders, Damon Wayans Jr., Heidi Gardner, Lily Rabe, and Kelly Bishop. With its mix of sharp humor and touching character development, Shrinking has become one of the most acclaimed comedies on streaming, and Fox’s addition only raises anticipation for what’s next.
Fox’s Legacy and Advocacy
While his return to acting is a thrilling development, Fox’s legacy extends far beyond entertainment. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at just 29 years old, he became one of the most prominent advocates for research into the condition. In 2000, he founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has since become the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research in the world. His openness about his struggles has inspired millions, and his foundation’s work continues to drive progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
His role in Shrinking—a show that tackles serious themes with warmth and wit—feels particularly fitting. Whether his character will directly engage with Parkinson’s-related storylines remains to be seen, but his presence alone adds depth to a series already celebrated for its emotional honesty.
Looking Ahead
As production on Shrinking season 3 progresses, fans eagerly await more details about Fox’s role and how his character will fit into the show’s world. His return is a testament to his enduring talent and resilience, proving that even after stepping back from the spotlight, he remains one of Hollywood’s most cherished figures.
For now, audiences can revisit his past work—from Family Ties to Back to the Future to Spin City—while counting down the days until his long-awaited comeback. One thing is certain: Michael J. Fox’s return to acting is more than just a career moment—it’s a celebration of an icon who continues to inspire on and off the screen.
Stay tuned for more updates on Shrinking season 3 and Michael J. Fox’s highly anticipated return.