Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Harrison Ford's Historic Emmy Nomination at 83: A Milestone Moment!

Harrison Ford landed his first-ever Emmy Award nomination for his performance as Dr. Paul Rhoades in the second season of Apple TV+ series Shrinking on Tuesday - just two days after celebrating his 83rd birthday (pictured February 23)

Harrison Ford: The Ultimate Comeback Kid!

In a shocking twist, the iconic actor Harrison Ford has landed his first-ever Emmy Award nomination for his critically-acclaimed performance in Apple TV+'s Shrinking! And if that wasn't enough, he's only two days removed from celebrating his 83rd birthday - making him the second-oldest nominee in the outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series category.

Ford is up against some stiff competition, including his Shrinking co-star Michael Urie and The Bear star Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who has won the same award for two consecutive years. But don't count out the Indiana Jones alum just yet - he's got some serious acting chops that have earned him a reputation as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.

The Indiana Jones and Blade Runner alum is up for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series as the grieving therapist suffering from Parkinson's disease in Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein's critically-acclaimed dramedy

The news of Ford's nomination sent shockwaves on social media platform X, with fans going wild and sharing memes and congratulatory messages. "Took em long enough to recognize this GOAT [greatest of all time]!" tweeted @DeSciJeremy. Meanwhile, @chiefflips shared a meme of John C. Reilly looking confused with the caption: "What?! How is this possible?"

But Ford's fans aren't the only ones who are thrilled about his nomination - even his co-stars are singing his praises. "He's the best character on that show," remarked @SteveRosenheim1.

Ford's Emmy nod is just the latest in a long line of accolades for Shrinking, which has also been recognized for outstanding comedy series and performances by Jason Segel and Jessica Williams.

Harrison isn't alone either as he'll have to battle his Shrinking co-star Michael Urie (R), who plays Brian the lawyer, for the same exact honor when the live ceremony airs September 14 on CBS/Paramount+

So what makes Ford's performance so special? According to co-creator Bill Lawrence, it's Ford's ability to bring depth and nuance to his character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, a grieving therapist suffering from Parkinson's disease. "What we really care about is an accurate and inspiring representation of what people that have to deal with that s* go through, and what it means moving forward," Lawrence told The Scholarly Note.com.

Ford has always had a passion for comedy, thanks in part to his late father Christopher, who was a joke teller. "I found myself doing both [serious drama and comedy] and not really distinguishing much between them," Ford explained to The Scholarly Note.com. "I think I think with the same actor's head about a joke as I do about a serious or emotional scene."

And it looks like Ford is just getting started - Shrinking has been renewed for a third season, which commenced production in February. But don't worry, Ford fans - he'll still be able to squeeze in some quality time with his family. The Captain America: Brave New World actor and his wife Calista Flockhart have been happily married for 15 years, and they're proud parents of three children, including their 24-year-old son Liam.

But Ford faces the most competition against The Bear star Ebon Moss-Bachrach (pictured September 15), who already won the supporting actor Emmy for the past two consecutive years

Of course, no discussion of Ford's Emmy nod would be complete without mentioning his impressive career milestones - after all, he's the only actor to have appeared in both Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises! And let's not forget his iconic roles in Blade Runner and The Fugitive. Who knows what the future holds for this legendary actor? One thing's for sure - we can't wait to find out.

As Ford himself said during PaleyLive's An Evening of Shrinking, "I live half an hour away. I go home and I sleep in my own bed." It looks like home is where the heart (and the Emmy nods) are for this Hollywood superstar!

Other strong contenders include SNL's Bowen Yang, Somebody Somewhere's Jeff Hiller, The Four Seasons' Colman Domingo, and The Studio's Ike Barinholtz

The Chicago-born grandfather-of-three made history as the second oldest nominee in that category after The Kominsky Method actor Alan Arkin scored a nod at age 86 in 2020

Over on the social media platform X, Harrison's fans reacted to the news like user @DeSciJeremy tweeting: 'Took em long enough to recognize this GOAT [greatest of all time]'

X user @chiefflips shared a meme of John C. Reilly looking confused with the caption: 'What?! How is this possible?'

'He's the best character on that show,' remarked X user @SteveRosenheim1

'Harrison Ford proves it's never too late to be recognized,' X user @barfield_gina tweeted. 'True talent shines across every stage and every age'

X user @ElarRealm agreed: 'Greatness doesn't age - it evolves. Harrison Ford's first Emmy nod at 83 reminds us that legends keep rewriting the rules'

'To be fair, the guy was a huge movie star for most of his career,' X user @TheUnrealPeterG tweeted. 'At a time when doing TV would have been considered a step backwards'

Shrinking also scored nods for outstanding comedy series, Jason Segel (R) is up for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series, and Jessica Williams is up for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series

Harrison did not receive awards attention for his role as patriarch Jacob Dutton in the eight-episode second season of Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone spin-off 1923 on Paramount+