Harrison Ford’s Oscar Absence Explained—Costar Says He’s Fighting Like a Superhero!

Harrison Ford, 82, made headlines recently when it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with shingles, forcing him to miss the 97th annual Academy Awards on March 2. The diagnosis was confirmed by Ford’s representative to Variety, but despite the setback, Ford’s Shrinking costar, Michael Urie, has full confidence in his strength and resilience.

At the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Urie spoke to Entertainment Tonight about Ford’s health, acknowledging the actor’s absence from the event but expressing his unwavering belief in Ford’s ability to bounce back. “I haven’t heard from him,” Urie shared on the red carpet, “But he’s the strongest person I’ve ever met in my entire life, so I’m not worried about him.” He continued with a lighthearted tone, adding, “Obviously, I hate that he’s sick and feeling badly but he’s literally the Red Hulk,” referencing Ford’s upcoming role in Captain America: Brave New World, where he plays the character of Thunderbolt Ross. Urie’s playful comments only reinforced the admiration and respect he has for Ford, calling him a true powerhouse.

Shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful rash and is caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox, has no cure, and while the illness is contagious, antiviral medications can help reduce the duration of an outbreak. Despite the discomfort, Ford is known for his toughness, and Urie humorously speculated that Ford is likely “punching the shingles out,” referring to the actor’s legendary physicality and strength.

Ford, who appeared in good health just days earlier at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 23, was nominated for both Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and as part of the ensemble for Shrinking, which was up for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Although he did not win in either category, Ford expressed his pride in the work that he and his Shrinking castmates have done. Speaking with People at the SAG Awards, Ford shared how meaningful the fan reactions to the show have been. “I didn’t know what it was going to be, but it turned out to be something very special for me,” Ford said, reflecting on the show’s success and its impact on viewers.

He went on to explain the depth of the connection he felt with fans, saying, “I’m very touched by the kind of contact I have with fans of the show. They only wanna say that they enjoy it. They don’t want anything. They don’t want a picture, they don’t want an autograph. They just wanna share their pleasure in what it is that we are doing.” It’s clear that Ford’s role in Shrinking has resonated deeply with audiences, with his authentic connection to the material and his co-stars making the experience even more rewarding.

As Ford focuses on recovering from his shingles diagnosis, his strength and the love and respect he’s garnered from both his peers and fans will no doubt serve as a testament to his resilience during this challenging time.