Zach Braff has praised the importance of therapy in his life while promoting the new Apple TV+ series Shrinking.
The 47-year-old donned his director’s cap for an episode of Scrubs’ creator’s new show, and the actor was on hand Tuesday to celebrate the series at a special screening at the Paley Museum in New York City.
Speaking on the red carpet, Braff credited therapy with being one of the ways to get through “tough times” in life and expressed hope that the new comedy-drama would encourage others to do the same .
In recent years, the Scrubs star has spoken openly about the grief of losing close friend Nick Cordero to complications from the coronavirus in July 2020.
A big fan: Zach Braff praised the importance of therapy at the New York screening of his new series Shrinking
During his hospital stay, Cordero suffered numerous complications, including blood clots that led to the amputation of his left leg, septic shock, fungal infections in his lungs, mini-strokes, and a temporary pacemaker that kept his heartbeat regular.
The late Broadway star died at the age of 41, leaving behind his wife Amanda Kloots and their three-year-old son Elvis.
Meanwhile, Braff and Don’t Worry Darling star Florence Pugh, 27, ended their romance last year after a three-year relationship.
Expressing his hope that the work being done on the new series would help “break the stigma” surrounding men who go to therapy, Braff explained, “I know that this show is partly for me and for men like Bill Lawrence and Jason Segel, ‘Therapy has been very helpful in our lives.’
Tough times: Braff lost one of his best friends, Nick Cordero, in 2020 to complications from the coronavirus
Sad loss: The Broadway star was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles for over 90 days before his death and Braff publicly mourned the loss on social media
Split: Florence Pugh, 27, announced in August 2022 that she and Braff, 47, had split earlier in the year after three years together
Having grown up with therapy with his mother, stepfather and stepmother, all of whom are in the therapy industry, Braff stated that he has attended sessions regularly over the years and would recommend others to do the same.
The star gushed, “I recommend therapy to anyone who is ready. It can be a helpful tool in life. It’s not just something when you’re in crisis, a therapist can be someone who is like a coach, helping you make the right decisions in life and pointing you in the right direction.
“People who are unfamiliar with it might think it’s only for the tough times and times of crisis, but I don’t think that’s the case.”
Shrinking – a comedy series on Apple TV+ – features Harrison Ford as a mentor figure for a grieving therapist, portrayed by Jason Segel.
Comedy with heart: Harrison Ford played a mentor figure for a grieving therapist, portrayed by Jason Segel, in the Apple TV+ comedy series Shrinking
The 80-year-old actor plays Dr. Paul Rhodes stars alongside Jason who portrays therapist Jimmy Laird in Warner Bros. Television’s new series.
A description for the film reads, “Shrinking follows a grieving therapist (played by Segel) who begins to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what’s on his mind. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, turbulent changes in people’s lives…including his own.’
Segel is also a co-creator and executive producer of the series along with Brett Goldstein of Bill Lawrence and Ted Lasso.
Shrinking will premiere its first two episodes on January 27 on the Apple TV+ streaming service.
Earlier this month, Florence Pugh made a rare comment about her split from Braff during her cover interview with US Vogue.
Cover Star: Visit Vogue.com for the full cover story.
In a chat, the Black Widow star admitted she understands why the former couple’s 20-year age gap has intrigued the public.
Pugh explained that the breakup was “all very new,” and said that she and Braff, who lived together in LA, tried to keep their romance private.
“We weren’t written in anyone’s face. It was just that people didn’t like it. They pictured me with someone younger and someone in blockbusters.’
“I think young relationships in Hollywood get twisted so easily because they contribute to the gossip pages. It’s exciting to watch. And I think I’ve been in a relationship that didn’t do any of that.’
The two have remained close friends and collaborators, with Florence starring in Zach’s next project, A Good Person, which is out in March.