Michael J. Fox is known for his iconic roles in movies like “Back to the Future” and TV shows like “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” but behind the scenes, he has been battling Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years. The beloved actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 at the age of 29 and kept his diagnosis a secret for seven years.
In his memoir, “Lucky Man,” Fox wrote about the day he was diagnosed with the degenerative disease, which affects the nervous system and causes tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. “I was stunned. It was like a verdict that had been delivered without a trial,” he wrote. “All I knew was that I was sick and all I could think was, ‘What’s going to happen to me?'”
After his diagnosis, Fox continued to work in Hollywood, but he kept his condition hidden from the public and even from most of his colleagues. He didn’t want to be seen as a “poster boy” for Parkinson’s, and he feared that the disease would prevent him from getting work in the future.
However, as his symptoms became more pronounced, it became harder for Fox to keep his secret. In 1998, he finally decided to go public with his diagnosis, and he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to help find a cure for the disease.
In the years since, Fox has become an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s research and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world. He has continued to act in movies and TV shows, including his own eponymous sitcom, “The Michael J. Fox Show,” which aired for one season in 2013.
Despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s, Fox has remained positive and optimistic, and he has continued to work tirelessly to find a cure for the disease. “I’m not defined by Parkinson’s,” he has said. “I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Michael J. Fox is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, author, and activist. He was born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Fox began his acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in television shows like “Leo and Me” and “Palmerstown, U.S.A.” He gained widespread recognition in 1982 when he landed the role of Alex P. Keaton in the hit sitcom “Family Ties.”
In 1985, Fox starred in the blockbuster movie “Back to the Future,” which cemented his status as a Hollywood star. He went on to star in two sequels, “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III.” In the 1990s, Fox continued to act in both movies and television shows, including the hit series “Spin City.”
In 1991, at the age of 29, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive movement disorder. Despite the diagnosis, Fox continued to act and raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. He founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which has since become the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research in the world.
Throughout his career, Fox has won numerous awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He has also been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Despite the challenges he has faced due to Parkinson’s disease, Fox remains an active advocate for Parkinson’s research and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. He has continued to act in recent years, appearing in shows like “The Good Wife” and “Designated Survivor.”
Despite his struggles with Parkinson’s disease, Michael J. Fox has continued to be an inspiration to many and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His resilience and positive outlook continue to inspire millions of people around the world.
