Renowned actor Michael J. Fox has been remarkably open about his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with at the early age of 29. In a forthcoming interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Fox delves into the growing challenges he faces as the disease progresses, simultaneously confronting thoughts about his mortality.
In an advance preview of the interview, Fox speaks with remarkable honesty: “It’s banging on the door… Yeah, I mean, I’m not gonna lie. It’s gettin’ hard, it’s gettin’ harder. It’s gettin’ tougher. Every day it’s tougher. But, but that’s — that’s the way it is.” Now at 61, despite the escalating difficulties, he demonstrates unwavering determination and resilience.
Throughout his journey, Michael J. Fox has become a formidable advocate for Parkinson’s research, primarily through his foundation. The Michael J. Fox Foundation has been instrumental in making significant strides in the field, including the discovery of a biogenetic marker that could revolutionize early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s. Despite these advancements and his active involvement in research, Fox is acutely aware of his mortality.
During the CBS interview, he discusses undergoing spinal surgery to remove a benign tumor, which profoundly affected his mobility and led to multiple instances of broken bones. For individuals with Parkinson’s, falling poses a significant risk, often resulting in serious complications such as pneumonia. Fox poignantly states, “You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s,” acknowledging the disease’s impact on life expectancy. He admits to contemplating his mortality, saying, “I’ve been thinking about the mortality of it… I’m not gonna be 80.”
Fox, who initially kept his diagnosis private, has since become a beacon of transparency regarding his experience with Parkinson’s. His story is vividly captured in the upcoming documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which is slated for release on Apple TV+ on May 12th.
Throughout both the CBS Sunday Morning interview and the documentary, one thing remains undiminished by his condition: his optimism. In a recent conversation, Fox shared his perspective on maintaining a positive outlook, “I can be optimistic as long as I’m grateful… And it sounds hokey, but to this day, if I can find one little thing to be grateful for, I can be optimistic about it.”
Michael J. Fox’s journey, marked by both struggle and resilience, continues to be a source of inspiration for many. He embodies the power of optimism and the importance of finding gratitude, even amidst the most challenging circumstances.
His candidness and positive approach serve as poignant reminders that such attitudes can profoundly impact how one navigates life’s adversities.
Michael J. Fox (born June 9, 1961, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) Canadian American actor and activist who rose to fame in the 1980s for his comedic roles and who later became involved in Parkinson disease research after being diagnosed with the disorder.
The cast of Family Ties (clockwise from top left): Michael J. Fox, Justine Bateman, Tina Yothers, Meredith Baxter, and Michael Gross.
Fox grew up on Canadian military bases and moved to Los Angeles at age 18. He won three Emmy Awards (1986–88) for his role as Alex P. Keaton on the popular television series Family Ties (1982–89), where he worked with Tracy Pollan, his future wife. He later starred in the series Spin City (1996–2002), winning an Emmy in 2000, his last year on the show. Fox also appeared in feature films, notably portraying Marty McFly in the hit comedy Back to the Future (1985) and its sequels (1989 and 1990). His other movie credits included Casualties of War (1989), The American President (1995), and Mars Attacks! (1996). In addition, he provided the voice of Stuart Little in a series of animated films based on characters from E.B. White’s children’s book.
