Michael J. Fox, a name synonymous with iconic roles in Back to the Future and Family Ties, is also widely recognized for his inspiring advocacy for Parkinson’s disease research. Born Michael Andrew Fox in 1961 in Alberta, Canada, his early life was shaped by his father’s career in the Canadian Armed Forces, leading to frequent family moves. The family eventually settled in Burnaby, British Columbia in 1971, after his father’s retirement. It was during junior high that Fox discovered his passion for acting, joining the Drama Club and quickly demonstrating a natural talent. His theater teacher encouraged him to audition for Leo & Me, a Canadian Broadcasting Corp. series, which marked the start of his professional acting career in television and local Vancouver theater. At the age of 17, driven by his ambition, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting on a larger stage.
Upon arriving in Hollywood and attempting to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), he encountered a minor hurdle – another actor already held the name “Michael Fox.” To differentiate himself, he needed a middle initial. Rejecting “Michael A. Fox”, he chose “J” as a tribute to character actor Michael J. Pollard. After some initial struggles in Hollywood, his breakthrough came with the role of Alex P. Keaton in the TV series Family Ties. The sitcom became a massive hit, propelling Fox into the spotlight of television comedy. This success opened doors to movie roles, most notably in Teen Wolf and the blockbuster Back to the Future in 1985, which cemented his global fame.
His role in Family Ties garnered him significant recognition, including three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In 1988, he married his Family Ties co-star, Tracy Pollan, and they welcomed their first child in 1989. Throughout his twenties, Michael starred in seven seasons of Family Ties and ten feature films, including hits like The Secret of My Success and Casualties of War, in addition to the Back to the Future sequels. However, during the filming of Doc Hollywood in 1991, at the peak of his career, Michael noticed a tremor in his pinky finger. A neurologist consultation delivered life-altering news: he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Michael J. Fox’s age at diagnosis was just 29 years old. This young age of diagnosis was a significant factor in his journey and subsequent advocacy.
For several years following his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Michael chose to keep his condition private while continuing to work in film, taking roles in movies such as For Love or Money, The American President, and Frighteners. In 1995, he and Tracy welcomed twin daughters, adding to their growing family. Seeking to be closer to his family in New York City, Michael transitioned back to television, starring as Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty in Spin City on ABC. This role earned him further accolades, including another Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. By the third season of Spin City, it became increasingly challenging to conceal his Parkinson’s symptoms, leading him to publicly announce his diagnosis. After one more season, Michael stepped back from full-time acting to dedicate himself to advocating for Parkinson’s research and fundraising.
In 2000, he established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The New York Times has lauded it as “the most credible voice on Parkinson’s research in the world.” Today, it stands as the largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s drug development globally, playing a crucial role in accelerating the search for a cure and becoming a leading voice in scientific philanthropy. The foundation has raised over $1.75 billion to date, significantly advancing the field. In 2001, Michael and Tracy welcomed their fourth child, further solidifying his commitment to family and his future endeavors.
After establishing his Foundation, Michael gradually returned to acting, taking on supporting roles that allowed him to incorporate his Parkinson’s symptoms into his characters. He had recurring roles in Scrubs and Boston Legal, and won his fifth Emmy Award for his portrayal of Dwight on Rescue Me. He received six more Emmy nominations for his critically acclaimed role as Louis Canning in The Good Wife, and for his humorous appearances as himself in Curb Your Enthusiasm. In 2009, he produced and hosted Adventures of an Incurable Optimist for ABC, which earned an Emmy nomination.
Michael has become a prominent voice, both in speaking and writing, on the importance of optimism and humor in facing life’s challenges, including Parkinson’s disease. His autobiography, Lucky Man, became a New York Times bestseller, followed by three more bestselling books. He has received numerous honorary degrees and humanitarian awards, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2022, and was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people. Michael J. Fox’s journey since his Parkinson’s diagnosis at age 29 is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and unwavering optimism. His story continues to inspire millions around the world.
