In 1998, Michael J. Fox publicly revealed that he had been living with Parkinson’s disease since 1991. Initially, his doctor predicted he would be functional for at least another decade. Defying this prognosis, the Back to the Future star continues to inspire, telling People, “Life is going to be what you make it.”
Reflecting on his journey, Fox stated, “You don’t have to follow other people’s prognostications for what life is going to be. What I believed then and what I believe now… you can do anything.”
Fox described the initial public disclosure of his condition to Town & Country, likening it to standing “naked in the town square.” He later referred to Parkinson’s as “a gift that keeps on taking,” noting the positive changes it brought to his life.
In his 2020 memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, Fox detailed the physical challenges he faced, including injuries from falls caused by his tremors. Despite these hardships, he remains committed to living fully, telling Woman’s Day, “I’m optimistic because the idea of being anything else is just too terrifying.”
At the 2024 BAFTA Awards, Fox made a rare public appearance, presenting the Best Film award and celebrating the nomination of his AppleTV+ documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie for Best Documentary.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 29, Fox kept his condition private until 1998, continuing his role in Spin City. He retired from acting to focus on advocacy and founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000. The foundation has since raised over $2.6 billion, contributing to significant advancements, including the discovery of a biomarker for early diagnosis.
Reflecting on this achievement, Fox told People it was “one of the few times I cried about what we were doing.” His ongoing dedication to Parkinson’s research and his resilient spirit continue to inspire millions.