In 1998, Michael J. Fox revealed to the public that he had been privately navigating life with Parkinson’s disease since 1991.
As fans across the world became aware of his diagnosis, Michael’s doctor shared what he believed to be the trajectory of his condition, telling People that he “was hopeful that Fox would be functional for at least another 10 years.”
Now, 25 years later, the Back to the Future star continues to defy his initial prognosis, telling People, “Life is going to be what you make it.”
Reflecting on the evolution of his life with the progressive neurological condition, Michael added, “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, I might not put it in the same words, but you can do anything. Anything.”
Looking back on the early stages of life with Parkinson’s in the public eye, Michael told Town & Country, “When I went public, I felt like I stood there naked in the town square and said, ‘Look at me. This is what it is.’ What I didn’t realise was how many other people had been dying to do that.”
“I’ve said Parkinson’s is a gift. It’s the gift that keeps on taking, but it has changed my life in so many positive ways.”
In recent years, Michael has continued to be open with the reality of his day-to-day life with the neurodegenerative disorder – revealing in his 2020 memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, that he had sustained a broken arm, shoulder, cheek, and hand as a result of his tremors.
“My hand got infected and then I almost lost it. It was a tsunami of misfortune,” he wrote.
Despite his diagnosis, the 62-year-old is committed to living life to the fullest, telling Woman’s Day, “I’m optimistic because the idea of being anything else is just too terrifying. I accepted the challenges I face long ago. I’m dealing with it but most of all, I’m enjoying life.”
To the delight of his colleagues and fans, Michael made a rare public appearance at the 2024 BAFTA Awards. Crossing the stage in a wheelchair, Michael rose from his chair to deliver the award for Best Film.
“There’s a reason why they say movies are magic because movies can change your day. It can change your outlook. Sometimes, it can change your life,” he told the crowd, receiving a heartwarming response.
Michael also attended the 2024 ceremony as a nominee, with his AppleTV+ documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie receiving a BAFTA nomination for Best Documentary.
When did Michael J. Fox get Parkinson’s?
Michael J. Fox was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, aged 29.
According to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the actor developed a tremor in his pinky finger during the filming of his 1991 rom-com Doc Hollywood. After visiting a neurologist, Michael was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Michael kept his diagnosis private until 1998, continuing to star as Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty in the fan-favourite 90s sitcom Spin City. Following the release of the show’s third season, the Back to the Future star decided to retire from acting; devoting his time to advocating and fundraising for Parkinson’s.
Nine years after his diagnosis, Michael established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, with the foundation since becoming the largest non-profit organisation dedicated to Parkinson’s research.
Since its establishment in 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has raised over $2.6 billion towards Parkinson’s research, with funding contributing to the establishment of over 20 early-stage therapeutic programs for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
In 2023, research funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation uncovered a biomarker that could assist in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease before the onset of symptoms, with Michael describing the discovery to People as “one of the few times I cried about what we were doing.”
Where to Watch Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
Stream Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie on Apple TV+ from $12.99/month, with a 7-day free trial.
