Martin Scorsese’s daughter, Francesca Scorsese, recently opened a window into her close relationship with her mother, Helen Morris, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease for more than three decades. On September 2, Francesca posted a heartfelt TikTok video showing a quiet moment assisting her mother during a meal, shedding light on the ongoing family support surrounding the director’s wife.
Intimate Glimpses into Family Care and Connection
In the video, Francesca, age 25 and Morris’ only child, gently brushes her mother’s hair back, lifts a drink to Helen’s mouth, and carefully feeds her from a plate. The display of tenderness ends with shared laughter between Francesca, her mother, and an unseen companion at the table. Francesca captioned the post with an emotional reminder:
“Reminder to tell your parents you love them because one day you will have to take care of them the way they once took care of you,”
Francesca wrote within the video. —Francesca Scorsese
She added the message Never take health for granted, highlighting the unpredictability and challenges brought by Parkinson’s disease, while tagging #parkinsonsawareness and #martinscorsese to raise awareness.
Martin Scorsese Reflects on Helen Morris’s Long-Term Health Battle
Helen Morris, Martin Scorsese’s wife since 1999, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 30 years ago. The illness, described by the Mayo Clinic as a progressive movement disorder of the nervous system, currently has no cure, though symptoms can be managed. Martin spoke candidly about this ongoing struggle during a February 2024 appearance on the This Life of Mine with James Corden podcast, where he praised Helen’s strength and resilience.
“She’s had Parkinson’s disease for about 30 years now,”
Martin said.
“My complaining is part of my creating and it’s usually self-deprecating. My complaining, I find, is nothing compared to what the suffering that a condition like that does, and so we live with it and it changes how you perceive life and everything around you.”
—Martin Scorsese
Public Appearances Show Family Unity Despite Health Challenges
Throughout the years, Helen Morris has remained a supportive presence alongside Martin Scorsese. Most recently, she appeared with her husband and daughter on the Golden Globes red carpet in January 2024. The family, including Martin’s daughters from previous marriages—Cathy and Domenica—was seen united in support.
The family also attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 for the premiere of Killers of the Flower Moon in France, where both Martin and Francesca assisted Helen physically, helping her stay steady on the red carpet. These moments reflect the ongoing dedication and care within the family amid the difficulties posed by Parkinson’s disease.
Understanding Parkinson’s and Its Impact on Families
Parkinson’s disease affects movement by progressively damaging the nervous system, and while treatments exist to manage symptoms, there is currently no cure. The personal experiences shared by the Scorsese family highlight the emotional and physical impact of the disease—not only on patients but also on their loved ones who provide daily care and support.
Francesca’s heartfelt video stands as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability of health and the enduring bonds between parents and children when faced with chronic illness. Their openness serves to raise awareness and foster empathy around Parkinson’s, encouraging others to cherish their families.
