Michael J. Fox, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 1991, announced he is stepping back into acting with a role in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking. The 64-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles as Marty McFly and Mike Flaherty, shared in a recent People interview that this new character also lives with Parkinson’s, allowing Fox to bring an authentic perspective to the role. Despite retiring more than once due to health challenges, Fox’s commitment to his craft remains strong.
Fox first paused his acting career in 2000 after leaving Spin City but took on roles intermittently before retiring again in 2020 as symptoms progressed. He expressed relief about working under less physical strain this time around, emphasizing the freedom to perform without worrying about his health limitations on set.
It was the first time ever I [got] to show up on set and I didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything,
he said.
I just do it.
Balancing New Projects and Advocacy
Alongside his acting return, Fox is preparing to publish his new memoir, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, scheduled for release on October 14. The book serves as both a reflection on his legendary role as Marty McFly and a chronicle of his personal journey battling Parkinson’s.
Fox remains heavily involved with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which he founded in 2000. The foundation plays a central role in advancing research to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s worldwide. His upcoming projects and advocacy reflect his multifaceted identity—not only as an actor and writer, but also as a devoted parent and husband who has much left to contribute.
I see other people’s work, and it makes me think that I might be able to find something that’s for me as an actor and as a writer,
Fox told People.
And as a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do.
Despite the challenges of his illness, Fox described the past year as “really positive” and “really energizing” while recognizing it has been physically demanding.
I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it,
he explained.
I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it. I roll around in a wheelchair a lot, and it took some getting used to. You take the good, and you seize it.
Living with Parkinson’s: Reflections and Challenges Documented
Fox has shared many aspects of his experience with Parkinson’s, particularly in the 2023 documentary Still, where he opened up about the physical and emotional impact of the disease. Parkinson’s causes tremors and can freeze his body and facial expressions, making simple gestures like smiling difficult.
Every tremor is like a seismic jolt,
Fox said in the film, describing how the illness affects both his movement and ability to express emotion.
People express to me that I make them feel better and make them do things they might not otherwise do,
he shared.
That’s the most powerful thing. It’s a huge responsibility … I don’t want to f*** it up.
Diagnosed at 29, Fox initially kept his condition private for seven years, during which he struggled with alcohol as a way to cope. Now sober for over three decades, he acknowledges how fear fueled his addiction.
I was sullen and angry,
he recalled.
Fear
led to his drinking, he said.
Fox describes Parkinson’s as a “movement disorder” that paradoxically has forced him to find stillness and presence in his daily life, a state he could not achieve before.
The thing that I learned is that I couldn’t be still in my life. I couldn’t be present in my life,
he said.
Until I found this — this thing that happened to me that made me present in every moment of my life.
The Ongoing Journey and Impact of Michael J. Fox’s Work
As Michael J. Fox continues to face the obstacles Parkinson’s presents, his openness about the disease brings attention to the condition and inspires many. His new acting role, upcoming book, and advocacy efforts contribute to ongoing public awareness and research funding. Fox’s resilience shines as he adapts to physical challenges and embraces opportunities that reflect both his personal and professional life.
By sharing his experiences, Fox highlights the importance of perseverance and presence, offering hope for those impacted by Parkinson’s disease and encouraging society to engage with this widespread illness differently.
