After a five-year hiatus, Michael J. Fox has made a welcome return to the screen, starring in a supporting role on Apple TV+’s comedy series Shrinking. Known primarily for his iconic work in Back to the Future, Fox’s Michael J Fox acting comeback was announced amid much anticipation, marking his first role since 2020. His decision reflects a blend of humor and passion as he steps back into acting, despite the challenges posed by his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Inspiration Behind the Return
Fox’s return was inspired by a personal connection to the show, which already featured Harrison Ford portraying a character with Parkinson’s disease. Upon discovering this, Fox reached out, expressing his interest in joining the project. He recalled the conversation:
“I said, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’ And he said, ‘Oh, you want to do it?’ And I said, ‘I’d love to do it,’”
Fox said.
“So he said, ‘Let me think about it, see what I can do.’ So he went to work on it and came up with this concept, it’s really good.”
This collaboration created the opportunity for Fox to re-enter acting on terms that accommodated his health, allowing him to bring authenticity and depth to the role.
Challenges and New Approach on Set
Filming Shrinking presented Fox with a unique experience, one he described as remarkably smooth and liberating. Unlike previous roles where Parkinson’s symptoms complicated his performance, he found a way to adapt creatively. Fox shared,
“It was the first time ever I get to show up on-set, and I didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything. I just do it. It was really good, because for the moments when I say, ‘I’m not going to be able to do this,’ then I say, ‘Well, I’ll just deal with how I can’t do it in the scene.’ And you get through it.”
This approach allowed him to embrace his condition honestly, turning potential setbacks into part of the storytelling.
Living with Parkinson’s and Maintaining Resilience
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 and going public with it in 1998, Fox has been open about his journey and the daily realities it brings. He handles each day with careful adjustment, not shying away from the physical challenges. Reflecting on his experience, Fox noted,
“I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it,”
he said.
“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.”
His attitude highlights a commitment to living fully despite the obstacles.
Finding New Creative Purpose
Fox’s return to acting signals a rekindling of his creative spirit, one fueled by the possibilities he sees ahead. He shared,
“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. And as a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do.”
This renewed enthusiasm extends beyond acting, encompassing his broader roles in life and story craft.
Support from Harrison Ford and Colleagues
Harrison Ford also expressed admiration for Fox’s courage and dedication, acknowledging the difficulty of portraying Parkinson’s with respect. He told Variety,
“Michael’s courage, his fortitude and his grace, more than anything else, is on full display. He’s very smart, very brave, noble, generous, passionate guy, and an example to all of us, whether we’re facing Parkinson’s or not.”
Ford emphasized the importance of accuracy and sensitivity when addressing illness in entertainment, adding,
“You cannot help but recognize how amazing it is to have such grace… Parkinson’s is not funny. And I want to get it right. It’s necessary to be correct with what we do in respect of the challenge that Parkinson’s represents, and that we don’t use it for its entertainment value.”
Earlier Retirement and Shift in Priorities
Fox had initially stepped away from acting in 2020, after sharing in his memoir No Time Like the Future that the progression of Parkinson’s was making demanding work difficult. He explained,
“The nascent diminishment in my ability to download words and repeat them verbatim is just the latest ripple in the pond,”
writing,
“There is a time for everything, and my time of putting in a twelve-hour workday, and memorizing seven pages of dialogue, is best behind me. At least for now… But if this is the end of my acting career, so be it.”
Despite this statement, Fox left the door open for future opportunities that fit his circumstances.
New Projects Spark Renewed Engagement
After his retirement, Fox found renewed interest as he participated in the Apple TV+ documentary Still, which reflected on his career and life challenges. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in 2024, he revealed,
“If something came up that I could put my realities into it — my challenges — if I could figure it out,”
he said.
“If someone offers me a [new] part, and I do it, and I have a good time, great.”
This openness led directly to his role in Shrinking, which has excited fans eagerly awaiting the show’s third season.
The Significance of Fox’s Return
Michael J Fox’s comeback to acting on Shrinking is a meaningful milestone that highlights resilience and adaptability. By embracing roles that reflect his real-life experiences, he brings depth and authenticity to his work, setting an inspiring example for others living with Parkinson’s. This return not only enriches the series but also reaffirms Fox’s enduring contribution to entertainment, showing that meaningful storytelling continues despite personal challenges. His ongoing passion suggests that fans can expect more from him in the future as he balances his roles as actor, writer, parent, and advocate.
