Michael J. Fox’s journey to stardom was marked by significant hardships before he became widely recognized, specifically noted during the mid-1980s. Prior to the release of the iconic 1985 film Back to the Future, Fox had been steadily acting but faced constant setbacks, which he candidly described as being “treated like s—.” His struggles, starting from his roots in Edmonton, Canada, reflected the uphill battle many actors face in Hollywood without strong industry connections.
Fox’s early work included 12 episodes on the Canadian sitcom Leo and Me that helped prepare him for the American television landscape. He then secured the signature role of Alex P. Keaton, the witty conservative son on the popular TV series Family Ties. Despite this success, he still felt constrained as “just a TV actor,” encountering strict boundaries between television and film at the time. This perception made his transition to feature films daunting and led to challenging conditions on set prior to his breakout role.
The Turning Point: From Television to Film Fame
Fox’s career shifted dramatically in 1984 with multiple opportunities converging. He landed the lead in Teen Wolf, renewed his contract for Family Ties’ third season, and received an unexpected call to replace Eric Stoltz in Back to the Future, six weeks into filming. Fox was initially unaware of the turmoil his casting caused in production, focusing instead on navigating this pivotal moment in his career.
Reflecting on those turbulent days, Fox stated,
“I was not aware of what anyone thought about it. I was an actor, I was used to being treated like s—, being called short, being called no good. That’s just what we go through,”
highlighting the harsh reality many actors endure. Although Fox felt the rough treatment, he was determined, explaining,
“You bring yourself into the situation where all your bets are on the table, and you just play your hand. I was five years into it, I had a bit of success with Family Ties, but I had two years of just dumpster diving and insulting conditions. I was ready for my break.”
His persistence paid off as Back to the Future’s critical acclaim and box office success transformed him overnight. Fox described this rapid rise as “a whirlwind,” acknowledging how years of struggle culminated in a sudden surge of opportunity. However, transitioning from TV to film was not seamless, especially given the stigma around crossing between these mediums in the 1980s.
He recalled,
“I was pounding through and doing the best I could. You know when [Lea Thompson] found out I was a TV actor — back in the ’80s, that was a different thing. You couldn’t do both. There was a real Maginot Line. But I just did my thing, and she grew to really be complimentary about it.”
This quote underscores the significant barriers Fox overcame to establish himself firmly in the film industry.
Facing New Battles: The Emergence of Parkinson’s Disease
Though Fox’s performance career flourished through the late 1980s and early 1990s, a new, daunting challenge soon emerged—his health. By 1990, while filming Doc Hollywood, Fox experienced unexplained tremors in his pinky finger, a first sign of Parkinson’s disease that was not immediately understood.
He shared,
“When the pinky started to go, I didn’t know what it was,”
revealing the initial confusion and uncertainty that came with his diagnosis. This condition would eventually become a defining aspect of his life.
Over the years, Fox has been open about the increasing difficulty Parkinson’s presents. In 2023, he remarked,
“I’m not gonna lie. It’s gettin’ hard, it’s gettin’ harder. It’s gettin’ tougher. Every day it’s tougher.”
Despite these struggles, his resilience shines through as he added,
“I can be optimistic as long as I’m grateful… and I can be grateful if I really think about it.”
The Lasting Impact on Michael J. Fox’s Legacy
Michael J. Fox’s story is one of perseverance amid adversity, from the early years of dismissive treatment in Hollywood to his defining roles and ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. His openness about these challenges adds a profound layer to his public image, inspiring many who face their own hardships.
His memoir, Future Boy, offers a detailed account of the critical Back to the Future production period, providing insight into both his professional rise and personal resilience. As Fox continues to face the realities of Parkinson’s, his story encourages awareness and hope, marking his influence beyond entertainment into the realm of advocacy and inspiration.
