Michael J. Fox Opens Up About Parkinson’s and His Health

Michael J. Fox opens up about Parkinson's and declining health: ”I'm not gonna be 80”

Everyone loves Michael J. Fox. From his iconic role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy to his incredible work raising money for Parkinson’s research, he’s one of the most beloved stars in the world.

But while the actor, now 61, has always shown optimism about his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he’s also honest about the toll it has taken on his health and wellbeing.

In a recent interview, Fox got candid about his mortality, stating that living with Parkinson’s is becoming more difficult and he doesn’t expect to live to 80.

“I’m Not Gonna Be 80”

Speaking with CBS Sunday Morning anchor Jane Pauley, Fox admitted that while he has made the most of his life despite the diagnosis, he can feel Parkinson’s “banging on the door.”

“I’m not gonna lie. It’s getting hard, it’s getting harder. It’s getting tougher,” the retired actor said. “Every day it’s tougher. But, that’s the way it is. I mean, you know, who do I see about that?”

Fox underwent spinal surgery recently after a tumor was found on his spine. Although it was benign, it affected his ability to walk and resulted in several injuries from falling.

The Back to the Future star explained that falling is a major risk for people with Parkinson’s, along with aspirating food and developing pneumonia.

“You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s,” Fox said. “I’ve been thinking about the mortality of it. … I’m not gonna be 80. I’m not gonna be 80.”

Despite these challenges, Fox maintains optimism, and in a previous interview with People Magazine, he stated, “It’s been a struggle, but I’m happy. I say that because I hope on some level people can find happiness in spite of what they’re going through.”

Michael J. Fox Foundation

While Fox acknowledges the reality of his mortality, he has dedicated his life to finding a cure for this incurable disease. In 2000, he established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which is the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research. The foundation has raised over $1 billion for research projects.

Recently, the foundation achieved a significant breakthrough by developing a highly accurate biomarker test for Parkinson’s disease. This test can detect the disease at the molecular level, even before the onset of symptoms. It is expected to revolutionize drug development and improve clinical care.

Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Retirement

Michael J. Fox received his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1991 and was given a stark prognosis. He publicly announced his condition in 1998. Fox has been open about his struggles to come to terms with the disease, including battles with depression and heavy alcohol consumption.

Throughout his acting career, Fox continued to work while keeping his diagnosis a secret. He starred in the sitcom Spin City, winning awards for his performance. However, due to his health, he ultimately retired from the show during its fourth season.

He continued acting in recurring roles and voiceover work until 2020, when he announced he would likely be retiring from acting due to further declines in health.

In his recent book No Time Like the Future, Fox reflects on his journey and writes, “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.”

A New Documentary and a Message of Strength

A new documentary about Michael J. Fox, titled Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, will premiere on Apple TV+ on May 12. As he continues to battle Parkinson’s, we wish him strength and positivity. Thank you, Michael, for all the important work you are doing.

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