Actor Michael J. Fox became an ’80s film sensation with his roles in “Back to the Future” and “Family Ties.” But besides his fame as a film star, the now-retired actor is also highly recognized for his involvement in the advocacy of Parkinson’s disease.
Fox has suffered from the disease for decades now, after he started displaying symptoms of early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 while filming “Doc Hollywood.” He was diagnosed shortly after.
After years of raising awareness and funds for the research of the disease, the actor was recently awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Annual Governors Award.
Harrelson revealed that Fox had not asked for the role of an advocate for the disease, and yet, despite the many blockbusters he appeared in, his advocacy role is, by far, his best performance. According to Harrelson:
“Michael J. Fox sets the ultimate example of how to fight and how to live.”
Fox received the Oscar statuette amid a lengthy standing ovation, and once he began to speak, he was so appreciative that he stated he might start to shake. He gave an emotional speech about his wife of 34 years, Tracy Pollan, for the support she had always given him since his diagnosis. He couldn’t seem to find the right words and fumbled before saying:
“Tracy made it clear she was with me for the duration.”
His wife then kissed him passionately before returning to their seats. Also in attendance to see him receive the award were their four children Sam, twins Schuyler and Aquinnah, and Esme.
What Is the Current State of Michael J. Fox?
The past few years have been tough for the actor. He had an unlucky streak in 2018 after he suffered a broken arm following a risky spinal cord injury.
He has since recovered, and he can walk unassisted for the first time in a long time. During an interview with People in October, the star noted that he was getting to a place where he was walking steadily again:
“I think it’s cool to walk by myself. It is. It’s fantastic.”
Michael J. Fox: His Life With His Wife amid His Fight with the Disease
Fox and Tracy have been married since 1988, but their love only grows stronger. Even after being diagnosed with the illness only three years into their marriage, Tracy never left her husband’s side and has been her primary support.
She has remained loyal and by his side all those years later, and Fox appreciates that he is living his best life now because his wife and children have stayed supportive and love him just the same.
