About 35 years ago, when Tracy Pollan vowed to stand by Michael J. Fox “for better or for worse and in sickness and in health,” she meant every single word. Since Fox’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease just three years into their marriage, Pollan has steadfastly remained by his side, “on the front lines” with him every day.
With tears in his eyes, the retired actor speaks warmly of his wife, “One of the things I’ll always appreciate about Tracy is that at the moment of diagnosis, she didn’t blink.” Discover more about this remarkable couple’s enduring relationship!
Michael J. Fox gained fame as the ambitious and intelligent Alex P. Keaton on the popular TV show Family Ties, which aired from 1982 to 1989. The young actor was on the brink of becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, adored worldwide for his charm and good looks.
However, when he met Tracy Pollan, who played his girlfriend Ellen Reed on the acclaimed series, everything changed. Pollan, now 63, and Fox, 62, tied the knot in 1988, right when his TV success was setting the stage for his iconic role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy.
In 1991, during the release of his film Doc Hollywood, the Emmy Award-winning actor received the life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29.
In a heartfelt moment in November 2022, while accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Fox reflected on his challenging journey with Parkinson’s. “I was told I only had 10 years left to work. It was devastating,” he shared. “The hardest part was coming to terms with the absolute certainty of the diagnosis coupled with the uncertainty of how it would progress. But my wife Tracy assured me she was with me for the long haul. That certainty meant the world to me, especially for our young son Sam, who didn’t have a choice in the matter.”
The children
The couple has been blessed with a wonderful family — son Sam Michael, 34, twin daughters Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, 29, and daughter Esmé Annabelle, 22. In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Fox explained how his children effortlessly assist him, saying, “They’ve learned empathy and resilience, skills to distinguish what truly matters from what doesn’t.”
Michael J. Fox maintains a close relationship with his grown children, who often make appearances on his Instagram. Reflecting on their bond, Fox celebrated Mother’s Day 2022 with a tribute to Pollan: “Our children are lovely, sensitive, intelligent, and independent because of you. We all love you so much, Tracy.”
‘In sickness and in health’
In March 2023, the couple sat down with People magazine to discuss their unwavering support for one another. Pollan shared, “We focus on listening to and being there for each other, providing space when necessary. We try to sense what’s needed and respond to it.”
Fox added heartfelt praise for his wife, saying, “Tracy gives our family everything we need. Any goodness in our family comes from her.”
During an interview on CBS Mornings in early November 2023, Fox humorously remarked about their long-lasting marriage, “It’s been great for me, though I’m not sure what it’s like for her!” He continued to express admiration for Pollan, acknowledging her patience and strength, reflecting that she has lived an independent life beyond his public personas.
Known for his voice role as Chance in the 1993 family film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Fox recounted how Pollan remained true to her marriage vows despite his diagnosis. He remarked, “I didn’t know what the future held, and neither did she. But she promised to be there for the long run, and she has been for 35 years.”
Fox concluded, “Tracy stands by me every day on the front lines. She stays engaged without pretending to know all that I do.”
In a 2020 interview with Today, Fox, moved by emotion when speaking of Pollan, said: “I will always love Tracy for never wavering at the moment of diagnosis.”
Michael J. Fox, a multiple award-winning actor, founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised nearly $2 billion towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological disorder. As for Fox himself, his wit and charm remain sharp as ever.
“I’ll leave behind a legacy with my reruns, offering me a touch of immortality,” he playfully remarked, showcasing his enduring charisma.
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