‘I Won’t Be 80’: Michael J Fox Opens Up About Life with Parkinson’s
Beloved actor Michael J Fox, known for his iconic role in Back to the Future, recently shared his experiences living with Parkinson’s disease during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning. Despite facing numerous challenges since his diagnosis at the age of 29, Fox continues to show remarkable resilience and optimism.
Fox, now 61, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease right after the release of Back to the Future Part III in 1990. During his conversation with Jane Pauley, he candidly reflected on his journey, saying, “It sucks, having Parkinson’s… It’s getting tougher, it’s getting harder, every day you suffer but that’s the way it is.”
This condition, characterized by the gradual deterioration of certain parts of the brain, manifests through symptoms like tremors, slow movements, and rigid muscles. Fox explained how it has led to frequent injuries, including broken bones in his face and a benign tumor on his spine. “You don’t die from Parkinson’s, you die with (the condition). I’m not going to be 80. I won’t be 80,” he shared.
Despite these hardships, Fox maintains a positive outlook, saying, “I recognize how hard this is for people and recognize how hard it is for me but I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff and I realize, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable. If you can find something to be grateful for then you find something to look forward to and you carry on.”
In 2000, Fox established the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has since raised over $1.75 billion for research, according to its website. Recently, the foundation supported a pivotal study revealing a biomarker for Parkinson’s. Fox expressed hope, saying, “This changes everything. I know where we are right now. In five years, they will be able to tell if you have it, they will be able to tell if you’re ever going to get it and we’ll know how to treat it.”
Now retired, Fox spends time with his wife Tracy Pollan and their four children. In 2020, he was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Oscar acknowledging his significant philanthropic contributions. This acknowledgment beautifully highlights his dedication to making a difference despite personal struggles.
As he continues to inspire many, Fox’s story has been captured in the Apple TV+ documentary, “Still: A Michael J Fox Movie,” offering an intimate glimpse into his life and unyielding spirit.
