Michael J Fox, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in Back to the Future and Family Ties, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at just 29 years old. Nearly 35 years later, the Canadian-American star remains a leading advocate for research while openly sharing his journey with the progressive neurological disorder.
Recently honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025, Fox penned an opinion piece reflecting on his continued mission to accelerate research toward better treatments and a cure. “My journey continues to surprise me, but at its core, it has always been about one thing: working hand-in-hand with a nationwide community to problem-solve and accelerate research toward better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease,” Fox stated.
The actor’s candor about living with Parkinson’s has helped reduce stigma surrounding the condition affecting over one million Americans. Speaking about his experience, Fox acknowledged the weight of maintaining optimism. “I still am Mr. Optimist,” he said during a recent interview, adding that while living with Parkinson’s is a “heavy thing,” he remains committed to his positive outlook.
Since founding The Michael J Fox Foundation in 2000, the organization has raised over $2.5 billion for Parkinson’s research, becoming the world’s largest nonprofit funder of research into the disease. The foundation has significantly accelerated scientific understanding of the condition and pushed forward potential breakthrough treatments.
Despite the physical challenges that come with living with Parkinson’s for over three decades, Fox continues to engage with the community through various initiatives. He shared with CBS News that basic daily activities can be difficult.
“I have a wheelchair that I use every now and then and it still sucks. I have a hard time getting to a restaurant and up the stairs to where my family’s eating perhaps at a dinner. But then I’m there with my son and my three daughters and my wife, and friends of ours. And it’s just like, that’s great,” Fox explained. “I’d like to just not wake up one day. That’d be really cool. I don’t want it to be dramatic. I don’t want to trip over furniture, smash my head.”
The actor’s transparency extends beyond interviews and public appearances. In October 2025, Fox released his fifth book, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, continuing his tradition of sharing his experiences through writing. In his 2023 documentary Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, he didn’t shy away from the harsh realities, stating that “Parkinson’s didn’t just kick me out of the house — it burned the house down”.
Looking toward the future, Fox remains focused on governmental support for research. “The best prize I could receive would be your steadfast partnership, leadership and conviction to making 2025 the year we commit to ending Parkinson’s disease. Together, we can get it done,” he wrote in his USA Today opinion piece.
Through his foundation, advocacy work, and personal testimony, Michael J Fox has transformed his diagnosis into a powerful force for change. His unwavering commitment to finding a cure while living authentically with the disease continues to inspire millions worldwide.