Actor Michael J Fox, famed for his roles in iconic television shows and films, recently opened up about his life with Parkinson’s disease in a new documentary titled Still: A Michael J Fox Movie. In a recent sit-down with The Times, the 64-year-old actor shared his experience living with a degenerative neurological disease. He talked about being diagnosed at 29, moved on to speak about the progression of his illness, and concluded with his desire for a peaceful conclusion to his life.
Fox’s diagnosis has had a serious effect on the actors career, forcing him into fewer on-screen appearances through the years. In fact, he made his retirement from acting official five years ago. He’s gone on to make other guest appearances since then—on shows like Scrubs, The Good Wife, and Rescue Me—which even brought him another Emmy award!
Living with Parkinson’s Disease
In the documentary, Fox candidly shares his journey living with Parkinson’s disease, detailing the challenges he faces as the condition progresses. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of the disease, saying, “There’s no timeline, there’s no series of stages that you go through — not in the same way that you would, say, with prostate cancer. It’s much more mysterious and enigmatic.”
Fox’s advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s has positioned him as a pop culture icon. For this last reason, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The foundation has raised more than $2 billion to accelerate finding a cure. His contributions to both film and advocacy earned him the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his efforts to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease.
A Looking Toward the Future
In a powerful essay reflecting on his own mortality, Fox wrote that he hoped for some kind of an “undramatic death.” He told me that he wished for nothing more than to not wake up one day. Still, it’s hope that his departure won’t be a painful or dramatic one. “That’d be really cool. I don’t want it to be dramatic. I don’t want to come home, stub my toe on furniture, crack my skull,” he said.
Even with these musings, Fox is still committed to getting the most out of life. He highlighted his ongoing challenges with the disease but his resilience, saying, “I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it.” His attitude reflects a profound commitment to his family and friends, as he noted, “As a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do.”
Returning to the Screen
Fox is returning for a second go-round! After a lengthy absence from acting on a regular basis, Williams will return next year in a three-episode arc on the Apple TV+ comedy-drama Shrinking. He expressed gratitude for this opportunity, stating, “It was the first time ever I got to show up on-set, and I didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything.” Kevin’s return represents one of the greatest intersections in his career, displaying his undying durability and vigor for his craft as a journalist and actor.
Fox’s story is as much about resilience as it is about hope and inspiration. His experiences highlight the importance of advocacy and awareness surrounding Parkinson’s disease while illustrating how one can continue to lead a fulfilling life despite significant challenges.
