The Biography of Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox, a Canadian and American film actor, had his brilliant career cut short when Parkinson's disease struck. Known globally as Marty McFly from the Oscar-winning sci-fi comedy "Back to the Future," he is a recipient of "Saturn," "Golden Globe," and "Emmy" awards, and holds two personal stars on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and Canada. "Times" magazine named him one of the "100 individuals whose power, talent, and moral example have transformed the world." A director and producer, he's written books about his battle with Parkinson's disease.
Childhood and Family
Michael Andrew Fox was born in the summer of 1961, becoming the fourth child of Bill Fox and Phyllis Piper. His mother was an actress who switched to office work for steadier income after having two more kids. His father's military service meant the family moved around a lot. From Edmonton, where Michael was born, Bill was stationed in various Canadian cities. The kids changed schools repeatedly until their father retired in 1974.
Nevertheless, a drama instructor suggested that Michael try his hand at acting. The energetic kid with expressive features was a natural. With his teacher's help, Fox started going to auditions and landing TV roles.
First Roles
The young Canadian's persistence and determination landed him roles in the series "Palmerstown, USA" (Willy-Joe Hall), "Trapper John, M.D." (Elliot Schweitzer), and the comedy "Midnight Madness" (Scott). Since there was already an actor with the same name, he borrowed the middle initial from his idol, actor Michael J. Pollard, and from then on was credited as Michael J. Fox.The aspiring actor dreamed of landing a major role, but his film career didn't take off as he'd hoped. Hoping to look "more solid" despite his modest height, Fox tried gaining weight, but it only made things worse. Just when he was losing hope of making it big in Hollywood, Michael landed one of the lead roles in the TV series "Family Ties" (1982 – 1989).
The success was indeed massive. His portrayal of Alex P. Keaton earned him three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe over the show's run. Up next, Michael J. Fox would take on new roles, including the one that would launch him to global superstardom.That guy was much closer to the Canadian kid who worshipped rock stars like Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page—and dreamed of being one himself. But I was not a rock star. I was an idiot who never grasped the main thing: I achieved everything because I really had some skills. I saw myself as someone who'd just won the lottery and didn't respect my own abilities. I'd ride in limos with my head sticking out the sunroof, a beer in each hand, thinking: who would've believed that I—me!—could achieve this kind of success?
"Back to the Future"
In the mid-eighties, director Robert Zemeckis spotted Michael J. Fox on "Family Ties" and knew instantly he'd found his lead for the sci-fi adventure "Back to the Future." The TV show's producers weren't having it – they refused to let Michael juggle both projects, and he didn't want to abandon "Family Ties" anyway.
Further Career
After the success of the "Back to the Future" trilogy, leading role offers came flooding in. Michael excelled in the comedy "Teen Wolf" (as Scott Howard), in the family film "Poison Ivy" (as camp counselor Dennis Baxter), and in the musical drama "Light of Day" (as rock musician Joe Rasnick).
Disease
In 1998, Michael delivered devastating news to his fans - doctors had diagnosed him with Parkinson's disease, a degenerative condition affecting the central nervous system. The actor had actually learned of his diagnosis back in 1991 at just 30 years old - shocking because Parkinson's typically affects older adults.
In 2018, doctors discovered a tumor in Michael's spine. Fortunately, it was benign. Following surgery, he spent four months in a wheelchair, having to relearn how to walk. After rehabilitation, just when he thought the worst was over, he fell in his apartment and broke his arm. Michael later recalled this as the darkest period of his life:
With his wife's support and comfort from watching his favorite '70s shows, Michael eventually found his optimism again. While he can no longer dance, play guitar, or draw, he's found comfort in writing and spending time with his family.I was standing in the kitchen, leaning against the wall, waiting for an ambulance, thinking about how pathetic I felt. In that moment, I didn't know how I was going to handle this. I thought: «I can't handle this gracefully. There's nothing good about what happened to me, no silver lining. All I have left is pain and regret.
Michael J. Fox's Personal Life
The actor is a one-woman man through and through. During the filming of "Family Ties," he met actress Tracy Pollan - she played Ellen, the girlfriend of his character Alex.
The actor seemed serious with actress Nancy McKeon, then he was rumored to be having an affair with Courteney Cox, who joined the cast of "Family Ties."
In February 1995, the couple welcomed twins Skylar and Aquinnah, and in November 2001, another daughter, Esme, was born. The whole family lives in Manhattan and supports their patriarch with all their might. Michael continues to battle his disease, despite announcing his complete retirement from acting in fall 2020.Michael's diagnosis made me forget about my hypochondria. But he is so relaxed and has so naturally accepted everything that has happened to him that life seems to have become easier for me, for the children, and for everyone around.
