Michael J. Fox is a Canadian-American actor, author, and activist who was born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is best known for his roles in the popular television series “Family Ties” and the “Back to the Future” film franchise. Fox has also been an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research since he was diagnosed with the condition in 1991.
Biography: Michael J. Fox was born to Phyllis and William Fox, who were both from England. His father was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the family moved frequently during Fox’s childhood. Fox attended high school in Burnaby, British Columbia, and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.
Fox’s breakthrough role came in 1982 when he was cast as Alex P. Keaton in the NBC sitcom “Family Ties.” The show was a huge success and helped Fox become one of the most popular actors of the 1980s. He then went on to star in several hit films, including the “Back to the Future” trilogy and “Teen Wolf.”
In 1991, at the age of 29, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He initially kept his diagnosis private but eventually went public with his condition in 1998. Fox has since become a leading advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and has established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has raised over $1 billion for research into the disease.
Net Worth: As of 2023, Michael J. Fox has a net worth of $65 million. He has earned his fortune through his successful acting career and his advocacy work for Parkinson’s disease research.
Family: Fox has been married to actress Tracy Pollan since 1988, and the couple has four children together: Sam, twins Aquinnah and Schuyler, and Esmé.
Tragedy: Aside from his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Fox has faced several tragedies in his life. In 1996, he underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his spine, which left him temporarily paralyzed. He also struggled with alcoholism after his Parkinson’s diagnosis but has been sober since 1998.
In 2000, Fox underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his brain, which caused him to lose the vision in his right eye. He also had to take a break from acting due to the progression of his Parkinson’s disease.
Despite these challenges, Fox has remained positive and continued to work as an actor and advocate. He has also written several bestselling books, including his memoir “Lucky Man” and his most recent book “No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality.”
In conclusion, Michael J. Fox has had a remarkable career in entertainment, as well as an inspiring journey as an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research. Despite facing significant challenges and tragedies, he has continued to remain positive and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.