Michael J. Fox
The actor is “not afraid of death”
Michael J. Fox has had Parkinson’s for many years.
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Michael J. Fox has had Parkinson’s for many years. Admittedly, “some days are a struggle,” he admits. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic.
Michael J. Fox (60) has had Parkinson’s disease since the early 1990s. In a current interview with “AARP” the actor admits that “some days are a struggle” and “harder than others”. Still, Fox did not lose his optimism: “The disease is part of my life – it is not the engine.”
He sees himself as a happy person: As a wealthy person, he has “access to things that others do not have”. Fox does not want to compare himself to “someone who has Parkinson’s disease who has to quit his job and find a new way of life. I’m really lucky.” The 60-year-old has “no morbid thoughts” and “no fear of death”. Rather, he tries to be grateful for everything. Because: “Gratitude keeps optimism alive.”
In “Back to the Future” he was “better than I thought”
The actor, who is known for his role as Marty McFly in the film trilogy “Back to the Future”, said the film series had lifted his spirits lately. “I came across it on television last Christmas,” says the 60-year-old about the 80s films. “And I thought I was really good at it – better than I thought.” He understood that “we occasionally have to take a step back and realize that there is a lot in life that was great and that there is a lot more to live”.
Because of his Parkinson’s disease, he “gave up a lot”. It doesn’t help if he has to do one thing several times and feels stressed as a result. For example, he told of a situation with his wife Tracy Pollan (61): When he recently wanted to put on his shoes, she asked him: “Should I help you?” Fox replied, “Well, it takes me a few minutes to put my shoes on. If you do it, it’ll only take a minute.” Because of this, he has to “weigh up” a lot in his life.
Michael J. Fox wants to leave a lasting legacy
Michael J. Fox also spoke about his legacy. He hopes his children will “have a positive impact on the world,” that people will “enjoy and love his work as an actor,” and “see the sincerity in the things I have said and done.” He also added, “When I’ve made positive contributions to someone with Parkinson’s, that’s great too.”
Michael J. Fox has had Parkinson’s disease since 1991, and in 1998 he made his illness public. He ended his acting career last year. Fox and his wife Tracy, with whom he has been married since 1988, have four children: Esmé (20), the twins Aquinnah and Schuyler (26) and Sam (32).