Michael J. Fox is a Canadian-American actor, author, and activist. He was born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His full name is Michael Andrew Fox, but he chose to use the initial “J” as a tribute to actor Michael J. Pollard.
Early Life and Career
Fox’s parents, William and Phyllis Fox, were both from England and moved to Canada in the late 1950s. Fox was the youngest of their four children. He was interested in acting from a young age and started taking drama classes when he was 15.
Fox’s first acting role was in a Canadian TV series called “Leo and Me” in 1976. He then landed a role in the Canadian TV series “The Magic Lie” in 1977. Fox’s big break came in 1982 when he was cast as Alex P. Keaton in the hit TV series “Family Ties.”
Success and Parkinson’s Disease
“Family Ties” made Fox a household name and he went on to star in several successful movies, including “Back to the Future,” “Teen Wolf,” and “The Secret of My Success.” In 1991, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the nervous system.
Despite his diagnosis, Fox continued to act and became an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research. He founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which has become the largest private funder of Parkinson’s research in the world.
Personal Life
Fox has been married to actress Tracy Pollan since 1988. They have four children together: Sam, twins Aquinnah and Schuyler, and Esmé. Fox has been open about the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease, including the impact it has on his personal life.
Achievements and Awards
Fox has received numerous awards for his acting and advocacy work. He has won four Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2010, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest honors.
Conclusion
Michael J. Fox’s life has been full of challenges and achievements. Despite his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, he has continued to act and become a leading advocate for Parkinson’s research. His work has helped to raise awareness and funding for the disease and has inspired countless others to do the same.
