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Michael J Fox falls during Back to the Future event amid devastating Parkinson’s battle

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Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox took a tumble during the panel event (Picture: Ouzounova / SplashNews.com)

Michael J Fox suffered an unfortunate tumble on stage during a Back to the Future Q&A panel.

The 61-year-old actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 1991 when he was just 29 years old.

He recently revealed that managing his illness – in which parts of the brain are progressively damaged – has become ‘much harder’.

Over the weekend, the Stuart Little star was joined by his Back to the Future co-stars Christopher Lloyd, 84, and Tom Wilson, 64, for the event held in Philadelphia.

Michael tripped over his feet while walking on the stage, but luckily the sofa broke his fall and the retired actor recovered with grace and continued the event.

This comes after recently revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis is getting ‘harder and tougher’ 

Michael J. Fox takes a tumble and falls on to the couch on stage during
The star fell during the Back to the Future Q&A panel (Picture: Ouzounova / SplashNews.com)
Michael J. Fox
Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 1991(Picture: Ouzounova / SplashNews.com)

Michael has been open about his battle with the brain disorder, which causes uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

‘I’m not gonna be 80. I’m not going to lie, it’s getting hard, it’s getting harder. Every day is tougher. But, but that’s – that’s the way it is,’ he said in a preview clip for his upcoming appearance on CBS’ Sunday Mornings.

Recently speaking about the work being done by his foundation, Michael said the team had helped in the breakthrough that has found a biomarker for Parkinson’s.

Michael J. Fox
The actor quickly recovered and carried on with the event (Picture: Ouzounova / SplashNews.com)
Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future II.
Michael starred alongside Christopher Lloyd in the Back To The Future trilogy (Picture: Amblin/ Universal/ Kobal/ REX/ Shutterstock)

‘It’s a biomarker, a way to identify the disease before the disease is present. By the time I was diagnosed, I had a little twitch in my pinky but…with this, we can identify the disease really early and help progression and essentially cure ahead of the game,’ he told Entertainment Tonight.

Earlier this year, he insisted that despite his health struggles, he ‘didn’t have time to feel sorry’ for himself.

As well as featuring in the Back to the Future trilogy, Michael also starred in Teen Wolf and The Secret of My Success, as well as in shows like The Good Fight in more recent times.

While he’s continued to act after the diagnosis, he’s said it is now harder to memorise lines due to the effects of the condition.

‘When I did the spinoff from The Good Wife, which is The Good Fight, I couldn’t remember the lines. I just had this blank, I couldn’t remember the lines,’ explained on the Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast.

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Ben Stiller appears in unearthed footage with other Hollywood stars auditioning for Back To The Future – and what a different film it could have been 

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Back to the future.
Ben Stiller shocked fans when his face appeared in vintage interview footage (Picture: Getty / Universal Pictures)

Ben Stiller joined a host of other famous faces that appeared in unearthed audition tapes for Back To The Future. 

The 57-year-old Hollywood star was shown running lines for the iconic 80s smash hit film as he auditioned for the part of Marty McFly. 

Posted to Twitter, a compilation video from decades ago reappeared and featured a plethora of A-listers reading for roles in the film. 

It was shared to an account with the username All The Right Movies and carried a caption that read: ‘Great footage of cast auditions for BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985), featuring some very familiar faces.’ 

The clip began with an extremely young Billy Zane, now 57, acting out scenes as the movie’s antagonist Biff Tannen – ultimately played by Thomas F. Wilson in the finished project. 

It moved on and viewers watched as 21 Jump Street’s Peter DeLuise, 57, read for the same role as Billy. 

Auditioning actors.
The A-listers battled it out for the main parts in the film (Picture: Universal Pictures / Twitter)

Next came Kyra Sedgwick, 57, who auditioned for the part of Jennifer Parker at the time – a character that was later embodied by Claudia Wells. 

C. Thomas Howell, 56, was also part of the vintage footage as he put himself forward for the main role of Marty McFly, the character gave Michael J Fox a platform when the film hit cinemas. 

Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer, 58, followed the star in pursuing the lead part and read his lines in the montage that was doing the rounds on social media. 

Last to make his appearance was none other than Along Came Polly actor Ben who was filmed trying his best to bag the role as a much younger version of himself. 

In the tape, the star could be heard reading lines that went like: ‘Lorraine, lately I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t know anything about my parents,’ in response to the character’s mother, Lorriane – who was played by Lea Thompson – in the blockbuster. 

Biff actors.
Billy and Peter were up for the part of Biff (Picture: Universal Pictures / Twitter)
Kyra.
Kyra wanted to play Jennifer (Picture: Universal Pictures / Twitter)
Ben Stiller.
Ben audition for the lead role of Marty (Picture: Twitter / All The Right Movies)

Ben continued: ‘Have you ever been, like, in a situation where … well, you know you have to act a certain way but when you get there, you’re not sure you can really go through with it?’

Fans reacted to the throwback with utter joy as they watched their favourite stars try out for the cult classic.

One penned: ‘Movie is so iconic, you can’t see anyone else in the roles. I will say Kyra did the best.’

Another said: ‘Jesus Christ Kyra Sedgwick didn’t age A THING.’

‘Amazing, as good as these actors are, it would have been terrible with a different cast,’ a separate user suggested.

The set of famous actors’ auditions was released as part of the Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy set.

The film was released in 1985 and was famed for its take on American science fiction.

It was directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred Michael, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, and Thomas.

Earning itself a reputation for being a cult classic, the story was set in the 80s and followed Marty McFly who was accidentally sent back to life in 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean automobile.

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Michael J. Fox claims a cure for Parkinson’s disease is ‘closer than ever’ after raising over 2 billion dollars

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Michael J. Fox has raised over two billion dollars for Parkinson’s disease and has now claimed that a cure is ‘closer than it’s ever been.’

The actor and activist first began getting symptoms of early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 and was diagnosed shortly afterward. The disease is described by the NHS as ‘a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.’

Seven years later he spoke publicly after his diagnosis and has been a huge advocate for research.

While speaking to Lorraine Kelly on her morning show the 61-year-old told the host about the positive steps forward in the bid to find a cure for the disease.

‘I feel it’s [a cure] closer than it’s ever been,’ he explained.

‘I think we’ve found this biomarker which is huge, identifying the disease and therefore being able to treat it earlier.

Michael J. Fox
Michael began getting symptoms for Parkinson’s in 1991 (Picture: AP)

‘It was a gigantic breakthrough, we didn’t expect to make it this soon. We were working on it for a long time, ten years ago we talked about it.’

Michael was on the show to promote his new film Still, which documents his life living with Parkinson’s disease and features his wife Tracy Pollan, 62, and four adult children – Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esmé.

Speaking about his wife of 35 years who he met on the set of Family Ties, Micheal said, ‘She was amazing. 

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
Michael and Tracy have been married for 35 years (Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation)

‘When I met her I was kind of doing the show and I was just coming off the movie, everything in the world was mine. The world was my oyster, a hot shot,’ he added.

‘And then I met this girl from New York who just shut me down and straightened me out and I knew in that moment, that I was in love with her.’

He continued: ‘Tracy is one of the funniest people on this planet and my kids are all funny.

Michael J Fox and Lorraine
Michael J Fox was interviewed by Lorraine (Picture: ITV)

‘I think funny is our first response to anything. We say ‘What’s funny about this?’ It could be some colossal, horrible thing. 

‘We love each other, we have a good time, we laugh a lot.

‘I’m thrilled with life, I love life. I’m a very happy person. It’s good, I’m 61 years old and that’s amazing in itself.’

He also spoke about his busy schedule back in the day doing Back to the Future and Family Ties at the same time. He stated: ‘I don’t know how I did it,’ before adding he was ‘just so hungry for it.’

Michael explained his attitude to life that keeps him upbeat.

‘I think it helps to be silly, I think you’ve got to be silly sometimes in the face of things that are really daunting and threatening,’ he told Lorraine.

‘And you have to be compassionate for the people around you, look at what they’re going through.’

Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV. Still is in cinemas and on Apple TV+ from today.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

The NHS describes Parkinson’s Disease as ‘a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.’ It is caused by ‘loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain.’ It is most likely to affect people over 50.

Main symptoms include:

  • Involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor)
  • Slow movement
  • Stiff and inflexible muscles

They can also experience:

  • depression and anxiety
  • balance problems (this may increase the chances of a fall)
  • loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
  • problems sleeping (insomnia)
  • memory problems

See a GP if you’re concerned that you may have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

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Woody Harrelson drank actual cobra blood with Michael J Fox during a Thailand trip in the 1980s

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Woody Harrelson has revealed quite gruesome details from a decades-ago trip with Michael J Fox, and it involves the pair drinking actual cobra blood.

Yep. Cobra blood.

The Natural Born Killers actor shared the wild story from his friendship with the Back To The Future star before handing him an honorary Oscar at the 13th Annual Governors Awards over the weekend.

Offering up the anecdote to a star-studded audience, Woody let slip some tales from a 1989 trip to Thailand slip, exposing the pair’s antics.  

He revealed they drank the snake’s blood mixed with Thai whiskey to the detriment of his friend’s weak stomach.

The actor explained: ‘Mike promptly vomited his snake cocktail – he never could hold his cobra blood.’

The Hunger Games star told the audience that he visited his friend on the set of Casualties of War before the duo headed into the jungle, where Michael came up with the bright idea.

Michael J. Fox and US actor Woody Harrelson
The pair of friends visited the country in the 80s (Picture: VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
Woody Harrelson
Woody delivered the speech about Michael while presenting him with an honorary Oscar

According to Woody, the Annie actor gave someone ‘thousands of [Thai] baht, which probably amounted to about $16’ to take them safely off the beaten track.

They were then escorted to a place where they saw a fight between ‘a cobra and a mongoose’.

Woody said: ‘I didn’t believe it. I look in there and Mike is sitting next to this kid with dozens of cobras all around them ready to strike and — no jest.

‘And the kid was toying with these cobras.

Woody Harrelson and Michael J Fox
Michael was being recognised for his work for Parkinson’s Disease (Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Michael J. Fox hugs his wife Tracy Pollan
Michael was supported by his wife Tracy Pollan as he accepted his award (Picture: Getty Images)

‘He taunted a bunch of these cobras and then he found the orneriest cobra, grabbed it by the neck, threw it in a cage with mongoose, where I saw the craziest fight I’ve ever seen between any animals other than studio executives.

‘You guys know I’m kidding… and the mongoose won, they took the snake, tied it by its tail, ran the blood out, half-filled four glasses with cobra blood and half with Thai whiskey.’

He further explained that drinking the blood is referred to as ‘becoming brother to the snake’, although Michael’s stomach wasn’t quite ready to adopt new siblings as he spewed up the dangerous cocktail.

Woody teased: ‘Mike and I drink lots of things together and he can hold his own — what can I say, he’s Canadian.’

The Marty McFly actor took to the stage to accept the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award that recognised his Parkinson’s disease work and his own Michael J. Fox Foundation.

In response to his close friend’s full disclosure, Michael said: ‘I love you. We did some damage.

‘We did some damage in the ’80s.’

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Michael J Fox supported by loving family and Back to the Future co-star Christopher Lloyd as he’s awarded honorary Oscar

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Michael J Fox and his wife at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences 13th Governors Awards
Fox with his wife Tracy ahead of accepting the presitigious hnorary Academy Award (Picture: Emma McIntyre/WireImage)

Michael J Fox was supported by his family, Back to the Future co-star Christopher Lloyd and actor pal Woody Harrelson as he received the Academy’s prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award on Saturday night.

Th 61-year-old accepted the honorary Oscar at the 13th Annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles in Los Angeles, surrounded by his closest supporters.

The famous statuette is awarded to someone ‘in the motion picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry’ and is named after one of Hollywood’s original – and most active – philanthropists, the Danish actor and translator Hersholt.

Fox was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991, a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

Symptoms include involuntary shaking, slow movement, stiff and inflexible muscles and memory issues.

The multiple Emmy Award winner was given the gong for his tireless campaigning and fundraising for research into the disease through The Michael J Fox Foundation, which he founded in 2000, and has so far raised $1.5billion (£1.26billion).

Michael J Fox and family at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences 13th Governors Awards
(L-R) Sam Fox, Esme Fox, mum Tracy, dad Michael, Aquinnah Fox and Schuyler Fox at the 13th Annaul Governors Awards (Picture: Emma McIntyre/WireImage)
Michael J. Fox accepts the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award with wife Tracy Pollan onstage during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards
He received a kiss from wife Tracy ahead of accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Picture: Getty)
Woody Harrelson congratulates Michael J. Fox, winner of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, onstage during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards
Fox also shared a hug with Harrelson, who was there to present the award to him (Picture: Getty)

Fox walked the red carpet looking suave in black tie and black canvas shoes, alongside his wife of 34 years, Tracy Pollan, who sparkled in a floor-length sequinned black gown.

They were joined by their four children: son Sam, 33, twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, 27, and youngest daughter Esmé, 21.

Also there to support Fox was the Dr Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown to his Marty McFly, Christopher Lloyd, 84, with his fifth wife, Lisa Loiacona, 52.

Euzhan Palcy, Michael J. Fox, Diane Warren and Peter Weir at the Academy's 13th Governors Awards
Award winners Euzhan Palcy, Michael J Fox, Diane Warren and Peter Weir (Picture: Getty)

The pair first lit up the screen in 1985 in Back to The Future 37 years ago, which was largely based in 1955, before returning for two sequels in 1989 – based in 2015 – and 1990, which saw them travel to the Wild West in 1885.

They recently had fans in tears with an emotional onstage reunion at New York Comic Con in October.

The pair laughed and heaped praise upon one another, while also sharing a fierce hug.

Fox also shared a hug with Harrelson on Saturday night, saying: ‘Thank you so much for being here, and I love you. We did some damage. We did some damage in the 80s.

Lisa Lloyd and Christopher Lloyd attend the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards
Christopher Lloyd was also at the event with his wife, Lisa (Picture: Getty)
Actors Christopher Lloyd (L) and Michael J. Fox at New York Comic Con 2022 - Day 3
The Back to the Future co-stars had delighted fans with an onstage reuion at New York Comic Con in October (Picture: Getty)

‘I heard an expression the other day I’ve never heard before, “Oh, they were 80s famous.” And I thought, “Yeah, son of a b*tch, that was a different deal!”’

He also called his award ‘a wholly unexpected honour’ for which he was ‘truly grateful’ after making a crack that the crowd’s cheers and applause were ‘making him shake’.

Other honourees on Saturday night were filmmaker Euzhan Palcy, songwriter Diane Warren – who recieved her award from none other than Cher – and director Peter Weir.

Earlier this year, The Spin City star opened up on how Parkinson’s has affected his memory, explaining on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast: ‘When I did the spinoff from The Good Wife, which is The Good Fight, I couldn’t remember the lines. I just had this blank, I couldn’t remember the lines.’

He added: ‘I have 70 pages of dialogue on a [Brian] De Palma movie, and knowing that a hugely expensive Steadicam shot depends on me knowing the lines — not a trickle of sweat on my brow.’

Fox said he now knows his limitations when it comes to memorising his lines and doesn’t let it get to him, adding: ‘I can’t remember five pages of dialogue. I can’t do it. So I go to the beach.’

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Back To The Future’s Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd leave fans in tears with sweet reunion

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Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd
Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd shared a hug as they reunited (Picture: Getty)

Back To The Future stars Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd have reunited at New York Comic Con, leaving fans in tears.

The stars, who played Marty McFly (Michael) and Dr Emmett Brown, aka Doc (Christopher), shared a hug as they took to the stage together at a Back To The Future panel 37 years after the film’s release.

They had nothing but praise for each other, with Michael saying: ‘The best part of this movie was working with Chris,’ and adding that the pair had ‘immediate chemistry.’

Fans were thrilled to see the duo back together, with one writing on Twitter: ‘If you were a teenager in 1985, then Michael J. Fox was your guy. Marty McFly in Back to the Future is the coolest teenager in cinema history. Watching him hug Christopher Lloyd like this is so beautiful..’

‘Oh man. Love these two. Michael J. Fox is a warrior,’ another said, while one more added: ‘This is beautiful. Great to see these two together. Michael J. Fox personifies courage and grace.’

Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, in 1991.

Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd
Fans were thrilled to see the pair back together (Picture: Getty)
New York Comic Con 2022 - Day 3
The old friends were even matching outfits with both kitted out in blue wash jeans and trainers (Picture: Getty Images)
New York Comic Con 2022 - Day 3
Christopher and Michael were full of love for each other (Picture: Getty Images)
New York Comic Con 2022 - Day 3
They laughed and shared jokes just like old times (Picture: Getty Images)

He has been open about how it’s affected him and opened the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which is ‘dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through funded research and ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today’.

Earlier this year, Michael opened up on his Parkinson’s, explaining on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast: ‘When I did the spinoff from The Good Wife, which is The Good Fight, I couldn’t remember the lines. I just had this blank, I couldn’t remember the lines.’

Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd
Back To The Future was released in 1985 (Picture: Getty)

He added: ‘I have 70 pages of dialogue on a [Brian] De Palma movie, and knowing that a hugely expensive Steadicam shot depends on me knowing the lines — not a trickle of sweat on my brow.’

Michael now knows his limitations when it comes to memorising his lines and doesn’t let it get to him, adding: ‘I can’t remember five pages of dialogue. I can’t do it. So I go to the beach.’

He previously told People about his ongoing Parkinson’s symptoms in 2020, which include tremors and memory problems. 

‘My short-term memory is shot,’ he admitted. 

‘I’m down to [writing]. My guitar playing is no good. My sketching is no good anymore, my dancing never was good and acting is getting tougher to do. So it’s down to writing. Luckily, I really enjoy it.’

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Michael J Fox shares heartbreaking update on living with Parkinson’s: ‘Every day gets tougher’

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Michael J Fox has said he doesn’t think he will live to see his 80th birthday.

The Back to the Future star, 61, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 1991 when he was just 29-years-old.

In the years since he’s openly spoken about his battle with the brain disorder, which causes uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Establishing The Michael J Fox Foundation, which was created to help advance every promising research path to curing Parkinson’s disease, he’s now helped to raise over $1 billion (£795,000,000).

But the actor has now said he’s been thinking about his own mortality more in recent times.

‘I’m not gonna be 80. I’m not going to lie, it’s getting hard, it’s getting harder. Every day is tougher. But, but that’s – that’s the way it is,’ he said in a preview clip for his upcoming appearance on CBS’ Sunday Mornings.

Michael J. Fox on CBS' Sunday Mornings.
Michael J. Fox has said he doesn’t believe he will make it to 80 (Picture: CBS)

Recently speaking about the work being done by his foundation, Michael said the team had helped in the breakthrough that has found a biomarker for Parkinson’s.

‘It’s a biomarker, a way to identify the disease before the disease is present. By the time I was diagnosed, I had a little twitch in my pinky but…with this, we can identify the disease really early and help progression and essentially cure ahead of the game,’ he told Entertainment Tonight.

Earlier this year, he insisted that despite his health struggles, he ‘didn’t have time to feel sorry’ for himself.

Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future II.
Michael starred alongside Christopher Lloyd in the Back To The Future trilogy (Picture: Amblin/ Universal/ Kobal/ REX/ Shutterstock)

Speaking after a screening of his documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie last month, the actor said he had to ‘show up and do the best I can’ to help find a cure for Parkinson’s.

He added that he didn’t ‘have time’ to feel sorry for himself.

‘Pity is a benign form of abuse. I can feel sorry for myself, but I don’t have time for that,’ he said.

‘There is stuff to be learned from this, so let’s do that and move on.’

What is your favourite Michael J. Fox movie?Comment Now

Aside from the Back to the Future trilogy, Michael also starred in Teen Wolf and The Secret of My Success, as well as in shows like The Good Fight in more recent times.

While he’s continued to act after the diagnosis, he’s said it is now harder to memorise lines due to the effects of the condition.

‘When I did the spinoff from The Good Wife, which is The Good Fight, I couldn’t remember the lines. I just had this blank, I couldn’t remember the lines,’ explained on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast.

He said that he now struggles to learn pages upon pages of dialogue, so will ‘go to the beach’ instead.

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Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie – review: Like watching Fox’s life back through a new filter

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This image released by Apple TV+ shows Michael J. Fox , left, and Tracy Pollan in a scene from the documentary
Much like Marty McFly, Michael J. Fox lived life at full tilt (Credits: AP)

Much like Marty McFly, his iconic Back To The Future character, 1980s superstar Michael J. Fox lived life at full tilt. The smallest kid in his class, he would always used his quick wit and nippy feet to outrun the bullies.

Then, in his late twenties, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and forced to slow down.

Obviously, he’s found it tough, yet the 61-year-old’s sparkiness and dry humour shine through.

His resilience is remarkable. And, despite the obvious effects of a degenerative brain disease that inhibit his speech and movement, Fox is still pinballing through life – albeit with less outward control.

‘You knocked me off my feet!’ he jokes to a fan who hails him on the street and he topples over. Poignantly narrated by Fox himself, this hugely entertaining doc is structured like you’re watching the movie of Fox’s life back through a new filter.

Energetically edited cuts of his hit TV sitcom, Spin City, for example, reveal the cunning tactics he deployed to keep his Parkinson tremors and drug-taking a secret – to the point that he couldn’t hide it any longer.

This image released by Apple TV+ shows promotional art for the documentary
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie Out today on Apple TV+ (Credits: AP)

Out today on Apple TV+ and in selected cinemas

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Michael J Fox honours devoted wife Tracy Pollan on her birthday weeks ahead of 35th wedding anniversary

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michael j. fox and wife tracy
The actor shared a beautiful message to his wife Tracy (Picture: Michael J. Fox / Instagram)

Michael J Fox has shared an adorable birthday post for wife Tracy Pollan ahead of their wedding anniversary declaring just how much he loves her.

The actor, who suffered an unfortunate fall on stage this month on stage decades after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, shared pictures of his spouse as well as some family snaps.

Tracy, 63, and Michael, 62, were married on July 16, 1988, after playing an on-screen couple in Family Ties.

‘She showers the people she loves with love, she shows them the way that she feels,’ wrote the smitten star in his post.

Earlier this month it was the Back to the Future star’s 62nd birthday, and he received a sweet message from Tracy, so it’s no surprise that he shared the love back.

‘Happy happy birthday @tracy.pollan my forever Summer girl, my love, my best friend, and the most beautiful amazing mom to our four stupendous kids. Love love love you,’ he continued.

michael j. fox and wife tracy
The pair have been married since 1988 (Picture: Michael J. Fox / Instagram )
michael j. fox and wife tracy and family
Together they have four children (Picture: Michael J. Fox / Instagram )
michael j. fox and wife tracy
Michael has Parkinson’s disease (Picture: Michael J. Fox / Instagram)

Together the couple have four children – Sam Michael, 34; twins Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, both 28; and 21-year-old Esmé Annabelle.

Michael has been open about how he and Tracy had no idea ‘what to expect’ when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991.

The condition impacts the brain’s ability to control movements, worsening over time and leaving individuals with stiffness, shaking and balance problems.

Fans were concerned when Michael took a recent tumble at a Q&A, but his representatives assured everyone that he was ‘doing great’ in the aftermath.

What’s your favourite Michael J Fox film?Comment Now

Michael has spoken candidly about Parkinson’s over the years, creating a documentary called Still to share his experience.

‘I truly live one day at a time,’ he told People Magazine. ‘I live for each moment and I love each day.

The actor is ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the future, but told the publication that he doesn’t believe that he’ll make it to his 80th birthday.

‘If you told me when I was 29, when they just diagnosed it, that at 61 I’d still be going at it with a film to promote, that life would be so full, I never would have guessed it,’ he said.

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Back to the Future star Michael J Fox ‘can’t remember’ dating The Bangles singer Susanna Hoffs in 1980s

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Michael J Fox and Susanna Hoffs
Michael J Fox’s life got ‘crazy’ in the eighties (Picture: Apple TV+/Getty)

Michael J Fox has reflected on just how wild his life was at the height of his fame in the 1980s.

The Back to the Future actor, now 61, was everywhere following the initial release of the sci-fi comedy back in 1985.

From magazine covers to big and small screens, appearing in TV series Family Ties and box office smash film Teen Wolf, he was the man of the moment.

So much so, in fact, that his personal life got a little ‘crazy’ too.

Speaking to The Times, the much-loved star admitted he has no memory of certain things happening, given that he was consuming a lot of alcohol and, by his own admission, dating a lot.

One person he dated was singer Susanna Hoffs, now 64, and they were together briefly in 1986 before she went on to marry filmmaker Jay Roach in 1993.

Michael J Fox and wife Tracy Pollan
The actor has been married to Tracy Pollan for over 30 years (Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation)

Of course, Michael is now married to Tracy Pollan, who has been by his side for 34 years, including now as he gears up to release a film about his life and health.

‘When I look at that period in the movie it just seems crazy,’ Michael said.

‘Look at all the girls I dated. Some of them I can’t even remember. Hahaha. I mean, I dated Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles, and I can’t even remember it.

‘But that’s just an example. Stuff like that happened all the time.’

He even slipped in a royal anecdote of sorts.

‘I sat next to Princess Diana during the world premiere of Back to the Future and I had to pee. And that’s all I remember,’ he confessed.

Michael J Fox in Back to the Future
Back to the Future catapulted the movie star to fame (Picture: Amblin/Universal/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

‘I had just been told a whole list of things that I could and couldn’t do, like not speaking unless spoken to, and not standing unless she stands. And so I was thinking, “What kind of math do I have to do to go to the bathroom?” I can’t say, “I’ve go to go to the loo!” So I sat there in pain for the whole time. And that was kind of the formula for that part of my life.’

Michael – who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29 – also admitted that living with the disease is becoming a lot harder for him.

As stated by the NHS, Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the brain. It causes problems like shaking and stiffness that get worse over time.

‘I don’t want to get the violins out. I’ve broken my hand, my elbow, my humerus, my other humerus, my shoulder, my face, and some other s**t too,’ Michael explained, keen for people not to pity him.

Michael J Fox and Susanna Hoffs
Michael dated Susanna Hoffs in 1986 (Picture: Angie Coqueran/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

‘And all that stuff is amplified by the electricity of the tremors. So, yes, it hurts a lot. But what you learn is that nobody gives a s**t. It’s just life. It doesn’t matter. You suck it up and you move on. And there might be a story to tell in it. But only that. There’s no chit that you can present to a window for a refund.’

Michael revealed his diagnosis publicly in 1998 and announced he was entering a ‘second retirement’ in 2020.

Most recently, while promoting his new documentary Still, he shared a heartbreaking update.

Appearing on CBS’ Sunday Mornings, the movie star said he doesn’t think he’ll live until his 80th birthday.

‘I’m not gonna be 80. I’m not going to lie, it’s getting hard, it’s getting harder. Every day is tougher. But, but that’s – that’s the way it is.’

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie will begin streaming on Apple TV+ on May 12. 

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Michael J Fox beams on date night with wife Tracy Pollan as he opens up on Parkinson’s diagnosis in new doc

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Simon/Shutterstock (13885880d) Liev Schreiber, Tracy Pollan, Michael J. Fox New Jersey Devils v New York Rangers, NHL Ice Hockey game, Madison Square Garden, New York, USA - 24 Apr 2023
Michael J Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan enjoyed a date night ahead of the release of the actor’s documentary, Still (Picture: Shutterstock)

Michael J Fox cuddled up with his wife Tracy Pollan on a date night to an ice hockey game this week as he prepares for the release of his documentary.

The acclaimed actor, 61, shot to fame in the 80s with major roles, most famously in the Back To The Future franchise.

Aged just 29, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative condition in which parts of the brain become progressively more damaged and leads to involuntary shaking, slow movement, stiff muscles and memory issues.

Having stayed out of the spotlight for many years, Michael is now starring in new documentary Still, which explores his journey with the disease as well as looking back on his incredible acting career.

Ahead of the documentary’s release, Michael this week enjoyed a date night with his wife Tracy, 62, with the pair hitting off to Madison Square Garden to watch an ice hockey game.

The couple, who have been married since 1988, beamed for cameras as they watched the New Jersey Devils face off against the New York Rangers, Michael placing a hand over his wife’s knee for the snap.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Simon/Shutterstock (13885880b) Liev Schreiber, Tracy Pollan, Michael J. Fox New Jersey Devils v New York Rangers, NHL Ice Hockey game, Madison Square Garden, New York, USA - 24 Apr 2023
Michael kept a protective hand over Tracy’s knee for the snaps (Picture: Shutterstock)

Both were dressed casually, with Michael in a button-down shirt and jacket, as well as black jeans, while Tracy opted for a smart varsity jacket.

Michael and Tracy have remained strong throughout the former’s acting career, diagnosis and subsequent decades living with Parkinson’s.

They have four children together: son Sam and daughters Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esme.

In a first look at his new doc, Michael reveals he only told his immediate family and his wife when he was first diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s while still in his 20s.

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The Academys 13th Governors Awards - Arrivals
The couple have been married for over 30 years (Picture: Variety via Getty Images)

The couple also recently walked the red carpet together for the premiere of the film.

In an interview with People Magazine, Michael opened up about the strength of the relationship with his wife, saying Tracy ‘gives our family everything that we need.

‘Any good in our family, anything good that we do, comes from her.’

As for his own battle with Parkinson’s, he proudly described himself as a ‘tough son of a b****.’

He added, in the trailer for Still: ‘To deny that part of me that wants to continue to go on and do things is to quit.’

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie will begin streaming on Apple TV+ on May 12. 

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Michael J Fox almost ‘lost his hand’ amid devastating Parkinson’s struggles

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Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 (Picture: Getty)

Michael J Fox has opened up about living with Parkinson’s disease, revealing the diagnosis led to a ‘tsunami of misfortune’.

The Back to the Future star was diagnosed with the condition in 1991, when he was 29, and eventually went public with the news seven years later.

He has since taken a step back from the spotlight to focus on his health, and put all his energy into co-founding the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, which has raised nearly $2billion.

In a new interview, the 62-year-old reflected on how the illness has impacted him physically, explaining that he almost lost his hand at one point, and broken many bones.

The Hollywood favorite was forced to undergo surgery and grueling physical therapy when he was almost paralyzed by a spinal tumor that was not connected to his Parkinson’s, and broke his arm in a painful fall shortly after this.

‘That was nothing,’ he told Town & Country Magazine, revealing another broken arm and shoulder, as well as a smashed cheek, orbital bone and hand.

Michael J Fox for Town and Country
Michael opened up about his health battles (Picture: Town & Country)

‘My hand got infected and then I almost lost it,’ he continued. ‘It was a tsunami of misfortune.

‘I’ve said Parkinson’s is a gift. It’s the gift that keeps on taking, but it has changed my life in so many positive ways.’

Despite this, there is only one thing that scares him – the thought of anything jeopardizing his family, including wife Tracy Pollan and their children, Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esme.

‘One day I’ll run out of gas,’ he predicted. ‘One day I’ll just say, “It’s not going to happen. I’m not going out today.” If that comes, I’ll allow myself that. I’m 62 years old.

Michael J Fox for Town and Country
The actor insisted he does not fear death (Picture: Town & Country)

‘Certainly, if I were to pass away tomorrow, it would be premature, but it wouldn’t be unheard of. And so, no, I don’t fear that.’

Michael went public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998 – the condition affects the brain and causes problems like tremors and stiffness, which worsen over time.

He recently opened the doors of his home to film crew to explore his life and career for an Apple TV+ documentary, titled Still.

The film offered fans an intimate look at his day-to-day life, as well as the time spent with his family and his personal battles.

The Family Ties star previously insisted that his health issues had given him a new appreciation for living every day.

‘I truly live one day at a time,’ he told People Magazine. ‘I live for each moment and I love each day.

‘If you told me when I was 29, when they just diagnosed it, that at 61 I’d still be going at it with a film to promote, that life would be so full, I never would have guessed it.

‘I’m cautiously optimistic, but mostly optimistic, not so much cautious, as my family would say.’

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Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd have Back to the Future reunion 35 years after original film

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Back to the future
Back To The Future came out in 1985 (Picture: Amblin/Universal/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Film fans were in for a real nostalgic treat this week as Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd had a Back To The Future reunion.

Sharing a picture of the duo sitting in the back of a golf cart and looking behind their shoulders, Fox captioned the image on Instagram: ‘Back to back #backtothefuture.’

Fox’s youthful looks are almost unchanged since he played Marty McFly in the sci-fi movie series, while Lloyd, who played Dr Emmet Brown aka Doc, impressed fans with his luscious beard, a mighty moustache and long white hair. 

While their ride is not nearly as fancy as the movie’s iconic DeLorean (nor can it travel in time, we assume) fans were still excited to see the pair together over 35 years after the first movie was released.

‘Are you telling me you made a time machine… out of a golf cart?’ wrote one fan in the comments, as another person added: ‘Just like old times.’

Lloyd commented under Fox’s post calling their shared moment the ‘best of times’.

Back To The Future stars Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd reunite
Many fans compared Lloyd’s look to Santa Clause (Picture: Instagram @realmikejfox)

The 82-year-old actor also posted a snap of himself and his former co-star as they attended Awesome Con in Washington DC this week.

In his photo, the two are seen backstage at the convention, sat side by side, chatting, which Fox putting his arm on Lloyd’s back.

‘Caption this…#backtothefuture,’ he challenged his fans.

Many took to the comments to reply with one of Marty McFly’s catchphrases from the original movie: ‘This is heavy Doc.’

Some of their Hollywood friends also shared their excitement in the comments.

Micheal J Fox and Christopher Lloyd
Lloyd and Fox reunited in Washington DC (Picture: Instagram @mrchristopherlloyd)

Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisely shared a string of clapping emojis, which model Tatjana Patitz rivalled with two red hearts.

Justin Long spun a quote from the movie to say: ‘Roads? Where we’re golfing, we don’t need… roads’

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane added: ‘My Next Guest Needs No Introduction’, in reference to Lloyd’s long white beard, similar to David Letterman who has been using the phrase on his chat show for years and made it the title of his new Netflix programme. 

While Lloyd’s career is still very much thriving as he appeared in three movies in 2021, including Nobody, starring Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk, Fox has admitted to considering the end of his acting career due to his struggles with Parkinson’s disease

Talking about his ‘second retirement, the star confessed his best days are ‘behind me’ and said: ‘There are reasons for my lapses in memorisation — be they age, cognitive issues with the disease, distraction from the constant sensations of Parkinson’s, or lack of sensation because of the spine — but I read it as a message, an indicator.’

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Michael J. Fox reveals Parkinson’s disease affects his acting: ‘I couldn’t remember the lines, I just had this blank’

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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 01: Actor Michael J. Fox attends the ceremony honoring Julianna Margulies with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 1, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Michael J. Fox struggles to remember his lines (Picture: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Michael J. Fox has revealed Parkinson’s disease has had an effect on his acting career as he struggles to remember his lines. 

The Back To The Future star, 60, was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system in 1991 at the age of 29 and went public with it in 1998.

He continued to act but admits he found it harder to memorise his lines due to the effects of the condition. 

Michael explained on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast: ‘When I did the spinoff from The Good Wife, which is The Good Fight, I couldn’t remember the lines. I just had this blank, I couldn’t remember the lines.’

He admitted it was not something he had had a problem with then he was younger and starring on Family Ties, which he appeared in between 1982 and 1989.

‘I’d go, “I’m in. Mallory, get off the phone.” And I knew it, like in an instant, and it continued to be that way for me,’ he explained. 

Michael J. Fox on 'The Good Fight'
The actor found it hard on The Good Fight after having memory blanks (Picture: Michael Parmelee)

‘I have 70 pages of dialogue on a [Brian] De Palma movie, and knowing that a hugely expensive Steadicam shot depends on me knowing the lines — not a trickle of sweat on my brow.’

Michael now knows his limitations when it comes to memorising his lines and doesn’t let it get to him, adding: ‘I can’t remember five pages of dialogue. I can’t do it. So I go to the beach.’

He previously told People about his ongoing Parkinson’s symptoms in 2020, which include tremors and memory problems. 

‘My short-term memory is shot,’ he admitted. 

‘I’m down to [writing]. My guitar playing is no good. My sketching is no good anymore, my dancing never was good and acting is getting tougher to do. So it’s down to writing. Luckily, I really enjoy it.’

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Michael J Fox reveals he broke several bones in devastating year of injuries amid Parkinson’s

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Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox spoke of his Parkinson’s diagnosis and health struggles (Picture: WireImage)

Michael J Fox has opened up about the ‘struggles’ he has faced in the last year, and his determination to come out of the other side.

The Back To The Future icon – who recently had an emotional reunion with co-star Christopher Lloyd – was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991.

Since then, the 61-year-old has been raising awareness and calling for more research into the condition.

He recently took a step back from the spotlight, but has suffered a number of injuries and setbacks over the last few months.

In a new interview, he revealed that, while he is ‘feeling it a little bit more’, his recovery is progressing.

‘It got worse, I broke my cheek, then my hand, then my shoulder, had a replacement shoulder put in and broke my [right] arm, then I broke my elbow,’ he said. ‘I’m 61 years old, and I’m feeling it a little bit more.’

Michael J Fox
Michael revealed that he had become ‘cranky’ (Picture: Getty)

Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, more than three decades ago.

He has been open about how it’s impacted his life – and opened the Michael J Fox Foundation, which is ‘dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through funded research and ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today’.

The Stuart Little star revealed that his condition, coupled with his recent injuries, has affected his optimistic outlook.

Michael J Fox Christopher Lloyd Back To The Future reunion Comic-Con
The actor recently reunited with Back To The Future co-star Christopher Lloyd (Picture: Getty)

‘I was never really a cranky guy, but I got very cranky and short with people,’ he continued to People Magazine. ‘I try to nip it in the bud.

‘I always think of these aides who work with me. And I often say to them, “Whatever I say, just imagine I said “please” at the beginning and “thank you” at the end. Just take a second and absorb that I might have said that if I was more myself, but I didn’t, so I apologize.”’

Discussing his recovery, Michael shared that the last of his injuries are healing up, and he is also ‘walking steadily again’.

‘The whole mission is: Don’t fall down. So whatever works to not fall down, whether it’s a walker or a wheelchair, a cane, a guy with a belt around my waist holding onto it – I use all those tools,’ he added. ‘It’s been a struggle, but I’m happy.

‘I say that because I hope on some level people can find happiness in spite of what they’re going through.’

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Justin Long doesn’t want taboo around marijuana as he ‘indulges a little too much’

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Justin Long speaks to Metro
Justin Long speaks to Metro (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

Actor Justin Long, 44, talks his role in Jeepers Creepers, how he keeps his youthful looks, whether he practises his Oscars speech and new film Barbarian.

What are you dressing up as this Halloween?

That’s a good question. Marty McFly [from Back To The Future] is usually my standard because I love Michael J Fox as that character and I have the outfit.

But this year we’re going to dress Kate’s dog as a skunk, because we’re going trick or treating with my nephew and he wants to dress up as a raccoon.

Kate’s dog is a big French spaniel named Happy and all it takes is a single stripe down his back to make him look a lot like a skunk.

Marty McFly in Back To The Future
Justin usually dresses up as Marty McFly for Halloween (Picture: Shutterstock)

You’ve starred in Jeepers Creepers, Drag Me To Hell and now Barbarian – we’re guessing you like scary movies?

Totally! Leading up to Halloween I’ve been watching one movie a night with Kate [Bosworth].

Last night we saw Saint Maud, which is incredible, and we’re showing each other all the classics like Don’t Look Now and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Ellen Burstyn in The Exorcist is just on another level!

Though watching Drag Me To Hell with Kate was something of a horror experience in itself – so embarrassing!

I kind of play the supportive spouse character, which, as Kate pointed out, is a role often reserved for actresses. She was like, ‘Now you know how it feels’.

What’s Barbarian like?

What I appreciate as a horror nerd is how the set-up is just so patient. It’s really bold film-making by today’s standards.

I don’t want to give any spoilers, as the fun is finding out the secret for yourselves, but Barbarian is about a double-booked Airbnb and two strangers who have to coexist in the space and then they find out that there is a sinister force literally underneath their situation.

That’s the best pitch I can do! And I’ve had about ten months to practise.

Sounds a long way from Alvin And The Chipmunks…

Yeah! That’s not to put too fine a point on it. I miss Alvin! I hope they do another one. I have really fond memories. And it’s given me great cachet with kids.

You’re 44 and you look so young. What’s your secret?

Justin Long at Barbarian premiere
Justin attributes his young looks to not over indulging (Picture: Shutterstock)

If I turned on the video component of the Zoom call, you wouldn’t be saying that! It’s funny because when you’re a kid, looking young is not necessarily a positive thing. So I always wanted to look older.

It’s something I always struggled with, in a very superficial way. But then I became a professional actor around the time when teen movies were very popular, so it was such an asset.

I don’t know what I attribute it to. Genes? Clean living? I don’t really drink and I don’t smoke any more. But I have my vices. I guess I just don’t overindulge.

What are your vices?

I really enjoy marijuana. It’s legal where I am in the US. It’s something I probably indulge in a little too much. Which is probably why I’m struggling with some of these questions! We could’ve cut this interview in half if I’d laid off the weed.

But I don’t even want that one called a vice because I don’t consider it all that taboo or shameful. But I’ll tell you what it does lead to – what are they called…?

A kind of platform when you’re jumping off, that leads to bigger problems?

A gateway?

Thank you! Yes! I suppose pot also affects the memory! It’s a 
gateway for me to eating things 
that I shouldn’t – sugar and crap.

Fave snack?

There’s so many! Probably a cheese puff-type thing. Like slightly more healthy Cheetos. And I love cereal.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a real vice. Kate made oatmeal cookies the other day and I actually got upset because if I know they’re around and I’m stoned I have no willpower when it comes to things like a cookie or a cupcake.

What do you cook? Do you have a signature dinner party dish?

This sounds really basic but I make a pretty mean meatloaf or a good cauliflower cashew nut curry.

And I would make those for a dinner party only because I could prepare most of it beforehand and so it would give me time to engage with my guests and not get flustered and anxious that I have to divide my attention.

What I love about cooking is that it requires such singular focus. It’s kind of meditative for me. Mowing my lawn is also a very meditative experience. I can just tune everything out.

And I feel that way about acting. There’s a real comfort in the time between ‘action’ and ‘cut’ where I feel very protected. Socially I’ve always been somewhat awkward, I suppose.

And I don’t relish being in certain social situations because you can put your foot in your mouth.

Justin Famously starred in 2000's classic Jeepers Creepers
Justin famously starred in 2000’s classic Jeepers Creepers (Picture: Shutterstock)

Have you ever practised your Oscar acceptance speech?

Hahaha! That’s an easy answer – no! I’m laughing because I’m imagining myself actually doing that – ‘I want to thank the Academy…’ I can confidently say I never have! Not that I don’t fantasise about winning or having an award. And if any Academy members are reading this, please know I would be very flattered!

Barbarian is out now in cinemas

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Michael J Fox reveals Back To The Future Part 3 cemented Christopher Lloyd friendship

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Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox
Michael J Fox spoke of his close bond with Back To The Future co-star Christopher Lloyd (Picture: Getty)

Michael J Fox has opened up on his close friendship with Back To The Future co-star Christopher Lloyd, admitting it took them a few sequels to truly bond.

The pair starred as Marty McFly and Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown in the beloved time-travel adventure trilogy – with the first film released in 1985.

They later reprised their roles as the high schooler and scientist for two sequels, released in 1989 and 1990.

In an appearance at Sundance Film Festival, Michael, who stole our hearts as the rogue teenager, shed light on working with the Hollywood icon.

‘Chris is a great guy. He’s very enigmatic,’ he told Variety. ‘It took me a few films to get to know him. On Back to the Future Part III we connected in a way we hadn’t on the other films. I came to see how much he loved acting. I never got that before.

‘To sit down and talk about acting, and talk about Shakespeare and King Lear…This guy can play King Lear! People don’t expect that of him. He’s full of surprises.

Michael J Fox Christopher Lloyd Back To The Future
The pair starred in the original sci-fi adventure and the two subsequent sequels (Picture: Getty)

‘He can tell a movie’s worth of story in two seconds, and you get it. Us regular actors have to lay out hours and hours to get the information out.

‘Chris is brilliant at it. His love of film and his love of being an actor…He’s not just a crazy guy, he’s an artist.’

The former co-stars recently enjoyed an emotional reunion at New York Comic-Con, leaving many audience members in tears.

Christopher was later on hand to support Michael – who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 – when he received the Academy’s prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in November, proving their friendship is still going strong.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements.

The Stuart Little star received his diagnosis more than three decades ago and has been open about how it’s impacted his life.

He previously unveiled the Michael J Fox Foundation, which is ‘dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through funded research and ensuring the development of improved therapies’ for those living with the condition today.

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Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd and their Back to the Future co-stars delight fans with reunion selfie, 38 years later

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Lea Thompson - Back to the Future reunion with Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson
Doc Brown, Marty, Lorraine and Biff all met up for the fans at an expo event (Picture: Instagram/lea_thompson)

Hearts were full this weekend following a reunion of between Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd and their Back to the Future co-stars, Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson.

Over 37 years after the release of the popular movie, which spawned a three-film franchise, the actors gathered together at Fan Expo Portland – and shared a delightful backstage selfie for the fans to prove it.

Fox and Lloyd of course played leading man Marty McFly and eccentric scientist Dr Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown in the films, which tracked their travels through time from 1985 to 1955, 2015 and finally all the way back to 1885.

They delighted fans with a sweet onstage reunion last year, but this weekend they had some extra special guests.

Thompson starred as Marty’s mum Lorraine Baines while Tom Wilson played bully Biff Tannen and his various relatives and ancestors.

Taking to Instagram, the 61-year-old actress shared a slew of pictures and video clips from the event, leading with one of Lloyd, Fox, her and Wilson all sitting in a row and smiling for the camera.

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‘Wow honestly had the best time today with my #bttf family,’ she wrote in the caption, tagging her co-stars. 

In the first clip, she cuddled close to Lloyd, 84, and joked: ‘Look who’s here, look what the cat dragged in!’ as the veteran actor laughed.

Her second film reunion was with her ‘favourite, favourite guy’ Wilson, as she played on his catchphrase and asked: ‘I’m a butthead?’

As the stars realised that they never had one of those exchanges in the films, Wilson said: ‘I don’t bring this out for anybody, believe me?’

Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson at Back to the Future reunion
Lea messed around with Tom backstage as the foursome enjoyed meeting up together again, over 37 years after the first film came out (Picture: Instagram/lea_thompson)
Lea Thompson and Michael J Fox in Back to the Future
The first Back to the Future saw Marty visit his parents’ past to make sure he was born (Picture: Amblin Entertainment/Universal Pictures/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock)

He proceeded to knock on her head, à la Biff, and uttered his famous line: ‘Hello, anybody home?’

‘Think Lea, think,’ he added, before planting a kiss on the top of her head.

‘Okay, so this happened. 2023,’ Wilson wrote as he shared the group photo on social media, while Fox – who was awarded with an honorary Oscar last year – added pictures from the day to his Instagram Story and commented: ‘I love being at these FanExpo events and seeing some of my favourite people like Lea, Tom, Chris and all you #bttf heads. Heavy.’

Robert Zemeckis directed all three Back to the Future films, with the first premiering in 1985, followed by Back to the Future Part II in 1989 and Back to the Future Part III in 1990.

Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future Part II
Michael and Christopher , seen here in Back to the Future Part II, enjoyed making three films together in the franchise (Picture: Amblin/Universal/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock)
Have you seen all three Back to the Future movies?Comment Now

The movies still resonate with film lovers today, with many fans taking to the comment section to share their appreciation for the film and its actors.

‘You guys were a huge part of my childhood, my parents would make us watch the three movies back to back during weekends, we loved it so much ❤️,’shared one follower.

‘Wow I love seeing you all together,’ wrote another.

Fox recently revealed that it was the third film that really cemented his friendship with Lloyd.

‘Chris is a great guy. He’s very enigmatic,’ he told Variety at Sundance Film Festival. ‘It took me a few films to get to know him. On Back to the Future Part III we connected in a way we hadn’t on the other films. I came to see how much he loved acting. I never got that before.

‘To sit down and talk about acting, and talk about Shakespeare and King Lear…This guy can play King Lear! People don’t expect that of him. He’s full of surprises.’

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Michael J Fox offers rare insight into 34-year marriage with wife Tracy Pollan amid devastating health battles

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Michael J Fox wife Tracy Pollan SXSW
Michael J Fox and wife Tracy Pollan appeared on the red carpet at SXSW (Picture: FilmMagic)

Michael J Fox has offered a rare insight into his 34-year marriage to Tracy Pollan, and how they manage to support each other.

The Back To The Future actor, 61, and Inventing Anna actress, 62, couple met on the set of Family Ties and started dating after working together again on Bright Lights, Big City.

They got married in July, 1988, and share four children together – son Sam and daughters Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esme.

Appearing at the SXSW premiere of his upcoming documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, the pair opened up about how they still work on their relationship.

Michael – who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 – told People Magazine: ‘Tracy gives our family everything that we need. Any good in our family, anything good that we do, comes from her.’

Tracy agreed: ‘I think we really listen to each other, we are there for each other when we need each other.

Michael J Fox wife Tracy Pollan
Michael and Tracy tied the knot in 1988 (Picture: Getty)

‘And then we also give each other space when that’s needed. Just feeling off of what’s needed at the moment and trying to be there.’

Michael was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, more than three decades ago

Symptoms include involuntary shaking, slow movement, stiff and inflexible muscles and memory issues.

Michael J Fox wife Tracy Pollan
The couple are parents to four children together (Picture: Getty)

He has kept a relatively low profile over the last few years, working on his health away from the spotlight.

Last November, he was joined by Tracy and their children – as well as his Back To The Future co-star and close pal Christopher Lloyd – as he received the Academy’s prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

He walked the red carpet with his partner and their family, before making a speech at the star-studded ceremony.

Appearing on stage to huge applause, he joked: ‘You’re making me shake, stop it.

‘Thank you Academy for honoring me with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. It is a wholly unexpected honor and I’m truly grateful.

‘This is so cool.’

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Michael J Fox opens up about Parkinson’s diagnosis aged 29 and Hollywood in new doc Still: ‘I’m a tough son of a b***h’

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The first trailer for Michael J Fox’s documentary Still has dropped and shows the legendary actor reflect on his blockbuster career and Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The Apple TV Plus film incorporates documentary, archival and scripted elements and recounts Michael’s, 61, extraordinary story in his own words.

It follows the actor’s improbable rise from a kid living on a Canadian army base to hitting the heights of stardom in 1980s Hollywood.

Alongside his glamourous showbusiness career, viewers will get to pry into his never-seen-before private journey including the years that followed his diagnosis at 29 with Parkinson’s disease

The trailer opens with a clip from one of Michael’s most iconic roles, Marty McFly, who he portrayed in the classic Back to the Future film trilogy.

The documentary makers then ask Michael what means to be ‘still’, to which he responds: ‘I wouldn’t know I’ve never been still.’

Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 29(Picture: Apple TV Plus)
Michael J Fox and Tracy Pollan
Michael with his long-term wife Tracy Pollan (Picture: FilmMagic)

Archive footage of roles from Michael’s illustrious career, including Teen Wolf and The Secret of My Success, are then show, including old interviews with the then-burgeoning star.

‘I get it I was big. I was bigger than bubblegum,’ Michael tells the producers, after a shot of him winning an award.

Michael then recalls being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in a voiceover, revealing he told only his family at the time, including his long-term wife Tracy Pollan, 62.

Michael J Fox in Back to the Future
Michael shot to fame as Marty McFly in Back to the Future (Picture: Amblin Entertainment/Universal Pictures/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Doctors told Michael he had early-onset Parkinson’s disease, a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years in the 90s.

Symptoms include involuntary shaking, slow movement, stiff and inflexible muscles and memory issues.

‘To deny that part of me that wants to continue to go on and do things is to quit,’ Michael continues in the trailer.

Michael J Fox and Tracy Pollan
Michael and Tracy share four children together – son Sam and daughters Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esme. (Picture: Getty)

‘This is who I am,’ Michael states, before calling himself a ‘tough son of b****.’

At the end of the trailer, the director then offers an alternative framing for his story, saying: ‘The sad sack story is: Michael J Fox gets this debilitating disease and it crushes him.’

Smiling, Michael replies: ‘Yeah, that’s boring.’

Michael and Tracy, who share four children together – son Sam and daughters Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esme, recently walked the red carpet for the premiere for Still.

Opening up about the secret to their relationship, Michael told People Magazine: ‘Tracy gives our family everything that we need. Any good in our family, anything good that we do, comes from her.’

Tracy agreed: ‘I think we really listen to each other, we are there for each other when we need each other.’

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie will begin streaming on Apple TV+ on May 12. 

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Michael J Fox ‘freaked out’ watching himself fall over in new film exploring life with Parkinson’s disease

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Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox didn’t realise how symptoms of his Parkinson’s make him look (Picture: Apple TV+)

Michael J Fox got a shock when watching his new documentary, Still.

The film incorporates documentary, archival, and scripted elements, recounting Michael’s extraordinary story in his own words.

From growing up in Canada to becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognisable stars in the 1980s, his life has been filled with ups and downs.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 and Michael, now 61, is giving fans an intimate look at his day-to-day life for the first time, as the documentary explores his family life, personal battles, and how he confronts the incurable disease.

Parkinson’s, according to the NHS, is a condition that affects the brain. It causes problems like shaking (tremors) and stiffness, which worsen over time.

Speaking in a press conference for Still, attended by Metro.co.uk, the Back to the Future star admitted he had no idea how much he fell over, or what he looked like when his face drooped.

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Michael J Fox
The legendary actor explores his career and personal life in a new film, Still (Picture: Getty Images for The Michael J.)

‘You’ve always been public about your struggles with Parkinson’s, but was there anything in this film you were more hesitant to reveal about living with your condition?’, the star was asked.

He responded: ‘I don’t know if I was hesitant to reveal it, but when I saw it, it was shocking to me – I understand the idea of my face going blank or lacking expression, I don’t always know what I look like.

‘That doesn’t bother me, but it’s a shock when you see it.’

He continued: ‘People say, “I saw you stumbling in the room, falling over, it was really shocking…” like, you were shocked!? It freaked the s**t out of me! I didn’t expect to fall over the furniture!’

Michael then praised the film’s director, Davis Guggenheim, for his work on the project.

Michael J Fox, Tracy Pollan, Davis Guggenheim
Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the film gives fans a deep insight into his home life with wife Tracy Pollan (Picture: Rick Kern/FilmMagic)

‘Davis shot it so beautifully and it could’ve been confrontational, but it was cathartic,’ Michael explained.

‘In order for this to be the film that it is, I had to let Davis be the filmmaker that he is and get the stuff that I wasn’t aware he was getting, but it just added to the film.

‘But it was shocking to me that this is real, this is my life, we’re not making this up.’

Filmmaker Davis was also keen to heap praise on Michael.

‘A lot of people are very guarded with what they share and Michael was a total open book, which says a lot about him,’ he complimented.

Michael’s family has been there for him throughout his diagnosis, particularly his wife Tracy Pollan, 62, who he married in 1988, and their children: Sam, Aquinnah, Esmé, and Schuyler.

Michael J Fox
Michael ‘freaked out’ watching himself fall over and stumble (Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for SXSW)
Michael J Fox, Tracy Pollan
He said Tracy, who married him in 1988, is a ‘miracle’ (Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation)

Watching how they handled things in the documentary also touched Michael’s heart.

‘What most affects me when I watch it is not all the tragedy and struggle and conflict – it’s my family,’ he confessed.

‘It’s these people who are, beautiful, funny, they keep me alive, they keep me connected and they’re so smart and grounded, and my wife is a miracle, and that was a big thing for me, seeing that.

‘It’s my life, it’s so real and it’s how much I count on those people and how much they deliver for me, and how my relationship with them is from my honesty. They’ve no real reason to be anything but open with what I say because I’ve never lied to them.’

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie will begin streaming on Apple TV+ on May 12. 

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Michael J Fox determined to find the humour in living with incurable Parkinson’s disease: ‘It’s more rewarding’

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Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox is keeping a positive attitude, despite being in pain (Picture: Getty)

Michael J Fox is remaining optimistic throughout life with Parkinson’s disease.

The Back to the Future icon, 61, was diagnosed with the incurable disease – which causes shakes (tremors) and stiffness – at the age of 29.

He recently admitted he doesn’t think he will live until his 80th birthday, as managing his condition has become ‘much harder.’

However, ever one to look on the bright side, the Hollywood star is continuing to find the humour in things.

Speaking during a press conference attended by Metro.co.uk, Michael shared how important it was for his new film, Still, not to be tragic.

Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the Apple TV+ documentary combines documentary, archival, and scripted footage, exploring Michael’s extraordinary life and career in his own words.

Michael J Fox
The actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 (Picture: Apple TV+)

Up Next

When asked about the comedic nature of the film, Davis stressed the importance of it never losing its humour, even when the subject matter became sad or serious.

‘It has everything to do with Michael,’ he began.

‘Michael is funny! It’s fun to laugh.’

He added that reading Michael’s autobiography during the pandemic, when he felt low, gave him the boost he needed.

‘I was low, like a lot of people, and depressed, and I needed a story like this and needed to laugh a little bit,’ he said.

‘I always think laughter reveals something deeper. We think laughter is frivolous but, sometimes, laughter reveals something deeper.’

Michael himself then chimed in: ‘My thing on anything is, what’s funny about it? In any situation, what’s the funny part?

Michael J Fox
The Back to the Future star thinks it’s more ‘rewarding’ to find the comedy in his daily life (Picture: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Michael J Fox
Michael didn’t want his film to be ‘tragic’ (Picture: Rick Kern/FilmMagic)

‘You can always find the part that’s tragic in something or sad in something, and it can bring you down, but it’s a little more of a challenge but much more rewarding to find what’s universally human, which is usually universally funny.’

The duo – who have become close friends – then argued some people can mistake comedy for a ‘meaningless’ portrayal, or ‘mocking.’

However, Michael knew what his intentions were.

‘I talk in the film about making people laugh and the joy of making people laugh, and I realised while we were making the movie, I knew when I was younger and started to do comedy and people would laugh, I made them make a noise they didn’t want to make, and that was powerful. Anything that powerful is important.’

Elsewhere in the Q&A session, the Canadian-American star – who has raised millions for Parkinson’s charities – explained why he chose now to tell his story.

Michael J Fox
The Hollywood star recently said he doesn’t see himself living until he’s 80 (Picture: Katie Jones/Variety via Getty Images)
Michael J Fox, Davis Guggenheim
Director Davis Guggenheim was inspired by Michael’s story (Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for SXSW)

‘With all that I’ve experienced over the last few years, the avenues I have to express my creativity and get my feelings out are diminished, in a way,’ he said.

‘I can’t do certain things I used to do, but I can tell stories. The stories I know best are my own stories and I found that, as I told them to people, they related to them and understood and that informed me in ways that I wasn’t aware of, so it brought this communal storytelling cycle that involved people out of my world and it was really exciting.’

Davis praised Michael for being an ‘open book’ throughout filming, also hailing his attitude despite the pain he’s in.

‘Michael is full of optimism,’ he declared.

‘You had a lot of falls and you’re in a lot of pain but his attitude is to see the brighter side of things, so that part is infectious,’ he praised, adding that Michael inspires him to ‘not take myself too seriously.’

‘When you have a story this special, you have to really enjoy it.’

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie will begin streaming on Apple TV+ on May 12. 

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Michael J Fox ‘living one day at a time’ amid devastating Parkinson’s battle

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Michael J Fox has spoken out about living with Parkinson’s, revealing that he ‘never would have guessed’ that he would still be working today.

The Back to the Future legend, 61, was diagnosed with the incurable condition in 1991, at the age of 29.

He recently revealed that managing his illness – in which parts of the brain are progressively damaged – has become ‘much harder’.

In a new interview, he insisted that his health issues had given him a new appreciation for living every day.

‘I truly live one day at a time,’ he said. ‘I live for each moment and I love each day.

‘If you told me when I was 29, when they just diagnosed it, that at 61 I’d still be going at it with a film to promote, that life would be so full, I never would have guessed it.

Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29 (Picture: Getty)

‘I’m cautiously optimistic, but mostly optimistic, not so much cautious, as my family would say.’

Although he is ‘cautiously optimistic’, Michael added to People Magazine that he doesn’t think he will be able to see in his 80th birthday.

‘You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s. I’m not gonna be 80,’ he concluded.

The screen icon recently opened the doors of his home to film crew to explore his life and career for a new Apple TV+ special, titled Still.

Michael J Fox
The actor is set to release a documentary over his condition (Picture: Getty)

Through the film, he wanted to show that – despite his condition – his sense of humor is still intact.

Appearing at a press conference, he explained: ‘My thing on anything is, what’s funny about it? In any situation, what’s the funny part?

‘You can always find the part that’s tragic in something or sad in something, and it can bring you down, but it’s a little more of a challenge but much more rewarding to find what’s universally human, which is usually universally funny.

‘I talk in the film about making people laugh and the joy of making people laugh, and I realized while we were making the movie, I knew when I was younger and started to do comedy and people would laugh, I made them make a noise they didn’t want to make, and that was powerful. Anything that powerful is important.’

‘With all that I’ve experienced over the last few years, the avenues I have to express my creativity and get my feelings out are diminished, in a way,’ he added.

‘I can’t do certain things I used to do, but I can tell stories. The stories I know best are my own stories and I found that, as I told them to people, they related to them and understood and that informed me in ways that I wasn’t aware of, so it brought this communal storytelling cycle that involved people out of my world and it was really exciting.’

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie premieres on Apple TV+ on May 12. 

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Michael J Fox nearly lost a finger and ‘broke’ his face while living with Parkinson’s

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Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox has endured a horrendous few years of family deaths and health issues (Picture: Getty Images)

Michael J Fox has opened up about injuries he’s suffered as a result of his Parkinson’s disease.

The 61-year-old Back To The Future star was diagnosed with the disease in 1991 at the age of 29, and he recently revealed it’s getting ‘harder and tougher’ to live with as the years go by.

In his most recent interview, the Teen Wolf actor revealed how he almost lost a finger and ‘broke’ his face due to the physical effects of the condition.

Parkinson’s disease manifests itself in unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking and stiffness, and balance problems.

‘I broke this shoulder — had it replaced. I broke this elbow. I broke this hand. I had an infection that almost cost me this finger. I broke my face. I broke this humerus,’ Fox told Variety, listing off his health problems born from the disease.

‘And that sucked,’ he added.

Michael J Fox
Michael has raised over two billion dollars for Parkinson’s disease (Picture: Getty Images)

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The star explained how he has aides around him much of the time in case he falls, and in the past few years he explained how losing his privacy, family members including his mother and father-in-law, his dog Gus, his freedom and his health has taken its toll.

‘I hesitate to use the term “depression,” because I’m not qualified to diagnose myself, but all the signs were there,’ he explained, before crediting his family for pulling him through it.

Tracy Pollan and Michael J Fox
Michael credits his family, including wife Tracy Pollan, for getting him through his darkest times (Picture: Rick Kern/FilmMagic)

Up Next

This comes as an AppleTV documentary about Michael’s life is released called Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.

Made by Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim, Michael was said to have played no part in its creation but gave the Training Day director full creative freedom and all-access to his life.

But put the tissues away, as the aim of the open-doors documentary is to show that Michael’s condition hasn’t broken his wit and soul.

Despite Parkinson’s giving Michael an appreciation for life and what he called in a recent interview ‘cautious optimism’, the actor also admitted he doesn’t think he will see his 80th birthday.

The actor has so far raised over two billion dollars for Parkinson’s disease and has now claimed that a cure is ‘closer than it’s ever been.’

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MORE : Michael J. Fox claims a cure for Parkinson’s disease is ‘closer than ever’ after raising over 2 billion dollars

Michael J Fox shocks Whoopi Goldberg with Ghost revelation: ‘I’m an idiot!’

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Michael J. Fox left viewers and Whoopi Goldberg stunned after telling her that he turned down the chance to act alongside her in Ghost.

The American actor, 61, sat down with Whoopi, 67, on talk show The View to discuss his new documentary about living with Parkinson’s disease.

During their chat, Whoopi asked Michael if there were any opportunities from his stellar career that he now regrets, and he shocked her with his answer.

‘There was a chance to work with you that I missed,’ he said directly to Whoopi. ‘They talked to me about Ghost early on. I said, “It’ll never work.”‘

Ghost is the 1990 romantic film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore and tells the story of a man’s ghost trying to save his girlfriend’s life with help of a medium.

That medium, Oda Mae Brown, was played by Whoopi – the film went on to gross over $217m worldwide ($503m in 2023) and won two Academy Awards.

Whoopi Goldberg, Michael J Fox
It turns out Whoopi Golberg never knew she and her friend could have been on screen together (Picture: ABC/The View)
2023 SXSW Conference And Festival - Day 5
Michael J. Fox turned down a major role in the 1990 movie Ghost (Picture: FilmMagic)

Michael said he regretted turning the role down: ‘[I thought] “Whoopi’s great, but it’ll never work.” And then it was huge, and I’m a f***ing idiot!’

While many fans of the film have speculated since Michael’s comments that he was down to play Patrick Swayze’s character Sam, Michael never clarified.

In response to Michael’s comments, Whoopi said: ‘Oh no! But you know what? There’s still time. We’ll find something to do now.’

58th Annual Academy Awards
Whoopi Golberg and Michael have been friends for many years (Picture: Getty)

Michael was also asked about his history with Parkinson’s – specifically why he decided to keep his diagnosis secret from the public for seven years.

The Back to the Future star explained: ‘I didn’t know if anyone might think it was funny if they found out I was sick. It took me a while to get my head around it.’

‘And also, it’s just a lot of stuff to manage. My left side was my dominant side early on, so if you look at everything I did from 1991, I had to use my left hand.’

Last week, the Teen Wolf actor opened up about injuries he’d suffered through Parkinson’s, including nearly losing a finger and damaging the bones in his face.

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MORE : Michael J Fox nearly lost a finger and ‘broke’ his face while living with Parkinson’s

MORE : Michael J Fox ‘living one day at a time’ amid devastating Parkinson’s battle

Michael J Fox ‘doing great’ after falling on stage at Back to the Future event amid Parkinson’s battle

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Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 (Picture: Getty)

Michael J Fox is ‘dong great’ after he fell on stage during a Back to the Future Q&A panel over the weekend.

The 61-year-old – who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 – sparked concern when he tumbled in front of the audience in Philadelphia.

He appeared to trip over his feet while walking on the stage on Sunday, and landed on the sofa, before continuing on with the rest of the panel with former co-stars Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson.

Speaking after the incident, the actor’s reps squashed fears, insisting that he’s ‘doing great’ and directed fans towards his new documentary, Still.

‘Michael has Parkinson’s. It’s no secret that people with Parkinson’s fall,’ they told the New York Post.

‘If you watch the video he immediately jumps to feet and continues with the Q&A.

Michael J Fox falls Back to the Future Q&A
The actor fell while walking on the stage at a Back to the Future event (Picture: Splash)
Michael J Fox falls Back to the Future Q&A
He is said to be ‘doing great’ after the trip (Picture: Splash)

‘If you have any other inquiries about Michael and living with PD, please watch his documentary STILL streaming on AppleTV+.’

Michael was diagnosed with the incurable condition at the age of 29 and has been raising awareness for the symptoms ever since.

The Stuart Little icon recently revealed that managing his illness – in which parts of the brain are progressively damaged – has become ‘much harder’.

Michael J Fox Back to the Future Q&A
He has been open about his symptoms (Picture: Splash)

Speaking to People Magazine, he insisted that his health issues had given him a new appreciation for living every day.

‘I truly live one day at a time,’ he said. ‘I live for each moment and I love each day.

‘If you told me when I was 29, when they just diagnosed it, that at 61 I’d still be going at it with a film to promote, that life would be so full, I never would have guessed it.

‘I’m cautiously optimistic, but mostly optimistic, not so much cautious, as my family would say.’

Although he is ‘cautiously optimistic’, Michael added that he doesn’t think he will be able to see in his 80th birthday.

‘You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s,’ he added. ‘I’m not gonna be 80.’

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Michael J Fox would’ve ‘forgiven’ wife Tracy for leaving him over Parkinson’s battle

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Michael J Fox has opened up about his marriage to wife Tracy Pollan, insisting that he would have forgiven her for leaving him amid his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The Back To The Future actor, 62, was first diagnosed with the condition in 1991 – three years after he tied the knot with the Inventing Anna actress.

The pair first met on the set of Family Ties and soon started dating, welcoming four children together – son Sam and daughters Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esme.

Over the last few years, the Marty McFly icon has taken a step back from the spotlight to focus on his health, but made a rare appearance on CBS Mornings ahead of his upcoming annual A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s event over the weekend.

Sitting down with Nate Burleson, he detailed the major support that his partner has offered over the years.

‘It’s been great for me, I don’t know how it is for her,’ he quipped to the host. ‘I love Tracy, obviously, and she’s an amazing person and has gone through a lot.

Michael J Fox and wife Tracy Pollan
Michael J Fox and wife Tracy Pollan share four children together (Picture: Getty)

‘I realize she has a life separate from me having Parkinson’s, from me being Alex Keaton, or Marty McFly. She’s a person and I think that’s why it’s gone okay.

‘I had no idea what to expect and neither did she, but she had indicated to me by saying, “For better or for worse, in sickness and in health.”

‘She was able to get me through it, and go through it with me. And she has for 35 years.’

Michael J Fox and wife Tracy Pollan
The couple tied the knot three years before Michael’s 1991 diagnosis (Picture: Getty)

Discussing his symptoms, Michael added: ‘We knew the bus was coming and it was going to hit, but we didn’t know how far away it was, or how fast it was going.

‘At any time, she would have been forgiven [for saying], “I’m just going to step out.” But she didn’t do that.’

The Teen Wolf icon was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 – the incurable condition means that parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

Symptoms include involuntary shaking, slow movement, stiff and inflexible muscles and memory issues.

Michael J Fox and wife Tracy Pollan
They have been married for 35 years (Picture: Getty)

Tracy previously offered an insight into how the couple, who have been married for more than 35 years, have remained so close amid the ordeal.

Speaking on the red carpet at the SXSW premiere of his documentary, Still, she vowed: ‘I think we really listen to each other, we are there for each other when we need each other.

‘And then we also give each other space when that’s needed. Just feeling off of what’s needed at the moment and trying to be there.’

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Michael J Fox calls his Parkinson’s disease a ‘gift’ 33 years after diagnosis

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Michael J Fox has been praised for his ‘incredible attitude’ when discussing his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which he described as a ‘gift’.

In 1991 when he was just 29 years old, the actor – best-known as the star of the beloved Back To The Future film franchise – was diagnosed with the long-term neurological condition.

He founded The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which explains that Parkinson’s can ‘cause tremor, slowness, stiffness, walking and balance problems’, with symptoms ‘slowly worsening over time’.

On Tuesday February 6, the 62-year-old appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about his diagnosis and his 2023 documentary Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, which won four awards at this year’s Emmys and is nominated at the Baftas.

Describing his condition as ‘hard’ and ‘a bit more than annoying’, Michael said: ‘It can be devastating for some people’.

He explained how his documentary tells ‘stories about resilience and hope’, as ‘an incurable optimist meets an incurable disease’, referring to the way in which he has approached his diagnosis for more than three decades.

Michael J Fox on BBC Breakfast
‘An incurable optimist meets an incurable disease’, the Back To The Future star said (Picture: BBC)

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The NHS lists the three main symptoms of Parkinson’s as:

  • Slow movement
  • Inflexible and stiff muscles
  • Involuntary tremors of particular parts of the body

Someone with Parkinson’s can also develop other symptoms, such as:

  • Problems with memory
  • Problems with balance
  • Insomnia
  • Depression and anxiety
  • A loss of sense of smell

Most of those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s are aged 50 or older, but younger people have been known to suffer from it as well.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment can typically involve medication, supportive therapy like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and in some cases brain surgery.

In the interview with the BBC, Michael recalled how big moments in his life happened in very close proximity to each other, as he married his wife Tracy Pollan in 1988, three years before his diagnosis.

The couple’s first child, a son named Ssam, was born in 1989, while his father died of a heart attack in 1990.

The actor outlined how he ‘faced challenges’ that he didn’t anticipate at the time, and addressed the fact that he didn’t reveal his condition publicly until 1998, seven years after his diagnosis.

‘I didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t know how it was going to manifest, and I didn’t know what to expect. And no one could really tell me what to expect,’ he shared.

For 24 years, Michael has been helping to make a positive impact on the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease, with The Michael J Fox Foundation saying that it is ‘dedicated to finding a cure’.

The organisation has an ‘aggressively funded research agenda’, and is also ‘ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today’.

Michael J Fox in Back to the Future
The Back To The Future star was diagnosed when he was 29 years old (Picture: Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Michael described his Parkinson’s as a ‘gift’, as it allowed him to help others.

‘I would say it’s a gift. People would look at me and go, “It’s the gift that keeps on taking,” but it’s a gift,’ he said in the interview.

‘I realised I had to turn it into something and make it some positive thing that affected other people in a positive way. So I did, I started a foundation, but it took me a long time to get there.’

One woman called Sarah showered Michael with praise, writing on X: ‘What an incredible attitude from such a talented man. No self-pity, just an outpouring of positivity and an urge to do something for others. Total respect.’

Martin added: ‘Amazing guy,’ while a viewer called Clinton also wrote: ‘This dude 💖.’

BBC Breakfast airs every day from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Michael J Fox, 62, leaves Bafta audience in tears with rare appearance

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Bafta viewers couldn’t help but smile as the iconic Michael J Fox made a surprise appearance on stage to present the final award of the night.

He had walked on the red carpet hours before, using wife Tracy Polin to support himself, prompting an outpouring of love.

Michael, 62, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, and as a result, the legend is rarely seen at these huge awards shows or other events.

Fans were shocked that not only did he attend the celebration but also headed into the spotlight as he presented Oppenheimer with the crown for best film of 2024.

Host David Tennant announced the Back to the Future legend was joining him on stage, sparking a standing ovation from the esteemed audience.

After using a wheelchair in his entrance, everyone was in tears as he stepped up to the podium with some aid from an assistant.

Michael J Fox presents the Best Film Award on stage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 18, 2024 in London, England.
Michael J Fox got a standing ovation when he presented the award (Picture: Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan on red carpet Baftas 2024
He had walked the red carpet with wife Tracy Pollan earlier in the evening (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

The Teen Wolf star looked incredibly well as he smiled and joked before announcing the nominees and eventually Christopher Nolan’s atomic bomb biopic as the night’s top film.

‘Seeing Michael J. Fox at @BAFTA awards. Holy s**t, that brought me to tears. What an inspiring man,’ tweeted Paul Nicholson.

Another X user Lainey added: ‘I will continue to say this forever. Michael J Fox is the most precious human being and he deserves all the great things in the world. We don’t deserve him.’

‘Okay they’re really trying to make me cry bringing Michael J Fox on to present the award😭😭,’ shared Mols while Louise Pallot added: ‘Love this standing ovation for Michael J Fox, it’s making me emotional.’

Michael J Fox and David Beckham at the Baftas
David Beckham was completely starstruck meeting Michael (Picture: Getty Images)

Declan Cashin wrote: ‘All those stars in the room, and still the biggest and most affectionate reaction is for Michael J Fox, because the man is a legend.’

‘My eyes well up every time I see Michael J Fox. What an absolute hero that man is,’ shared Sean McLaughlin.

Michael was certainly one of the most sought-after celebrities at the bash, as former footballer David Beckham admitted he was completely starstruck after meeting the acting legend.

Alongside a photo of them together, the ex-Manchester United star wrote in an Instagram post: ‘I cannot believe I got to meet Michael J Fox ❤️ and also a little starstruck to meet so many talented people that I’ve watched on the big screen at @bafta tonight.’

Baftas 2024: Full list of winners

Best film

  • Oppenheimer

Outstanding British film

  • The Zone Of Interest

Best leading actress

  • Emma Stone for Poor Things

Best leading actor

  • Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer

Best supporting actress

  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers

Best supporting actor

  • Robert Downey Jr for Oppenheimer

Best director

  • Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer

Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer

  • Earth Mama

Best film not in the English language

  • The Zone Of Interest

Best documentary

  • 20 Days In Mariupol

Best animated film

  • The Boy and the Heron

Best original screenplay

  • Anatomy Of A Fall

Best adapted screenplay

  • American Fiction

Best casting

  • Susan Shopmaker for The Holdovers

Best cinematography

  • Oppenheimer

Best editing

  • Oppenheimer

Best costume design

  • Poor Things

Best makeup and hair

  • Poor Things

Best original score

  • Ludwig Goransson for Oppenheimer

Best production design

  • Shona Heath, James Price and Zsuzsa Mihalek for Poor Things

Best sound

  • Johnnie Burn and Tarn Willers for The Zone Of Interest

Best special visual effects

  • Poor Things

Best British short animation

  • Crab Day

Best British short film

  • Jellyfish And Lobster

EE Rising Star award (voted for by the public)

  • Mia Mckenna-Bruce

In 1991 when he was just 29 years old, the actor was diagnosed with the long-term neurological condition which can ‘cause tremor, slowness, stiffness, walking and balance problems’, with symptoms ‘slowly worsening over time’.

Nine years later, he founded The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and has been a huge advocate for information and research ever since.

‘I would say it’s a gift. People would look at me and go, “It’s the gift that keeps on taking,” but it’s a gift,’ he said in an interview for a documentary on Parkinson’s.

‘I realised I had to turn it into something and make it some positive thing that affected other people in a positive way. So I did, I started a foundation, but it took me a long time to get there.’

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Michael J Fox makes heartbreaking prediction about his death in resurfaced interview

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Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox has been thinking about his own mortality in recent times (Picture: CBS Sunday Morning)

Michael J Fox left the Baftas auditorium in tears last night and now a heartbreaking interview from last year has resurfaced in which he opened up about living with Parkinson’s disease.

The Back to the Future legend, 62, took to the Royal Festival Hall stage last night in a wheelchair to a standing ovation from the audience and with some assistance, he stood and presented the crowning best film award to Oppenheimer.

The acting veteran, who rarely makes such public appearances, was met with an outpouring of love on social media for being an ‘inspiration’ after he was diagnosed with the chronic neurodegenerative disease in 1991 when he was just 29 years old.

Parkinson’s means the brain becomes progressively damaged over the years, and there is no cure.

In June last year Michael fell over on stage during a Back to the Future Q&A panel, making his Baftas appearance all the more impressive.

In a video interview that’s now resurfaced, chatting on CBS News last year Michael said he’s not going to make it to 80, after Parkinson’s left him with five broken bones from repeated falls.

Michael J Fox presents the Best Film Award on stage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024
The Back to the Future star took to the stage at last night’s Baftas (Picture: Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

‘I had spinal surgery and it messed up my walking, and I started to break stuff,’ he explained.

‘Falling is a big killer with Parkinson’s,’ Michael said. ‘Falling and aspirating food and getting pneumonia, all those subtle ways it gets you.’

The Teen Wolf star continued: ‘You don’t die from Parkinson’s, you die with Parkinson’s. I’ve been thinking about mortality a bit.

‘I’m not going to be 80,’ he said, repeating this once more.

Over the years, the Canadian-born actor has been open about his journey with the disease.

In 2000, he founded The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, which explains how the disease can cause ‘tremor, slowness, stiffness, walking and balance problems’, with symptoms ‘slowly worsening over time’.

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
Tracy Pollan has stuck with him through their 35-year marriage after his 1991 diagnosis (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Earlier this month, Michael appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about his diagnosis, and his 2023 documentary, Still: A Michael J Fox Movie, which was nominated for a Bafta but lost out to 20 Days In Mariupol.

He explained how his film tells ‘stories about resilience and hope’ as ‘an incurable optimist meets an incurable disease’.

Through his foundation and openness about his condition, Michael has helped improve the lives of many people living with Parkinson’s, whereas as the actor noted, when he was diagnosed there was little guidance out there on what to expect.

‘I would say it’s a gift. People would look at me and go, “It’s the gift that keeps on taking,” but it’s a gift,’ he said in the interview of his diagnosis.

Sorry, this video isn't available any more.

‘I realised I had to turn it into something and make it some positive thing that affected other people in a positive way. So I did, I started a foundation, but it took me a long time to get there.’

It took Michael seven years to go public with his diagnosis, which came in quick succession after a number of other huge life events, including his marriage to wife Tracy Pollan in 1988, and the birth of his first son Sam, who they welcomed a year later.

The year before his diagnosis, Michael’s father died of a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The NHS lists the three main symptoms of Parkinson’s as:

  • Slow movement
  • Inflexible and stiff muscles
  • Involuntary tremors of particular parts of the body

Someone with Parkinson’s can also develop other symptoms, such as:

  • Problems with memory
  • Problems with balance
  • Insomnia
  • Depression and anxiety
  • A loss of sense of smell

Most of those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s are aged 50 or older, but younger people have been known to suffer from it as well.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment can typically involve medication, supportive therapy like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and in some cases brain surgery.

Still with his wife of 35 years, Michael said in a November interview he would have forgiven Tracy for leaving him over the difficulties of coping with the disease.

‘She was able to get me through it, and go through it with me. And she has for 35 years,’ he told  Nate Burleson in an interview, again on CBS Mornings.

Discussing his symptoms, Michael added: ‘We knew the bus was coming and it was going to hit, but we didn’t know how far away it was, or how fast it was going.

‘At any time, she would have been forgiven [for saying], “I’m just going to step out.” But she didn’t do that.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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