Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Michael J. Fox Triumphs Over Parkinson's: A Return to Acting and Advocacy

Michael J. Fox isn't letting his decades-long battle with Parkinson's disease slow him down from achieving his professional or personal ambitions; seen last year

MICHAEL J. FOX'S BIG COMEBACK: PARKINSON'S WARRIOR TURNS ACTING PRODIGY AT 64!

In a shocking turn of events, Hollywood legend Michael J. Fox has made his highly-anticipated comeback in the TV series Shrinking, leaving fans and critics alike stunned by his incredible resilience in the face of Parkinson's disease.

At 64 years young, Fox is still going strong, defying all odds and proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent, charm, and charisma. Diagnosed with Parkinson's at a mere 29 years old in 1991, Fox has been open about his struggles, but never let them hold him back from achieving his dreams.

The beloved Back to the Future star, 64, was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 1991 at just 29 years old and went public with his condition seven years later

The beloved Back to the Future star's journey with Parkinson's is a testament to his unwavering determination and unrelenting spirit. After being diagnosed during filming of Doc Hollywood, Fox went public with his condition in 1998, sparking a national conversation about the disease.

Since then, Fox has become an icon for Parkinson's research, raising over $2 billion through his Michael J. Fox Foundation to fund groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs and treatments. His tireless advocacy has inspired countless individuals around the world to join the fight against this debilitating condition.

Despite stepping back from acting in 2020 due to health challenges related to the disease, Fox has made an astonishing comeback with his recent guest arc on Apple TV's Emmy-nominated series Shrinking. The show's co-creator, Bill Lawrence, was overjoyed to have Fox on board, praising his "incredible talent" and "generosity of spirit."

'As a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do,' he told People; pictured with wife Tracy Pollan, son Sam Michael, twin daughters Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances in 2023

In a candid interview with People magazine, Fox spoke about his decision to return to acting, saying, "I see other people's work, and it makes me think that I might be able to find something that's for me as an actor and as a writer... And as a parent, husband, and friend, I have a lot left to do."

Fox's character in Shrinking is a Parkinson's patient himself, marking a poignant moment for the actor, who has been open about his own experiences with the disease. When asked how it felt to play a character with Parkinson's, Fox replied, "It was the first time ever I get to show up on set, and I didn't have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything... I just do it."

Shrinking's co-star Harrison Ford, who plays therapist Dr. Paul Rhodes in the series, spoke highly of Fox's professionalism and commitment to his craft. "His willingness to be part of our show is a great source of inspiration and gives us a real purpose," Ford gushed.

Reflecting on the past year, Fox, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January in recognition of his advocacy, said things have 'just been really positive'

The Oscar-winning actor also praised Fox's intellect and emotional depth, saying, "I've done what I could to acquaint myself with the aspects of the disease that I'm portraying... Michael is totally there on the intellectual level. And emotionally, his humor and his courage are evident."

Fox's remarkable journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and his advocacy work continues to make a significant impact on the world. The Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient reflected on the past year, saying, "Things have just been really positive, really energizing... If you put your mind to it, you can do anything."

As Fox balances his acting career with his tireless advocacy efforts, he remains committed to spreading hope and awareness about Parkinson's disease. With his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering determination, Michael J. Fox is an inspiration to us all.

Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 at age 29 while filming Doc Hollywood, after experiencing a sore shoulder; pictured last year

In a rare interview, Fox opened up about the challenges of living with Parkinson's, saying, "I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it... I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it. I roll around in a wheelchair a lot, and it took some getting used to."

Fox's dedication to his craft has been evident throughout his illustrious career, from his iconic role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future to his critically acclaimed performances in TV series such as Spin City and Scrubs.

As Fox continues to defy expectations and push boundaries with his acting comeback, fans around the world are eager to see what's next for this Parkinson's warrior. With his unwavering spirit and dedication to his craft, Michael J. Fox is a shining example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Most famously, Michael starred as teenager Marty McFly in the science fiction movie Back to the Future in 1985 (seen in 1987)

The Michael J. Fox Foundation: A Legacy of Hope

Established by Fox in 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has become a leading force in Parkinson's research, raising over $2 billion to fund groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs and treatments.

With its mission to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, the foundation has made significant strides in recent years, funding numerous studies and clinical trials aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

As Fox continues to advocate for Parkinson's research, his foundation remains committed to its core values: hope, determination, and resilience. By supporting The Michael J. Fox Foundation, fans can join the fight against Parkinson's and help make a difference in the lives of millions affected by this debilitating condition.

In His Own Words: A Conversation with Michael J. Fox

TheScholarlyNote.com had the privilege of sitting down with Michael J. Fox to discuss his latest projects, including his guest arc on Shrinking and his upcoming book, Future Boy.

In a candid conversation, Fox spoke about his approach to acting, saying, "I try to take the good and seize it whenever given the chance... I wake up every morning thinking, 'What's my message for today?' And then I go out there and do it."

When asked about his experience working on Shrinking, Fox replied, "It was an incredible experience. The cast is so talented, and we all clicked right away... It was a joy to be part of such a well-crafted show."

Fox's commitment to his craft has been evident throughout his career, from his early days as a struggling actor to his current status as a Hollywood legend.

As he continues to defy expectations and push boundaries with his acting comeback, Michael J. Fox remains an inspiration to fans around the world. With his unwavering determination and infectious enthusiasm, this Parkinson's warrior is a shining example of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

A Message from Michael J. Fox

To all those living with Parkinson's disease, Fox has a message of hope and encouragement: "If you put your mind to it, you can do anything... Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

With his unwavering spirit and dedication to his craft, Michael J. Fox is an inspiration to us all. As he continues to advocate for Parkinson's research and push boundaries with his acting comeback, fans around the world are eager to see what's next for this remarkable individual.

In a final note, Fox reflected on his journey with Parkinson's, saying, "I've learned so much about myself and others through this experience... It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for every moment of it."

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: Michael J. Fox will continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.