Michael J Fox Used His Parkinson’s Experience In Acting

Michael J. Fox finally found the square peg for this square hole!

All seemed bleak for the actor’s career as his Parkinson’s Disease advanced, but his new role seemed to be exactly what he needed to reconnect with a passion he truly loves.

Michael J. Fox came out publicly with his diagnosis decades ago in 1997, seven years after he became aware of the condition. Unfortunately, the legendary actor stepped back from acting in 2020 when it became difficult to memorize lines.

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The actor raved about his return to acting on “Shrinking,” noting that his character allowed him to act without the pressure of his health condition affecting his memory. 

Fox’s latest gig marks the first time he would appear on television after stepping away from the acting world in 2020 due to Parkinson’s. At the time, he had appeared in shows like “The Good Wife” and “Scrubs” as he continued to battle the condition. 

Fox had previously retired in 2000, a few years after he went public with his diagnosis, but his resilience carried him until he pulled the plug again two decades later. “Shrinking” was created by Fox’s pal Bill Lawrence, who gave him the chance to show up as he is on set, emotions high or otherwise. 

In his interview with PEOPLE, Fox acknowledged that a new variable of his symptoms emerged, which came with him losing his ability to memorize things, lack of tremor control, and balance issues.

The Award-Winning Actor Has His Sights Set On Philanthropy

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When the actor wasn’t appearing on TV screens, he shifted his focus to advancing the Michael J. Fox Foundation, created in 2000. He explained that his foundation’s main aim was to create a world where Parkinson’s disease is a thing of the past, with help from science.

Fox’s television appearance came with a bow on top as he already snagged an Emmy nomination for his role on the third season of “Shrinking.” The show follows a therapist who deals with his friend and colleague who has Parkinson’s disease, likewise Fox’s character, who also has the condition.

Back in January, the movie star told the Los Angeles Times that a scene in “Once Upon A Time” where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character crashed out because he couldn’t memorize his lines resonated with him.

More From The Blast

Michael J. Fox Warned Against Premature Excitement Towards A Return To Acting

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As The Blast shared earlier in the year, Fox told the LA Times he knew he wanted to be part of “Shrinking” the second he started watching it, and his closeness with Lawrence made that dream achievable.

According to him: “I saw Billy’s show, and I just thought, it’s fantastic. The depth of character, the quality of relationships, the language — it’s just a beautiful show.”

While the actor admitted to feeling a flush of fulfillment appearing on set again, he declared that his return should be treated as what it truly is- brief. Fox added that with his children leaving home and dealing with an empty nest, it may seem like the best time to take the plunge again, but his plan was far from that.

The actor added that his inclusion in the show as someone living with Parkinson’s brought another layer of authenticity and depth that may help people understand the condition. Fox has been dealing with the disease for a large chunk of his life, as he got a diagnosis at the age of 29.

The Activist Detailed The Crushing Effect Of Parkinson’s Disease On His Wife

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Fox and his wife, Tracy Pollan, tied the knot in 1988, a few years before he got the diagnosis, and she was right with him when he decided to go public with the news. The Blast noted that the actor confessed to The Hollywood Reporter that his wife felt the worst hit from the reaction that followed the news and the rollercoaster from Parkinson’s.

He noted that due to the symptoms of the disease always changing, Pollan did not know what to expect and how to navigate their new normal. However, the actor said his decision to be open about everything was to raise awareness of his health issue.

The filmmaker weighed in on the stigma and pessimism that often trailed Parkinson’s, including the lack of resources to provide support for people battling the condition, unlike himself, who got necessary help.

Fox added that he found sharing his reality individually elevating and closer to humanity, not always about science. “And if we can find a way to get through every day and at the same time be fueling for our actions and our deeds and our philanthropy, then that’s a great thing,” he concluded.

Michael J. Fox Explained His Relationship With Humor As He Carries On With Parkinson’s

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The television personality struggled with emotional and physical effects of the disease, which came in daily doses of reduced mobility, shocking tremors, and several other symptoms he did not know existed. 

In the middle of the rubble, however, Fox told PEOPLE at the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s” gala in 2024 that he found an anchor in his impeccable sense of humor, though very dark.

He had been open about dark humor and how it makes challenging conversations about breaking barriers and unraveling taboos a bit more bearable, as he encouraged everyone to embrace it. The event raised about $116 million in funds to support Parkinson’s disease research.

Since its inception in 2000, the actor’s Parkinson’s Disease Foundation has raised over $1.75 billion for research, and it remains the largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s drug development globally. The Foundation has also been a transformative force in the search for a cure, playing an important role in scientific humanitarian missions.