Michael J. Fox, born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is a celebrated Canadian-American actor and activist. He gained prominence in the 1980s for his comedic roles, notably as Alex P. Keaton in the television series Family Ties and as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film trilogy.
In 1991, at the age of 29, Fox was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. He publicly disclosed his condition in 1998 and has since become a leading advocate for Parkinson’s research. His organization, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, has raised over $1 billion to fund research aimed at finding a cure.
Recent Developments:
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Presidential Medal of Freedom: On January 4, 2025, Fox was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his extensive efforts in Parkinson’s disease research through his foundation.
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Advocacy for Government Action: In a January 13, 2025, opinion piece for USA Today, Fox urged the federal government to implement the National Parkinson’s Project, aiming to end Parkinson’s disease.
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Family Celebrations: Fox celebrated his daughter Esmé’s 23rd birthday with an emotional Instagram tribute, praising her multifaceted nature and expressing deep love. Esmé is currently pursuing journalism at Duke University.
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Valentine’s Day Tribute: On February 14, 2025, Fox and his wife, Tracy Pollan, celebrated their enduring relationship with heartfelt Instagram posts. Married for over 36 years, the couple shared throwback photos and sweet messages highlighting their enduring love.
Fox’s enduring spirit and dedication to both his craft and advocacy continue to inspire many worldwide.