In 1991, Michael J. Fox learned that he had Parkinson’s, a degenerative disease of the nervous system characterized by incoordination, muscle rigidity, and tremors. So fame and success in Hollywood were part of his life.
He was at the height of his career, months after the third installment of ‘Back to the Future’ grossed no less than 224 million dollars.
He decided to hide the diagnosis from the public for the next seven years, but the denial led to a deep depression, he would later reveal. He was 29 years old.
Today, at 61, he shows that it is becoming less and less difficult for him to talk about his illness. Proof of this is ‘Still: a Michael J. Fox Movie’, a documentary that premiered in January on AppleTV+ and that he has just presented at the South by Southwest Film Festival, Austin (Texas)).
“Pity is a benign form of abuse. I can feel sorry for myself, but I don’t have time for it. There are things to learn from this, so let’s do it and move on.”said the actor.
In this work, directed by davis guggenheim, the interpreter also narrates how he resorted to drinking to forget his serious prognosis. “He was definitely an alcoholic, but I’ve gone 30 years without a drink.”
In this hard process, he had as his great ally his wife of 35 years, Tracy Pollanand mother of his four children.
Support and partner. Yesterday with Tracy Pollan, his wife. Photo: AFP
In ‘Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’, the remembered star of ‘Back to the Future’ is the one who narrates the whole story. “Some people would see the news of my illness as an end, but I was starting to feel like it was really a start.”says Fox, according to the newspaper El País.
By your side, People reveals that, for a few months, his doctors have recommended that, in order to preserve his diction, he practice tongue twisters and the like, and although his health is not at its best, he does not give up.
at the Festival of South by Southwes Cinemat, alongside director Davis Guggenheim, the actor, who last year received an honorary Oscar (recognizing philanthropic efforts), said the purpose of sharing more about his story is to give back to his fans. “My fans, basically, They have given me my life,” he explained. “I wanted to give my time and gratitude to these people who have done so much for me. It was great for me to hear from all of you.”.
Regarding the end of his career, (year 2000) which, despite everything, continues to be one of the most remembered and mythical among the public, he stated: “I do not regret it. You do what you have to do, but you don’t want to kill yourself. And that’s when I stopped.”
Fox was working as a supporting actor or guest star in ‘The good wife’, ‘Designated successor’ and ‘The good fight’, even counting on participations as a doubler. The actor affirms that he has good friends and family who watch over him and that he feels lucky.
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