Michael J Fox alive and ‘doing great’ after CNN ‘Remembering’ video sparks death scare

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Beloved actor Michael J Fox, 64, is alive and in good health, despite confusion caused by a video titled “Remembering the life of actor Michael J Fox” that briefly appeared on CNN and created panic.

Because of its tone and structure, the video appeared like a tribute, which is usually seen after someone’s passing. That’s what led to the widespread confusion.

A CNN spokesperson later clarified that the video was published by mistake and has since been removed from all platforms. 

The network also apologized to the 'Back to the Future' actor and his family for the error and the misunderstanding it created.

Michael J Fox is alive and well

As confusion spread after a CNN video appeared to resemble a tribute, prompting concern among many viewers, a network representative quickly clarified the situation.

"Michael is doing great. He was at PaleyFest yesterday. He was on stage and was giving interviews," the representative told TMZ, confirming that the actor is active and in good health.

"The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J Fox and his family," the spokesperson further shared.

Still, the mistake upset many viewers. Some reacted online, asking, "Did @CNN accidentally post an obituary for Michael J Fox?" Others were confused about why their feeds showed CNN seemingly honoring him as if he had passed away.

Usually, such tribute-style videos are shared after someone’s death. In this case, it appears the clip was released by accident, which caused the misunderstanding. However, fans can now relax and not panic about the hoax.

For those who may not know, the actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1990 at the age of 29. Fox publicly shared the diagnosis in 1998.

In 2000, he launched 'The Michael J Fox Foundation' to support research for the disease. More recently, in May 2023, he released the documentary 'Still,' where he spoke openly about his life, career, and journey with Parkinson’s.

Inside the tribute video that sparked confusion

The CNN video that sparked confusion among viewers featured a mix of Fox's past work, along with clips from his interviews over the years.

As per Entertainment Weekly, the narration said, "He came into our living rooms on the small screen each week as Alex P Keaton (on Family Ties) and eventually onto the big screen as Marty McFly in (Back to the Future)," highlighting his rise from television to film.

It continued, "But Michael J Fox had a compelling third act as Parkinson's sufferer and stem cell research advocate."

The video also mentioned a key turning point in his career. It noted that he stepped away from 'Spin City' in 2000 as his Parkinson's symptoms became harder to manage. 

The narration went on to praise his efforts beyond acting, saying, "His most lasting role may have been as a tireless voice against Parkinson's, a performance the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2022," recognizing his advocacy.

It ended with a reflective line, "In the end, Fox came to understand that his battle against the disease brought out the best in him."