Michael J Fox reveals his Parkinson’s has ‘gotten harder’ but remains hopeful for a cure
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michael J Fox got candid about his battle with Parkinson’s in an interview, admitting that the disease has “gotten harder over the years.” He, however, also expressed his hope of finding a cure soon.
Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991 at age 29, recently appeared in Season 3 of ‘Shrinking’ despite his retirement from acting to raise awareness and money for the disease's research. He is also set to receive the 2026 Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award for his Parkinson’s advocacy and research efforts.
Michael J Fox talks about the power of his name as he advocates for Parkinson’s research
Now, in a recent interview with PEOPLE, Fox shared his reason for returning to acting.
“[I knew] my name could attract attention to help us achieve our goals faster. But I also have this disease. I know the issues, and I share my community’s sense of urgency,” the 65-year-old said.
Fox also accepted the challenges, like tremors and balance issues, he faces while being in front of the camera, as he noted, “Of course, things have gotten harder over the years,” but “I’m privileged to commit my time and energy to bringing everything I’ve got to help cure this disease.”
Michael J Fox shows off his real self in 'Shrinking'
Fox also revealed that Apple TV’s hit comedy-drama series, starring Harrison Ford and Jason Segel, “allows me to show up on set as myself.”
The creator of ‘Shrinking’ is Fox’s friend Bill Lawrence, who let him “use how I feel on any given day and channel it into the scene.”
Michael J Fox feels honored to receive Lasker Award as he hails the power of research
The winner of the five Emmys and four Golden Globes went on to address the Lasker Award honor, which he deems “a standout.”
“Lasker winners show the world what science can achieve when we keep our eyes on the prize. To be included in that company is humbling,” he stated.
The ‘Back to the Future’ star also added that he’s sharing the prize with “the researchers and clinicians on the front lines of cure hunting, and the patients and families who critically inform that mission.”
“Science is hard. It’s astronomically expensive. It takes time and collaboration. But as long as we stay focused, we stay hopeful, we’ll get there. And the science is showing we’re getting close. We’re seeing more research breakthroughs every year, new drugs to help patients live well, and better tools to help scientists move faster. It’s heartening progress. And we’re going to stay on it till the job is done,” Fox asserted.
