Michael J. Fox is living life to its fullest, as he prepares to return to acting after five years in retirement. The ‘Back to the Future’ star is set to make his most personal role yet in the upcoming season of ‘Shrinking,’ where he portrays a character with Parkinson’s disease. After battling the condition since 1991, Fox has expressed his determination to stay active and engaged in both his personal and professional life.
Fox, who has been open about his journey with Parkinson’s, shared his thoughts on the importance of staying present and enjoying every moment. ‘I just feel I have to,’ he told USA Today. ‘It’s a tradeoff. I want to be around for everything.’ This sentiment reflects his commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle, keeping his partnerships alive, and cherishing time with his family. His approach highlights a positive outlook, emphasizing that life with Parkinson’s can still be filled with joy and purpose.
The actor has faced unique challenges throughout his career, often needing to adapt his work to accommodate his symptoms. However, this latest role in ‘Shrinking’ marks a significant milestone. For the first time, Fox was able to focus on his performance without the added stress of his condition. ‘I just do it. It was really good, because for the moments when I say, ‘I’m not going to be able to do this,’ then I say, ‘Well, I’ll just deal with how I can’t do it in the scene.’ And you get through it,’ he explained in an interview with People. This experience underscores his resilience and ability to adapt, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for expression.
His return to acting came after a thoughtful consideration of his future with Parkinson’s. When he first learned of his diagnosis at age 29, he was faced with the challenge of navigating a career in the public eye while managing a chronic condition. Fox has since described the disease as mysterious and enigmatic, with no clear timeline or predictable progression. This understanding has shaped his approach to life, as he continues to seek ways to remain as active as possible.
Fox’s journey with Parkinson’s is not only a personal story but also one that resonates with many others living with the condition. By choosing to portray a character with the disease in ‘Shrinking,’ he brings attention to the realities of living with Parkinson’s in a way that is both authentic and impactful. This role offers a unique opportunity to share the experiences of those affected by the condition, fostering understanding and empathy.
In an interview with The Times, Fox reflected on his hopes for the future, expressing a desire to simply wake up each day without the fear of dramatic health complications. ‘I’d like to just not wake up one day. That’d be really cool. I don’t want it to be dramatic. I don’t want to trip over furniture, smash my head,’ he said. This statement encapsulates his determination to live life on his own terms, embracing both the challenges and the beauty of each moment.