Fox, Michael J. (1961-…), is a Canadian-born television and motion-picture actor. He is noted for his versatility in both comedies and dramas. Fox also has become a well known spokesperson for research leading to a cure for Parkinson disease.
Michael Andrew Fox was born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He made his professional acting debut at the age of 15 in the Canadian TV sitcom (situation comedy) “Leo and Me” (1976). At the age of 18, Fox moved to Los Angeles, where he began working in television. He adopted the middle initial J in honor of the American actor Michael J. Pollard.
Fox became famous in 1982 for his portrayal of Alex P. Keaton, the conservative teenage son of 1960’s radicals in the popular TV sitcom “Family Ties” (1982-1989). Fox won Emmy Awards in 1986, 1987, and 1988 for best actor for his role in the series. Fox also won an Emmy in 2000 for his performance as New York City deputy mayor Mike Flaherty in the TV comedy series “Spin City.” He starred on the show from 1996 to 2000.
Fox’s TV popularity led to starring roles in motion pictures, including the popular “Back to the Future” trilogy (series of three). He played the time-traveling teenager Marty McFly in the films. The trilogy consists of Back to the Future (1985), Back to the Future Part II (1989), and Back to the Future Part III (1990). Fox’s other films include the dramas Light of Day (1987), Bright Lights, Big City (1988), and Casualties of War (1989). His comedies include The Secret of My Success (1987) and The Hard Way and Doc Hollywood (both 1991). Fox also has provided the voices of a number of characters in animated movies, including Stuart Little (1999) and Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001).
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson disease in 1991. The disease’s symptoms include trembling hands, rigid muscles, slow movement, and problems with balance. In 2000, Fox established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. In 2011, Fox was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada for his outreach and fund-raising work. Appointment to the order is one of Canada’s highest civilian honors.
In the 2000’s, Fox has appeared on several television shows, including “Scrubs,” “Boston Legal,” “Rescue Me,” “The Good Wife,” and “Designated Survivor.” In 2013, he starred in the TV comedy series “The Michael J. Fox Show” as a news anchor who has Parkinson disease.
Fox wrote about his experience with Parkinson disease in the best-selling books Lucky Man (2002), Always Looking Up (2009), and No Time Like the Future (2020). He also wrote the best seller A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future (2010), a collection of his personal experiences for graduates. He married the American actress Tracy Pollan in 1988.
