In a recent interview with Variety, renowned actor Michael J.
Fox disclosed that he has endured numerous injuries as a consequence of his ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
Diagnosed with the condition in 1991 at the age of 29, Fox, star of the iconic “Back to the Future” series, shed light on the physical harm he has suffered due to balance issues.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that leads to involuntary stiffness, tremors, and coordination difficulties, progressively worsening over time, as stated by the National Institutes of Health.
Fox shared with Variety, “I broke this shoulder — had it replaced.
I broke this elbow.
I broke this hand.
I had an infection that almost cost me this finger.
I broke my face.
I broke this humerus.”
Over the years, Fox has faced challenges managing his illness, enduring personal losses and mental health struggles in addition to coping with the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
The actor admitted to relying on aides to prevent falls, but expressed the difficulty of having limited privacy.
He remarked, “I lost family members, I lost my dog, I lost freedom, I lost health.
I hesitate to use the term ‘depression,’ because I’m not qualified to diagnose myself, but all the signs were there.”
Despite the obstacles, Fox finds solace in the unwavering support of his family, who assist him during his health battles.
“I just enjoy the little math problems of existence,” he shared.
“I love waking up and figuring that stuff out and at the same time being with my family.”
Acceptance has become a crucial aspect of Fox’s journey as he faces the impacts of this debilitating disease.
Acknowledging his tendency to fall and break bones, he remains optimistic about the future.
“But I hope that, and I feel that, I won’t break as many bones tomorrow.
So that’s being optimistic,” he stated.
In a recent interview with CBS “Sunday Morning,” Fox reflected on the significant duration of his life affected by Parkinson’s.
He expressed, “It’s been 30+ years; not many of us that have had this disease for 30 years…
It sucks having Parkinson’s.”
Since publicly announcing his illness in 1998, Fox has dedicated himself to raising funds for Parkinson’s research and treatment development.
Recognizing the lack of funding in these areas, he established the nonprofit Michael J.
Fox Foundation in 2000.
According to the foundation’s website, it has raised over $1.5 billion for Parkinson’s research.
Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 500,000 Americans, although some experts believe the actual number may be higher due to cases that go undiagnosed.
As a result of the challenges he faces with learning lines and acting, Fox retired from acting in 2020.
Nevertheless, he will soon appear in a new documentary, “Still: A Michael J.
Fox Movie,” which chronicles his remarkable career, his journey towards sobriety, his battle with Parkinson’s, and his unwavering determination to live life on his own terms despite the debilitating symptoms of the disease.
While the actor acknowledges that Parkinson’s continues to pose immense challenges, he maintains a resilient spirit.
“No matter how much I sit here and talk to you about how I’ve philosophically accepted it and taken its weight, Parkinson’s is still kicking my ass.
I won’t win at this.
I will lose,” Fox confessed to the magazine.
“But, there’s plenty to be gained in the loss.”
