The Back To The Future star was diagnosed in 1991
During a Back to the Future Q&A at the Fan Expo in Philadelphia this past weekend, Michael J. Fox experienced a minor setback.
The 61-year-old retired man, who has fought heroically against Parkinson’s disease since 1991, made a little misstep as he made his way up the stage.
Fortunately, the couch on the stage was a cushion for the star’s fall, preventing a potentially more damaging impact on the floor.
The actor, unperturbed, recovered gracefully, joined the panel, and continued the program. Tom Wilson, 64, and Christopher Lloyd, 84, another Back to the Future co-star, were with him.
Just over a month ago, Michael announced that his almost three-decade battle with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic degenerative condition affecting the neurological system and motor skills, was becoming increasingly difficult.
Michael, most known for playing Marty McFly in all three Back to the Future movies, adopted a laid-back look for the occasion. He wore black jeans, a denim jacket, and a white T-shirt. He finished his casual look with white Nike sneakers, a blue and yellow baseball cap, and clear-rimmed glasses for an air of elegance.
In a black puffer vest, a long-sleeve top, and blue trousers, Christopher, who is most known for playing the oddball Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown in the series, displayed his calm, laid-back fashion. Wilson sported a sharp blue jacket with trousers, perfectly portraying the role of the school bully Biff Tannen.
The iconic trio’s relaxed on-stage seating, attentive conversation, and sharing of stories from their work on the legendary movie delighted fans.
Michael was already well-known due to his starring role in the sitcom Family Ties. His performance as the intrepid young time traveler Marty McFly in the 1985 film Back to the Future propelled him to even greater stardom. Over $380 million was made by the movie at international box offices, making it a colossal hit.
Back to the Future: Part II became the third highest-grossing movie of 1989 despite receiving a less favorable critical review than the first film in the series.
Despite his stage blunder, the actor had a good week because he got to spend time with his family and celebrate the 34th birthday of his doppelganger son Sam. On his Instagram, Michael posted touching images from the event, including one of him kissing his kid on the cheek.
He and his wife Tracy Pollan, 62, are parents of twins Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, 27, and Esmé Annabelle, 21, and Sam. In 1988, the pair got married.
On CBS Sunday Morning in April, Michael was open and honest about his struggles with Parkinson’s illness. ‘[Parkinson’s] hammering on the door,’ he said. “I won’t lie; it’s getting challenging. The going is tougher.”
He said, “You don’t die from Parkinson’s,” when asked about the disease’s prognosis. I won’t live to be 80.”
In 2020 the actor took a break from performing because of his health. Since receiving his diagnosis, he has dedicated himself to raising money for Parkinson’s research and, through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, has successfully generated over $1 billion. He received an Academy Award in November of last year for his tireless efforts to advance the field of the disease research.
