Michael J. Fox’s stark reflection on his struggle with Parkinson’s disease

Since his participation in the Back to the Future trilogy, Michael J. Fox has become one of the most iconic faces in cinema. However, his acting career took a major hit after his role as Marty McFly, as he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, at the age of 29.

Now, at the age of 61 and having retired from acting in 2020, Fox confessed that his health condition has worsened, and that he probably “won’t make it to 80 years old”.

Fox gets candid

In an interview with CBS’ Jane Pauley, Fox made a harsh reflection about his struggle with Parkinson’s.

The condition has affected him to such an extent that it is impossible for him to keep still, and it is even a great difficulty to articulate words.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s getting harder and harder. It’s getting harder. It’s getting harder every day. But that’s the way it is. I mean, what can I do about it?” the actor said when asked about the difficulties he has faced with Parkinson’s despite all the support he has received over the decades.

“Harder and harder every day,” the actor added.

A reflection on Fox’s health

In 2018, Michael had to undergo bone marrow surgery to remove a tumor, which further limited his mobility to such a degree that he suffered several accidents, breaking his hand, right shoulder and elbow. These experiences made the actor reflect on his mortality and the time he has left to continue having a dignified life, because with Parkinson’s, any accident can become a deadly experience.

“Falling and aspirating food and getting pneumonia - all these subtle ways that get you,” Fox admitted candidly. “You don’t die of Parkinson’s; you die with Parkinson’s.”

“So I’ve been thinking about your mortality. I’m not going to make it to 80.”

Michal J. Fox updates

2022 was a very difficult year for Fox, as in addition to having broken several parts of his body due to the progression of Parkinson’s, his mother passed away at the age of 92.

There has been a lot of positivity as well however, as the actor’s family, friends, and fans have poured out their support.

The actor has released a documentary about his life, called ‘Still’, which was a therapeutic experience for him, and Fox’s foundation for Parkinson’s research has recently made a groundbreaking discovery.