Current:Home > NewsMichael J. Fox Doesn't Believe He'll Live to Be 80 as He Battles Parkinson's Disease-LoTradeCoin
Michael J. Fox Doesn't Believe He'll Live to Be 80 as He Battles Parkinson's Disease
View Date:2024-12-24 00:29:37
Michael J. Fox just made a heartbreaking prediction about himself amid his battle with Parkinson's disease.
"You don't die from Parkinson's. You die with Parkinson's," the Back to the Future actor said on CBS This Morning April 30. "I'm not gonna be 80. I'm not gonna be 80."
Michael, 61, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which has affected his movement and caused tremors and slurred speech, in the '90s. He has since largely put acting aside to focus on his work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which aims to find a cure for Parkinson's. Meanwhile, his disease has progressed. As he said on CBS This Morning, "Every day, it's tougher."
Over the years, the actor has suffered many other health scares, some related to Parkinson's and some not.
"I had spinal surgery. I had a tumor on my spine and it was benign," Michael said on CBS Sunday Morning, appearing to reference a 2018 procedure. "Then I started to break stuff. I broke this arm and I broke this arm, I broke this elbow, I broke my face, I broke my hand."
The actor continued, "Falling and aspirating food and pneumonia. All these subtle ways that gets ya."
Michael, a five-time Emmy winner and recipient of a 2022 honorary Oscar, rose to fame in the '80s, playing Alex P. Keaton on the sitcom Family Ties and Marty McFly in the Back to the Future films. He said on CBS Sunday Morning that he recently watched the original movie for the first time since 1987. The actor recalled wife Tracy Pollan's reaction.
"She said, 'You're watching Back to the Future?" he recalled. "'Yeah, you know, I'm really good in it.'"
Tracy, who has been married to Michael since 1988, shares four kids with the actor—Sam Fox, 33, twins Aquinnah Fox and Schuyler Fox, 28, and Esmé Fox, 21. The Spin City star appears with his family in a new Apple TV+ documentary about his life, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which is set to begin streaming May 12.
Regarding his outlook on his life, Michael told CBS Morning that he realized that "with gratitude, optimism is sustainable." He added, "If you find something to be grateful for, then you find something to look forward to and you carry on."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (6)
Related
- Brands Our Editors Are Thankful For in 2024
- The U.S. Mint releases new commemorative coins honoring Harriet Tubman
- 2024 Golden Globes predictions: From 'Barbie' to Scorsese, who will win – and who should?
- Former Guatemalan president released on bond; leaves prison for first time since 2015
- Suspect arrested after deadly Tuskegee University homecoming shooting
- New York City subway train derails in collision with another train, injuring more than 20 people
- Who is marrying the 'Golden Bachelor?' 10 facts about ‘Golden Wedding’ bride Theresa Nist
- Michigan vs. Washington national title game marks the end of college football as we know it
- Louisiana asks court to block part of ruling against Ten Commandments in classrooms
- Here come 'The Brothers Sun'
Ranking
- Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
- Huge, cannibal invasive frog concerns Georgia wildlife officials: 'This could be a problem'
- Atlanta Braves rework contract with newly acquired pitcher Chris Sale
- This Sweet Moment Between Princess Charlotte and Cousin Mia Tindall Takes the Crown
- As CFP rankings punish SEC teams, do we smell bias against this proud and mighty league?
- Chaotic video shows defendant attack Las Vegas judge during sentencing
- Georgia House special election to replace Barry Fleming set for February
- Ricky Rubio announces NBA retirement after stepping away to focus on mental health
Recommendation
-
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will spend part of week in DC as he tries to Trump-proof state policies
-
Father, son in Texas arrested in murder of pregnant teen Savanah Soto and boyfriend
-
As more Americans work or look for jobs, inflation is falling. How long will it last?
-
The (Pretty Short) List of EVs That Qualify for a $7,500 Tax Credit in 2024
-
Why Dolly Parton Is a Fan of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Little Love Affair
-
AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
-
NFL coach hot seat rankings: Where do Bill Belichick and others fall in final week?
-
Florida surgeon general wants to halt COVID-19 mRNA vaccines; FDA calls his claims misleading