Michael J. Fox once said he would “be dead” without his longtime wife. Meet the woman who has been his rock and with whom he shares four grown children who have since left the nest.
Michael J. Fox, an award-winning actor, rose to fame in “Family Ties,” where he met his wife of over 30 years. She has stood by his side as he battles an incurable condition, for which he founded an organization dedicated to finding a cure.
Fox’s journey to stardom wasn’t without challenges, even before meeting his wife. In Apple TV+’s documentary, “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” the Canadian native reflected on the struggles he faced after moving to the US.
Michael J. Fox photographed on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Michael J. Fox photographed on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
“It was a tough few years. We didn’t have a lot of money. I was dumpster diving because I knew the grocery store would throw baked goods out. We’d steal jam and peanut butter from the IHOP or Denny’s. It was a tough existence,” he revealed in an interview.
Michael J. Fox pictured on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Michael J. Fox pictured on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
However, his fortunes changed swiftly, “In a relatively short period of time, I was famous and I was the biggest movie star in the world… It was crazy. It made no sense.”
Michael J. Fox seen on September 25, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Michael J. Fox seen on September 25, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
The actor’s meteoric rise to fame began on the set of “Family Ties,” the ’80s hit sitcom where he played Alex P. Keaton. It was there that he met his future wife, who joined the show as his character’s love interest, Ellen Reed, but soon became much more in his life.
Michael J. Fox on the set of “Family Ties,” 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Michael J. Fox on the set of “Family Ties,” 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Recalling their first meeting, Fox described her as “interesting.” Over time, their connection deepened as she “kind of steered me in the right direction,” he said. Within a year, the pair tied the knot in July 1988.
Michael J. Fox pictured on January 1, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Michael J. Fox pictured on January 1, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Their life together took a challenging turn not long after, when Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at 29—a moment he described as the point when “it got interesting.”
The actress and Michael J. Fox on the set of “Family Ties,” 1985 | Source: Getty Images
The actress and Michael J. Fox on the set of “Family Ties,” 1985 | Source: Getty Images
When he broke the news to his newlywed wife, she responded with unwavering resolve, “In sickness or in health.” For Fox, hearing those words brought him a “tremendous relief.”
The Hollywood star revealed how he coped with the diagnosis, “I was just clearly using alcohol to cover the disease. I had a really difficult time, but the reason I shared this is this is part of the deal.”
Fox’s struggles with his diagnosis and reliance on alcohol reached a pivotal moment that tested their relationship. In a joint interview, he recalled waking up with a hangover, expecting his wife to be upset. Instead, the actress’s reaction was far more unsettling—she seemed bored. “I didn’t scream. I wasn’t angry, I was kind of feeling done,” she admitted.
Despite this, the couple overcame their challenges, drawing strength from humor. Fox credited his wife’s humor and practicality for helping him navigate the more difficult moments of his condition.
He admitted that his stubbornness about maintaining independence left him feeling he had let down his patient family. For the first time, the celebrity struggled to mask his challenges with positivity, describing how he felt consumed by self-pity and began questioning the optimism that had always defined him.
That said, his spouse’s ability to bring levity to challenging situations has been a constant source of comfort, allowing them to face the tough times with laughter before addressing the heavier realities.
Fox, who has since been sober, acknowledged that laughter, though difficult at times, remains his go-to response. “It’s just looking for joy in things,” he shared, adding that having a supportive family makes all the difference.
The actor admitted that he would “be dead” without his better half. In another interview, he reflected on how deeply he values his wife’s unwavering support, recalling the moment she accepted his diagnosis without hesitation. She has remained steadfast ever since, a presence he described as essential.
Moreover, his ability to find meaning in hardship has shaped his outlook on life. He calls his Parkinson’s diagnosis “the best thing” that happened to him, “I was part of a community, a family of people who had the same disease. It changed my life. It made me.”
Driven by this perspective on the incurable disease, the activist founded the Michael J. Fox foundation that has raised over $2 billion to date. Fox considers his true legacy to be the impact he has had on individuals facing similar struggles.
The movie star, who considers his condition a non-fatal disease, has spoken about how his openness has helped reduce the stigma and isolation for others living with Parkinson’s.
He shared a story about a woman who, years ago, felt unable to shop because her symptoms made her fear judgment. Knowing that someone like Fox faced the same challenges has given people comfort and understanding, calling it a “huge” contribution.
The actress, Michael J. Fox and Stevie Nicks attend A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s on November 16, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The actress, Michael J. Fox and Stevie Nicks attend A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s on November 16, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
This profound impact on others has been a cornerstone of Fox’s journey, even as he faces new personal challenges. In his memoir, “No Time Like the Future,” he shared his decision to retire from acting due to Parkinson’s disease.
The actress and Michael J. Fox attend the 2024 National Board of Review Gala on January 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The actress and Michael J. Fox attend the 2024 National Board of Review Gala on January 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
After initially retiring at 40, he later returned to acclaimed roles on “The Good Wife,” “Rescue Me,” and “The Good Fight.” Now, he focuses on embracing optimism, viewing hope and perseverance as the only path forward.
Michael J. Fox and the actress attend the New York premiere of “The Jinx – Part Two,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Michael J. Fox and the actress attend the New York premiere of “The Jinx – Part Two,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fox’s decision to prioritize positive thinking also shapes his family life, which has been a source of joy and stability. Married to actress Tracy Pollan for 36 years, they share four children: Sam, 35; twins Schuyler and Aquinnah, 29; and Esmé, 23.
Though the longtime lovebirds are now empty nesters, Pollan once shared that one of their children is usually home at any given time.
In a 2023 interview, her famous husband reflected on the key to their enduring marriage, emphasizing the importance of giving each other space to make mistakes and avoiding unnecessary conflict. He described their bond, “That’s what’s beautiful about marriage, it’s us two.”
The actress and Michael J. Fox attend the 2024 Time100 Gala on April 25, 2024 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The actress and Michael J. Fox attend the 2024 Time100 Gala on April 25, 2024 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Michael J. Fox’s story highlights the power of connection and resilience. The Emmy Award winner’s illustrious career and personal journey remain a lasting example of compassion and determination./By Gaone Pule
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