After more than thirty years living with Parkinson’s disease, acclaimed actor and activist Michael J. Fox has issued one of his most forthright health updates to date.

In a recent interview, the 62-year-old entertainer—who first disclosed his diagnosis in 1998—acknowledged that managing his symptoms has grown increasingly challenging. Yet even as Parkinson’s continues to reshape his life, Fox’s unyielding determination to raise awareness and fund cutting-edge research remains as resolute as ever.

1. From Screen Star to Reluctant Advocate: The Early Years

Diagnosis at the Height of Fame
In 1991, at age 29, Michael J. Fox was at the zenith of his acting career. Best known for his roles in Family Ties and the Back to the Future trilogy, Fox had become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Behind the scenes, however, he wrestled with insidious tremors and stiffness—symptoms that would soon lead to a life-altering diagnosis. In October of that year, only weeks after marrying his wife Tracy Pollan, Fox received the news that he had early-onset Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder characterized by degeneration of the brain’s motor control centers.

Secrecy and Internal Struggle
For several years, Fox chose to keep his Parkinson’s diagnosis private. Concerned about jeopardizing his career and voicing fears that audiences would not accept his condition, he continued to work tirelessly. Balancing new medications and intensive physical therapy, he took on projects that allowed him to accommodate his symptoms—sometimes slipping in wheelchair shots or seated roles. It was only in 1998, after much deliberation and consultations with family and colleagues, that Fox went public. His disclosure marked a pivotal moment, transforming him from Hollywood heartthrob into one of the most visible faces of Parkinson’s advocacy.