Michael J Fox, born Michael Andrew Fox on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, rose to fame as one of the biggest stars in the world following the massive success of the blockbuster franchise, Back to the Future. The talented actor gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Marty McFly, capturing the hearts of audiences with his charismatic on-screen presence. Despite facing a personal health challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 29, Fox continued to work and achieve success in Hollywood.
His determination and resilience have further solidified his status as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry, serving as an inspiration for others who struggle with similar health conditions. Although he has graced the screens less often as his illness has worsened, he still remains an icon in his field thanks to his plethora of iconic roles. So, let’s break down the legacy of this remarkable man and honour his finest works.
The Early Days of Michael J Fox
Michael J Fox‘s journey in the world of acting began at a young age when his passion for the craft was ignited during his teenage years. At just 15 years old, he landed his first role in the series Leo and Me in 1978, impressively portraying a 10-year-old character. This early success marked the beginning of his rise as a bright new star in Canadian television and movies.
At the age of 18, Fox made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles in pursuit of his Hollywood dreams, where he quickly caught the attention of industry insiders and secured roles in several television series. However, it was his iconic portrayal of Alex P. Keaton on the popular sitcom Family Ties in 1982 that truly catapulted him into the mainstream spotlight. This role would pave the way for a groundbreaking year in 1985, starring in two smash hits – Teen Wolf and the iconic Back to the Future. Both movies were a triumph and remain classics to this day. However, it is undeniable that Back to the Future is the role that made Fox a superstar, spawning two sequels that created one of the most beloved franchises in cinema history.
Watch Back to the Future on Netflix
Breaking Down the Actor’s Underrated Roles
As with any star that has been part of a massive blockbuster franchise, the lead actor tends to be forever synonymous with that role. This is certainly the case for Michael J. Fox. However, he has had many roles outside of Back to the Future that garnered him critical praise. After the final Back to the Future movie in 1990, Fox continued acting despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis, with notable roles in hit movies like Mars Attacks!, and the popular TV show, Spin City.
Outside of these comedic roles, Michael J. Fox gave perhaps the most dramatic performance of his career in the haunting 1989 drama, Casualties of War. While the movie was critically praised, it has gone somewhat under the radar perhaps due to its disturbing themes, making it very hard to watch. Two years later, he made a return to his comedic roots in the criminally underrated action comedy, The Hard Way. However, his most underrated role easily comes from Peter Jackson‘s under-the-radar horror comedy, The Frighteners. The 1996 movie saw Fox play a rather flawed character for the first time in his career, yet, still managing to enthral audiences with his signature charm and commanding charisma.
Michael J Fox’s Triumph in the Face of Adversity Is Truly Inspiring
As mentioned, Michael J. Fox continued working at a rapid rate even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For the most part, he lent his voice to projects like the children’s classic Stuart Little, and Robin Dunne‘s A.R.C.H.I.E. However, he still graced the screen in his own sitcom, The Michael J Fox Show, from 2013-2014. This unwavering commitment to his craft is nothing short of inspiring, sending a strong message to anyone suffering with Parkinson’s disease that you can still prevail and chase your dreams.
Does Michael J Fox Still Act Today?
Michael J. Fox’s last on-screen appearance was in rapper Lil Nas X‘s music video, The Origins of ‘Holiday’, in 2020. His last television role came that same year when he featured in two episodes of the acclaimed series, The Good Fight. Prior to this, his guest spot on Curb Your Enthusiasm became one of his most iconic roles of his career. Playing himself in the episode, Fox didn’t shy away from his condition, in fact, it was actually the driving force behind the whole episode.
In the highly-rated episode, Fox goes toe-to-toe with the professional arguer Larry David after he hands Larry a drink that sprays all over him after he shakes it up, leaving the question in the air – was it a “Parkinson’s shake”, or a “deliberate one”? While this was a controversial episode, Michael J. Fox got the chance to play himself and bring awareness to his condition in a comedic way.
After lending his voice to the 2021 animated short, Back Home Again, Fox has stepped away from acting. However, in 2023, he wrote and fore-fronted the Primetime Emmy-winning documentary, Still: A Michael J Fox Movie. The film truly lifted the lid on Fox’s life, as he delves into his personal and professional triumphs and travails, shining a candid light on not just his high points but his low points too. Want to read more about Michael J. Fox? Here’s 10 things you may not know about the Hollywood legend.