Michael J. Fox, since he revealed that he suffers from Parkinson’s disease, has been quite vocal about raising awareness about it. While he’s been candid about his journey, the actor recently touched on how it’s affected his wife, Tracy Pollan. During one of his most recent interviews, the actor revealed that his going public about his illness took a toll on his wife. Read on to know more about the matter.
Michael J. Fox talks about going public with his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the veteran actor opened up about what it was like to go public with his diagnosis. However, he specifically points out how everything affects life ahead and that he has been through hell for her. He shared, “It was hell for Tracy, it was very difficult for her – and because it was always changing, but I told her, ‘I have to go here.He further commented that he wants to be free and proud of his diagnosis and slowly go around other people. “I started to understand what these people are who don’t have the options or options I have, don’t have the connections and the reason to be hopeful. I have to normalize it and just do that all the time. I said, ‘I shouldn’t hide it. F*** vanity,'” added the actor.The actor also revealed that he was surprised by the reception he received when he announced his diagnosis to the public, sharing that people suffering from the disease reacted openly to his statement. “I thought, ‘Well, f— you! I have Parkinson’s, and you’re celebrating,’ I got it. People back then would never in a million years tell you they had Parkinson’s”, he shared.
Michael J. Fox talks about his return to acting
The veteran star announced that he is stepping back from acting during the Covid 19 pandemic. However, this year he returned to the screen with ‘Shrinkage’, in which he played a patient with Parkinson’s disease opposite Harrison Ford, who is dealing with Parkinson’s. Speaking about her return to acting, Fox shared,[Ford] I’m glad I shared my experience with him as a character and helped him do what he needed to do. He is very loving. I didn’t know what to expect from Harrison because he’s a famously stoic, curmudgeonly guy – and he’s a sweetheart.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
According to online reports from HHH, Parkinson’s disease is a “progressive condition that affects movement. It often starts with tremors, stiffness or slowness. This happens when the brain cells that produce dopamine stop working over time. There is no cure, but drugs and therapies can help manage symptoms to improve daily life.” Calling the disease common, the report also added, “The disease is common. About 90,000 people in the US diagnosed with it every year. And an estimated 1 to 1.5 million people live with the condition. “
When was Michael J. Fox diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?
The beloved actor was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991, when he was just 29 years old. Years later, in 1998, he went public with his diagnosis and revealed that he had also established a Research Foundation to raise awareness about the disease and find a cure. According to the report so far, he has raised about USD 3 billion for the Parkinson’s research foundation.