The Tragedy Of Michael J. Fox Is Beyond Heartbreaking

Michael J. Fox first made a name for himself in Hollywood as young Alex P. Keaton on NBC’s “Family Ties” in the ‘80s, but he is, of course, best known for his role as Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” trilogy. His infectious positive energy, both onscreen and off, and his incredible talent has granted him a long and successful career, but a devastating diagnosis prior to his 30th birthday has had a tremendous impact on his personal life.
But the self-professed optimist refuses to let his life’s hurdles stop him from living it to the absolute fullest. From his Parkinson’s diagnosis to his reluctant foray into U.S. politics, this is how the tragedy of Michael J. Fox is beyond heartbreaking.

#Actor #MichaelJFox #Celebrities

Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease | 0:00
Substance abuse struggles | 1:27
Nearly missed his shot at fame | 2:45
Life with Parkinson's | 3:56
Retirement from acting | 5:06
Lost much of his memory | 6:15
Criticized for political activities | 7:17
Needed to get political | 8:28
Lost his creative outlets | 9:16

[GrungeHQ]

What are your favorite performances by Michael J. Fox?

[janetaylor]

I am so impressed by Michael J Fox for continuing to be public about his illness. I am sure he has helped many sufferers understand how it is possible to live with Parkinsons disease. He is also an iconic actor.

[bachthest]

Even though he has Parkinson’s, he still was able to get three Golden Globes and an Emmy for spin city. Respect

[NancyRemling]

We were married a year and a half when I was diagnosed with MS. My husband has stood by my side no matter what. Almost 35 years we are still marriage strong. 🌷💕🌷

[leonards.]

Fox is a REAL tough guy. He still appears and performs. He is a role model for any human being.

[timlittle]

My mama died of Parkinsons. Her last day alive she thought I was a nurse. She cried and begged me to find Her son (me). I tried to find her but she was too far gone. People often for about the mental effects. Thank you Mr. And Mrs. Fox for you have some done!

[terrygrossmann]

I can relate to having to tell your spouse bad news. When I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy I struggled with how I was going to tell my wife. I just told her straight with the news then offered her a divorce. She was angry about that and asked me why I thought she was so shallow of a person. Thankfully I married an angel. She stayed with me and she has been at my side throughout. I had to leave everything I enjoyed. Camping and hiking, woodworking, and my job as a nurse. She has been my strength through it all. I feel bad for her, as I promised her when we married that I would always take care of her. I never imagined or wanted for her to have to take care of me.
I always liked MJF as an actor. Very sad to know of his illness and struggles to cope with the disease.

[annmarie]

I got the same diagnosis when I was 38. I'm now 46 and this disease has slowly progressed with me. It's getting harder with age to do everyday routines. The brain fog is terrible. I can watch a movie and a month later watch it again and have no idea what it was about. I know the struggles that Michael J. Fox goes through on a daily basis. I was a Nurse. I was supposed to be taking care of patients. Getting this news was devastating. I suddenly felt worthless and went into a deep depression. I couldn't even find a good enough reason to get out of bed. It took me some time to find myself again. I just told myself there were people out there a lot worse off than me. Now I enjoy time with my grandaughters but I still tell myself that someday they might find a cure and I will be able to go back to work.

[amandabuller]

He is one of the bravest men I have ever met. He is a true talent with a huge heart

[mikenixon]

When I was diagnosed with vanishing white matter and told by my neurologist, "I don't know how you have lived this long, " I thought of Fox and the positive example he has offered with Parkinson's. My wife was dignified upon my diagnoses (I suspect she cried in secret). She reminded me "You are more than your disease." As I've outlived three life expectancies (doctors don't bother to guess anymore) I realized how blessed I am with a wonderful caregiver wife who never lets me forget who I really am while loving me through my progressive limitations. I am thankful to God that He has shown me the things in life I would have taken for granted. Neurological diseases are very serious. That is why it is so important that we living with the many manifestations are positive public advocates.

[marypalar]

My heart goes out to Michael and his family. He has stood up to Parkinson's and fought back. I think he is a hero. Our prayers are with you.

[starrsmith]

It’s pretty hard to see someone like him suffer. However the fact that he’s helping others earns him my respect.

[ShunaJenkins]

I grew up with Michael J. Fox. Have seen most of or close to all of his movies. I, myself have been diagnosed with early onset Parkinsons and Dementia. They seem to go hand in hand is what my doctor said. Michael is a role model to us all on how to stay positive in light such foreboding circumstances. Tracy is a saint. How lucky for him to have such a devoted and loving wife. My heart goes out to him and all the others who suffer with this, myself included. May a cure come soon and Michael return to what he loves to do. Peace and Love and Light to him and to all who read this. Be Well and Stay Safe Namaste' ^_^

[jessicaemmons]

My uncle just recently passed from his Parkinson's disease, last I saw him, about 9 months before, he was in a wheel chair, couldn't feed himself, and could barely talk, but you could tell he was still there in the eyes. So sad what this disease does to people

[movingforwardman]

Michael J Fox is such a tremendous person and how he has dealt with his Parkinson’s is commendable. Such a sad thing to see a great person having to go through this. Should make us all appreciate the good health we have.

[ghostface]

For someone facing such a horrible disease, he really can show all of us that I doesn't have to be a "death sentence" you can always fight, and always be positive. He obviously has had his ups and downs, but he shows so much strength, and the way he fights this is more than admirable. I really hope someday there is a cure for what he and millions of others have had to endure. God bless 🙏

[daghettoghost]

I’ve fallowed him off and on since I saw him in back to the Future as a little kid and I admire him for his dedication and courage he’s one of my many heroes I hope he stays in good health this year and many more to come

[dev-debug]

I was diagnosed with Parkinsons about 6 years ago. I'm no where near as bad has Michael but it's not fun regardless. It's known as the disease with a bouquet of symptoms. Most just think of tremors but it's so much more than that, the effects of it vary from person to person. Some days balance is an issue, another may be tripping when you try to walk due to a shuffle, a bad day is a mix of any number of symptoms. I'm thankful for the Michael J Fox foundation, it brought more awareness and research of the disease.

If your handwriting becomes very small get checked, it's one of the easiest symptons to spot. I went to a neuro for memory issues, he saw my hand writing and sent me to a specialist where I was diagonsed.

[kristofergobbe]

I do night shift as a career in a nursing home. I have 3 residents with Parkinson's. Because I only work nights I see the worst of it.
It's heart breaking to see relatively young people suffer.

[cabe]

One Hell of a Canadian and a tremendous inspiration. Whether it was Alex P. Keaton, Marty McFly, Chance the Hound, Stuart Little, or many others, he always felt like a friend.