Early Life and Education of Michael J. Fox: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Michael J. Fox, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Michael J. Fox is a Canadian-American actor and activist, renowned for his iconic roles in the 'Back to the Future' trilogy as Marty McFly and as Alex P. Keaton in the sitcom 'Family Ties'. He gained further recognition through roles in 'Teen Wolf', 'The Secret of My Success', and 'Spin City'. Beyond his acting career, Fox is a dedicated activist, particularly known for his advocacy and fundraising efforts related to Parkinson's disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 1991. He has become a prominent figure in raising awareness and supporting research for Parkinson's.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Success & Recognition

July 16, 1988: Marriage to Tracy Pollan

On July 16, 1988, Michael J. Fox married Tracy Pollan at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

1991: Diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease

In 1991, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has since become an activist and started the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research efforts for a cure.

1991: Symptoms and Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

In early 1991, Michael J. Fox started displaying symptoms of early-onset Parkinson's disease while shooting the film Doc Hollywood and was diagnosed shortly thereafter.

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1992: Seeking Help and Stopping Drinking

In 1992, Michael J. Fox sought help and stopped drinking altogether.

1997: Purchase of Apartment on Fifth Avenue

In 1997, Michael J. Fox purchased an apartment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, where he and his family primarily lived until 2020.

1998: Thalamotomy Procedure

In 1998, Michael J. Fox had a thalamotomy to manage the symptoms of his Parkinson's disease.

1998: Public Announcement of Parkinson's Disease

In 1998, Michael J. Fox went public with his Parkinson's disease and has become a strong advocate for Parkinson's disease research.

1999: Life between 1999 and 2009

Between 1999 and 2009, Michael J. Fox's life was largely centered on his campaigning for stem cell research, which he describes in his second book, Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

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1999: Testimony Before Senate Subcommittee

In his book Lucky Man, Michael J. Fox wrote that he did not take his medication prior to his testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in 1999.

Lucky Man: A Memoir

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2000: Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship

In 2000, Michael J. Fox acquired U.S. citizenship while remaining a Canadian citizen.

2006: Campaign Ad for Claire McCaskill

In 2006, Michael J. Fox starred in a campaign ad for Claire McCaskill in her Senate campaign, advocating for embryonic stem cell research. In the ad, he visibly showed the effects of his Parkinson's disease.

2007: Purchase of house in Quogue, New York

In 2007, Michael J. Fox purchased a house in Quogue, New York, where he and his family lived part-time and spent the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 31, 2009: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

On March 31, 2009, Michael J. Fox appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show with Mehmet Oz to discuss his condition, his book, and his primetime special.

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May 7, 2009: Aired Primetime Special

On May 7, 2009, Michael J. Fox's primetime special, Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, aired.

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February 28, 2010: Appearance at Vancouver Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony

On February 28, 2010, Michael J. Fox provided a light-hearted segment during the 2010 Winter Olympics' closing ceremony in Vancouver, expressing his pride in being Canadian.

March 5, 2010: Honorary Doctorate from Karolinska Institute

On March 5, 2010, Michael J. Fox received an honorary doctorate in medicine from Karolinska Institute for his contributions to research in Parkinson's disease.

June 4, 2010: Granted Freedom of the City by Burnaby

On June 4, 2010, the city of Burnaby granted Michael J. Fox the Freedom of the City.

2010: Leading $100-Million Effort

Since 2010, Michael J. Fox has led a $100-million effort, the Foundation's landmark observational study, to discover the biological markers of Parkinson's disease with the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI).

May 31, 2012: Honorary Degree from Justice Institute of British Columbia

On May 31, 2012, Michael J. Fox received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the Justice Institute of British Columbia to recognize his accomplishments as a performer and his commitment to raising research funding and awareness for Parkinson's disease.

2012: Listing of Lottery Hill Farm

In 2012, Michael J. Fox listed his estate, Lottery Hill Farm, in South Woodstock, Vermont.

2016: Listing of Estate in Sharon, Connecticut

In 2016, Michael J. Fox listed his estate in Sharon, Connecticut.

2016: Fundraising Raffle for Parkinson's Disease

In 2016, Michael J. Fox's organization created a raffle to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease, raising $6.75 million with help from Nike, Inc. via auctions.

2020: Building Estate in Sharon, Connecticut and move from Manhattan

In 2020, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan built an estate in Sharon, Connecticut, and moved primarily from their apartment in Manhattan.

2020: Endorsement of Pete Buttigieg

In 2020, Michael J. Fox endorsed Pete Buttigieg prior to the United States presidential election.

2020: Retirement from acting and memoir release

In 2020, Michael J. Fox retired from acting due to speech unreliability and memory loss. His memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, was released in November 2020, where he discussed his decision to retire.

Autographed Michael J Fox No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality Book

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2020: Possible Scenarios

In 2020, Michael J. Fox told Hadley Freeman of The Guardian that he can think of a thousand possible scenarios for why he got Parkinson's.

2020: Release of "No Time Like the Future"

In 2020, Michael J. Fox's fourth book, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, was released.

Autographed Michael J Fox No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality Book

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2021: Move to Santa Barbara, California

In 2021, Michael J. Fox sold his house in Quogue, New York, and moved to Santa Barbara, California, with his family.

May 12, 2023: Release of "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie"

On May 12, 2023, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, a documentary about his career and Parkinson's disease diagnosis, was released on Apple TV+. The film was directed by Davis Guggenheim and received positive reviews.

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