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 1980s. He gained fame as Alex P. Keaton in the sitcom Family Ties and achieved international recognition as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy. Beyond Back to the Future, Fox starred in other popular films like Teen Wolf and The Secret of My Success. Later, he led the sitcom Spin City. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, Fox has become a prominent advocate for Parkinson's research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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: Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

In 1991, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Subsequently, he became an activist and established The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson's disease research.

1991: Onset of Parkinson's Symptoms

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 after.

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1992: Seeking Help and Stopping Drinking

In 1992, after struggling with heavy drinking and depression following his Parkinson's diagnosis, Michael J. Fox sought help and stopped drinking altogether.

1997: Purchase of Apartment in Manhattan

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

1998: Thalamotomy Procedure

In 1998, Michael J. Fox underwent 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 diagnosis and became a strong advocate for research, also creating The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

1999: Life Between 1999 and 2009 and Stem Cell Research Campaigning

Between 1999 and 2009, Michael J. Fox became involved in campaigning for stem cell research, as detailed 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 Appropriations Subcommittee

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

Lucky Man: A Memoir

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2000: Becoming a US Citizen

In 2000, Michael J. Fox became a US citizen while retaining his Canadian citizenship.

April 2002: Interview with NPR

In an interview with NPR in April 2002, Michael J. Fox explained what he does when he becomes symptomatic.

2006: Campaign Ad for Claire McCaskill

In 2006, Michael J. Fox starred in a campaign advertisement for Claire McCaskill, then-State Auditor of Missouri, supporting her 2006 Senate campaign. In the ad, Fox expressed her support for embryonic stem cell research and visibly displayed 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 his family lived part-time.

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: Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist Airs

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 2010 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.

2010: Leading Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative

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

2012: Listing Lottery Hill Farm for Sale

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

2016: Listing of Estate in Sharon, Connecticut

In 2016, Michael J. Fox listed the estate he and Pollan built in Sharon, Connecticut, for sale.

2016: Fundraising Raffle with Nike, Inc.

In 2016, Michael J. Fox's organization created a raffle to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's disease, raising $6.75 million with the help of Nike, Inc. through two auctions.

2020: Move from Manhattan to Sharon, Connecticut

In 2020, Michael J. Fox and his family moved from their apartment in Manhattan to their estate in Sharon, Connecticut.

2020: Endorsement of Pete Buttigieg

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

2020: Reflection on Possible Causes of Parkinson's Disease

In 2020, Michael J. Fox reflected on possible environmental factors that may have contributed to his Parkinson's disease in an interview with The Guardian.

2020: Release of "No Time Like the Future"

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

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

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2020: Retirement from Acting and Memoir Release

In 2020, Michael J. Fox retired from acting due to unreliable speech and memory loss. In November 2020, his memoir, "No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality", was released, detailing his decision to retire and his experiences with memory loss.

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, later residing in Malibu.

June 29, 2024: Guest Appearance at Glastonbury Festival

On June 29, 2024, Michael J. Fox appeared as a guest with the band Coldplay at the Glastonbury Festival. He played guitar on the songs "Humankind" and "Fix You". Chris Martin, Coldplay's lead singer, mentioned that "Back to the Future is the main reason we became a band".

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