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 who began his career in the 1970s. He gained significant recognition for his role as Alex P. Keaton in the sitcom Family Ties (1982–1989) and as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film trilogy (1985–1990). Fox also starred in films like Teen Wolf (1985), The Secret of My Success (1987) and Casualties of War (1989). He returned to television in the sitcom Spin City (1996–2000), playing the lead role of Mike Flaherty.

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. They met while she played his girlfriend on "Family Ties".

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1991: Diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease

In 1991, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Following his diagnosis, he became an activist and founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson's research.

1991: Early Parkinson's Symptoms and Diagnosis

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: Sought help and stopped drinking

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

1997: Purchase of Fifth Avenue Apartment

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

1998: Thalamotomy

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 publicly announced that he had Parkinson's disease. He has since become a strong advocate for Parkinson's disease research and founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

1999: Senate Testimony

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

1999: Life between 1999 and 2009

The book Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, describes his life between 1999 and 2009, with much of the book centered on how Fox got into campaigning for stem cell research.

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

Check it on Amazon

2000: Became a US Citizen

In 2000, Michael J. Fox became a US citizen but retained his Canadian citizenship.

April 2002: NPR Interview on Managing Symptoms

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 ad for Claire McCaskill, who was running for Senate against Jim Talent. In the ad, Fox expressed support for embryonic stem cell research and 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, his family, and his primetime special.

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May 7, 2009: Airing of 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 the 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.

2012: Listing Lottery Hill Farm

In 2012, Michael J. Fox listed Lottery Hill Farm in South Woodstock, Vermont, which he had purchased shortly before his marriage.

2016: Listing of Sharon, Connecticut Estate

In 2016, Michael J. Fox listed the estate he and Tracy Pollan built in Sharon, Connecticut in 2020.

2016: Fundraising Raffle for Parkinson's Disease Awareness

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

2020: Comments on Possible Causes of Parkinson's

In 2020, Michael J. Fox discussed potential environmental factors that might have contributed to his Parkinson's disease in an interview with Hadley Freeman of The Guardian.

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 unreliable speech. Also in 2020, his memoir, "No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality", was released, where he discussed his memory loss and decision to retire.

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

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2020: Release of 'No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality'

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

Check it on Amazon

2020: Primary Residence on Fifth Avenue Until 2020

Michael J. Fox and his family lived primarily in an apartment on Fifth Avenue until 2020. In 2020, they built an estate in Sharon, Connecticut

2021: Move to Santa Barbara, California

In 2021, Michael J. Fox sold his house in Quogue and moved to Santa Barbara, California, with his family, taking up residence in Malibu several months later.

June 29, 2024: Glastonbury Festival Performance with Coldplay

On June 29, 2024, Michael J. Fox joined British rock band Coldplay as a guest at the Glastonbury Festival. He played guitar on the songs "Humankind" and "Fix You" during their performance.

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