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 gained fame in the 1980s. He's widely known for his role as Alex P. Keaton in the sitcom *Family Ties* and as Marty McFly in the *Back to the Future* film trilogy. He starred in other films such as *Teen Wolf* and *The Secret of My Success*. Later, he led the sitcom *Spin City*. Fox is also recognized for his activism and advocacy related to Parkinson's disease, with which he was diagnosed in 1991.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Success & Recognition

July 16, 1988: Marriage to Tracy Pollan

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

1991: Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

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

1991: Early Parkinson's Symptoms and Diagnosis

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

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1992: Seeking Help for Alcoholism

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

1997: Apartment Purchase on Fifth Avenue

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

1998: Public Disclosure of Parkinson's Disease

In 1998, Michael J. Fox publicly disclosed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and became a strong advocate for Parkinson's disease research.

1998: Thalamotomy

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

1999: Life between 1999 and 2009

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, describes Michael J. Fox's life between 1999 and 2009

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

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1999: Senate Testimony

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

Lucky Man: A Memoir

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2000: Acquisition of US Citizenship

In 2000, Michael J. Fox acquired US citizenship while retaining his Canadian citizenship.

April 2002: NPR Interview

In an April 2002 interview with NPR, Michael J. Fox shared details on how he manages his symptoms when he experiences them.

April 30, 2002: Fresh Air, NPR Interview

An interview of Michael J. Fox was aired on Fresh Air, NPR on April 30, 2002.

2006: Campaign Ad for Claire McCaskill

In 2006, Michael J. Fox starred in a campaign ad for Claire McCaskill, who was then the State Auditor of Missouri. The ad supported embryonic stem cell research during her successful Senate campaign.

2007: House Purchase in Quogue, New York

In 2007, Michael J. Fox bought a 7,000-square-foot house in Quogue, New York, where he and his family lived part-time.

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 Parkinson's disease research.

2010: Leading $100-Million Effort to discover Parkinson's biological markers

Since 2010, Michael J. Fox has led a $100-million effort, which is 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 Doctor of Laws degree from the Justice Institute of British Columbia for his acting accomplishments and commitment to raising awareness and funding for Parkinson's disease research.

2012: Listing of Lottery Hill Farm

In 2012, Michael J. Fox listed his 121-acre estate, Lottery Hill Farm, in South Woodstock, Vermont.

2016: Listing of Farm in Sharon, Connecticut

In 2016, Michael J. Fox listed his estate on 80 acres of farmland in Sharon, Connecticut.

2016: Fundraising Raffle for Parkinson's Disease

In 2016, Michael J. Fox's organization created a raffle that raised $6.75 million for Parkinson's disease research, with support from Nike, Inc. through auctions in Hong Kong and London.

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 the unreliability of his speech and memory loss. His memoir, 'No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality,' was released in November 2020.

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

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2020: Speculation on Causes of Parkinson's

In 2020, Michael J. Fox speculated on potential causes of his Parkinson's disease, mentioning fishing near paper mills, visiting farms, and smoking marijuana treated with pesticides.

2020: Primary Residence in Manhattan until 2020

Michael J. Fox and his family lived primarily in an apartment on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, until 2020.

2021: Move to Santa Barbara and Malibu

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

2023: Interview on CBS Sunday Morning

In a 2023 interview with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning, Michael J. Fox discussed the increasing difficulties he faces with Parkinson's, including spinal surgery and broken bones from falls.