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 is best known for his roles as Alex P. Keaton in the TV series *Family Ties* and Marty McFly in the *Back to the Future* film trilogy. He starred in other films like *Teen Wolf* and *The Secret of My Success*. Later, he starred in *Spin City*. Fox has also become a prominent advocate for Parkinson's disease research after being diagnosed with the condition in 1991, establishing the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure.

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: Early Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

In early 1991, while shooting Doc Hollywood, Michael J. Fox began experiencing symptoms of early-onset Parkinson's disease.

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1991: Development of Parkinson's symptoms

In early 1991, while shooting Doc Hollywood, Michael J. Fox developed a sore shoulder and twitching finger, which led to his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson's disease later that year.

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1992: Seeking Help and Stopping Drinking

In 1992, Michael J. Fox sought help and stopped drinking altogether after his Parkinson's diagnosis.

1997: Apartment purchased on Fifth Avenue

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

1998: Public announcement of Parkinson's disease and activism

In 1998, Michael J. Fox publicly announced his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. He subsequently became an activist and started The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson's research.

1998: Underwent Thalamotomy

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

1998: Public Announcement and Advocacy

In 1998, Michael J. Fox went public with his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and became a strong advocate for research, creating The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

1999: Life Between 1999 and 2009

Between 1999 and 2009, Michael J. Fox focused his life on campaigning for stem cell research as documented in his second book, Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.

1999: Testimony Before Senate Subcommittee

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

2000: Acquisition of US Citizenship

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

April 2002: Interview with NPR

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

April 30, 2002: Fresh Air Interview on NPR

On April 30, 2002, Michael J. Fox was interviewed on Fresh Air, NPR.

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2006: Political Campaign Ad

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

2007: Purchase of house in Quogue, New York

In 2007, Michael J. Fox purchased a 7,000-square-foot house in Quogue, New York, where he and his family lived part-time until 2021.

March 31, 2009: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

On March 31, 2009, Michael J. Fox discussed his Parkinson's condition, his book, his family, and his primetime special on The Oprah Winfrey Show with Mehmet Oz.

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May 7, 2009: Premiere of Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

On May 7, 2009, the 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 appeared in a segment during the 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Vancouver, expressing pride in being Canadian.

2012: Listing Lottery Hill Farm

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

2016: Listing Connecticut Estate

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

2016: Fundraising Raffle for Parkinson's Awareness

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

2020: Building an estate in Sharon, Connecticut and moving out of New York.

In 2020, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan built an estate on 80 acres of farmland in Sharon, Connecticut and moved out of their apartment in Manhattan, New York.

2020: Possible Causes of Parkinson's Disease

In 2020, Michael J. Fox discussed possible environmental factors that may have contributed to his Parkinson's disease, including eating salmon from polluted rivers and exposure to poisoned crops.

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 difficulties and memory loss. His memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, was also released in November 2020.

2021: Moved to Santa Barbara, California

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

2023: CBS Sunday Morning Interview

In a 2023 interview with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning, Michael J. Fox discussed his increasing health challenges due to Parkinson's, including spinal surgery and broken bones from falls.