History of Michael J. Fox in Timeline

Michael J. Fox is a Canadian-American retired actor and activist, prominent since the 1970s. He gained fame as Alex P. Keaton in 'Family Ties' and Marty McFly in the 'Back to the Future' trilogy. He starred in films like 'Teen Wolf' and 'The Secret of My Success,' and later led the sitcom 'Spin City.'

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 the West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

1991: First 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 thereafter.

1992: Sought help and stopped drinking

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

1997: Purchase of Manhattan Apartment

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

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

1998: Public Announcement of Parkinson's Diagnosis

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

1999: Testimony Before Senate Appropriations Subcommittee

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

Lucky Man: A Memoir

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1999: Description of life between 1999 and 2009

Michael J. Fox's 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

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2000: Became a U.S. Citizen

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

2000: Inducted to Canada's Walk of Fame

In 2000, Michael J. Fox was inducted to Canada's Walk of Fame.

April 2002: Interview with NPR

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

2002: Publication of Lucky Man: A Memoir

In 2002, Michael J. Fox authored "Lucky Man: A Memoir", the first of his four books.

Lucky Man: A Memoir

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2002: Inducted to the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2002, Michael J. Fox was inducted to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2006: Starred in Claire McCaskill's Senate Campaign Ad

In 2006, Michael J. Fox starred in a campaign ad for Claire McCaskill in her successful 2006 Senate campaign, expressing her support 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.

2007: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2007, Michael J. Fox was named one of the 100 people "whose power, talent or moral example is transforming the world" by Time magazine.

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 as well as his book, his family 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.

2009: Publication of Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

In 2009, Michael J. Fox authored "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist", his second book.

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

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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.

March 5, 2010: Received Honorary Doctorate in Medicine

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 of Burnaby

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

2010: Publication of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future

In 2010, Michael J. Fox authored "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned", his third book.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned

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2010: Appointed Officer of the Order of Canada

In 2010, Michael J. Fox was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

2010: Led $100-million effort to discover Parkinson's biomarkers

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: Received 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 named Lottery Hill Farm in South Woodstock, Vermont.

2016: Listing of Sharon, Connecticut estate

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

2016: Raised $6.75 Million for Parkinson's Awareness

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

2020: Construction of Estate in Sharon, Connecticut

In 2020, Michael J. Fox and his wife, Tracy Pollan, built an estate in Sharon, Connecticut.

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

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

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

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2020: Speculations on Parkinson's causes

In 2020, Michael J. Fox speculated about potential causes of his Parkinson's disease in an interview with The Guardian.

2020: Endorsed Pete Buttigieg

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

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, later settling in Malibu.

2022: Awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

At the 2022 Governors Awards, Michael J. Fox was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his efforts in fighting Parkinson's, having raised over $1 billion for research. The award was presented by friend Woody Harrelson.

2023: CBS Sunday Morning Interview

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