Michael J. Fox is a retired Canadian-American actor and activist best known for his roles as Alex P. Keaton in the sitcom "Family Ties" and Marty McFly in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. His career began in the 1970s, and he starred in numerous successful television shows and films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Teen Wolf," "The Secret of My Success," and "Spin City." Fox retired from acting due to his battle with Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1991, and he has since become a vocal advocate for Parkinson's research through his foundation.
1955: Back to the Future Setting
The year 1955 serves as the setting for Marty McFly's time travel adventures in Back to the Future.
June 9, 1961: Birth of Michael J. Fox
Michael Andrew Fox, known professionally as Michael J. Fox, was born on June 9, 1961. He would become a renowned Canadian-American actor and activist.
1971: Family Moves to Burnaby
Michael J. Fox's family settled in Burnaby, a city near Vancouver, after his father retired in 1971.
1979: Move to Los Angeles
At the age of 18, Michael J. Fox moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue his acting career.
1980: Midnight Madness Released
Michael J. Fox made his feature film debut in Midnight Madness in 1980, credited as Michael Fox.
1982: Family Ties Premiere
Michael J. Fox's breakout role as Alex P. Keaton in the NBC sitcom Family Ties premiered in 1982.
1982: Family Ties Premieres
The NBC sitcom Family Ties, starring Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton, premiered in 1982. Initially intended to focus on the parents, the show shifted focus to Fox's character due to his popularity.
1984: Class of 1984 Released
Michael J. Fox appeared in the film Class of 1984, released in 1984, again credited as Michael Fox.
January 1985: Casting as Marty McFly
In January 1985, Michael J. Fox replaced Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly in Back to the Future. Director Robert Zemeckis initially wanted Fox for the role but faced scheduling conflicts with Family Ties. After filming began with Stoltz, Zemeckis felt the performance wasn't right for the comedic tone and recast Fox, whose schedule had opened up.
1985: Back to the Future Release and Box Office Success
Back to the Future, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, was released in 1985 and became a critical and commercial triumph, topping the US box office for eight consecutive weeks.
1985: Teen Wolf Release
In 1985, Michael J. Fox starred in the film 'Teen Wolf'.
1985: Back to the Future and Teen Wolf Released
In 1985, Michael J. Fox starred in two iconic films: Back to the Future as Marty McFly and Teen Wolf, further solidifying his status in Hollywood.
1986: First Emmy Award
Michael J. Fox received his first Emmy Award for his role in Family Ties in 1986.
1987: Second Emmy Award
Michael J. Fox won his second Emmy Award for his work on Family Ties in 1987.
1987: The Secret of My Success Released
Michael J. Fox continued his successful film career with the release of The Secret of My Success in 1987.
1987: Light of Day and The Secret of My Success Release
Michael J. Fox appeared in two films in 1987: 'Light of Day' and 'The Secret of My Success'.
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.
1988: Marriage and Move to Vancouver
After getting married in 1988, Michael J. Fox moved back to Vancouver.
1988: Bright Lights, Big City Release
In 1988, Michael J. Fox starred in 'Bright Lights, Big City'.
1988: Third Emmy Award
Michael J. Fox received his third Emmy Award for his portrayal of Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties in 1988.
May 30, 1989: Birth of Son, Sam Michael
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan's son, Sam Michael, was born on May 30, 1989.
1989: Back to the Future Part II Released & Family Ties Finale
1989 marked the release of Back to the Future Part II and the final episode of the beloved sitcom Family Ties, after a successful seven-season run.
1989: Family Ties Finale
After a successful run, Family Ties aired its final episode in 1989.
1989: Casualties of War Release
Michael J. Fox was featured in the film 'Casualties of War' in 1989.
1989: Back to the Future Part II Released
The sequel to Back to the Future, Back to the Future Part II, was released in 1989.
January 6, 1990: Death of Michael J. Fox's Father
Michael J. Fox's father passed away from a heart attack on January 6, 1990.
1990: Back to the Future Part III Released
Back to the Future Part III, the final installment in the Back to the Future trilogy, was released in 1990.
1990: Back to the Future Part III Released
The Back to the Future trilogy concluded with the release of Back to the Future Part III in 1990.
1991: Doc Hollywood Released and Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
In 1991, Michael J. Fox starred in the film Doc Hollywood. This same year, he received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, a life-altering event that would later shape his advocacy work.
1991: Early Onset Parkinson's Disease Symptoms
Michael J. Fox began experiencing symptoms of early-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991 while filming Doc Hollywood.
1991: Doc Hollywood and The Hard Way Release
Michael J. Fox starred in 'Doc Hollywood' and 'The Hard Way', both released in 1991. In the same year, he was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
1991: Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991.
1992: Achieved Sobriety
Michael J. Fox achieved sobriety in 1992 after battling alcoholism.
1993: For Love or Money and Life with Mikey Release
In 1993, Michael J. Fox starred in two films: 'For Love or Money' and 'Life with Mikey'.
1994: Greedy Release
Michael J. Fox was featured in the film 'Greedy' in 1994.
February 15, 1995: Birth of Twin Daughters, Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan welcomed twin daughters, Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, on February 15, 1995.
1995: The American President
Michael J. Fox had a supporting role in 'The American President' in 1995.
1996: The Frighteners and Spin City Released
Michael J. Fox starred in the film The Frighteners and returned to television with the lead role in the ABC sitcom Spin City in 1996.
1996: The Frighteners Release
Michael J. Fox starred in 'The Frighteners' in 1996, receiving critical acclaim for his performance.
1996: Mars Attacks!
Michael J. Fox had a supporting role in the film 'Mars Attacks!' in 1996.
1996: Spin City Premiere
'Spin City', starring Michael J. Fox as Mike Flaherty, premiered on ABC in 1996.
1998: Parkinson's Disease Announcement
Michael J. Fox publicly disclosed his 1991 diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 1998, raising awareness and becoming a prominent advocate for finding a cure.
1998: Public Announcement of Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Michael J. Fox publicly disclosed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 1998.
1998: Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award
Michael J. Fox received a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for 'Spin City' in 1998.
1998: Thalamotomy Procedure
Michael J. Fox underwent a thalamotomy in 1998 to manage his Parkinson's disease symptoms.
1999: Stuart Little Released
Michael J. Fox lent his voice to the lead role in the animated film Stuart Little in 1999.
1999: Senate Testimony on Parkinson's Disease
Michael J. Fox provided testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in 1999 regarding Parkinson's disease, choosing not to take his medication beforehand.
1999: Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award
Michael J. Fox was honored with a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for 'Spin City' in 1999.
1999: Publication of "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist"
Michael J. Fox's second book, "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist," detailing his life from 1999 to 2009 and his advocacy for stem cell research, was published.
2000: Induction into Canada's Walk of Fame
Michael J. Fox was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2000, honoring his contributions to Canadian culture.
2000: Emmy Award and Golden Globe Awards
Michael J. Fox won an Emmy Award for his role in 'Spin City' in 2000, along with three Golden Globe Awards between 1998 and 2000.
2000: Spin City Finale
Michael J. Fox's final episodes on the television series Spin City in 2000 included numerous references to his iconic role in Family Ties.
2000: Spin City Finale and Michael J. Fox Foundation Founded
In 2000, Michael J. Fox's time on Spin City concluded. He also founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation, dedicating himself to supporting research for a cure for Parkinson's disease.
2000: Induction into Canada's Walk of Fame
In 2000, Michael J. Fox was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
2000: Michael J. Fox Foundation Founded
In 2000, Michael J. Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation to fund research for Parkinson's disease.
November 3, 2001: Birth of Daughter, Esmé Annabelle
Esmé Annabelle, daughter of Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan, was born on November 3, 2001.
2001: Atlantis: The Lost Empire Released
In 2001, Michael J. Fox voiced a lead character in the animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
April 2002: Interview with NPR
In an April 2002 interview with NPR, Michael J. Fox explained his approach to managing Parkinson's disease symptoms.
2002: Lucky Man: A Memoir
Michael J. Fox published his memoir, 'Lucky Man: A Memoir' in 2002.
2002: Departure from Spin City and Pilot Development
Michael J. Fox retired from 'Spin City' in 2002 and attempted to develop a pilot for ABC through his production company, Lottery Hill Entertainment.
2002: Induction into Hollywood Walk of Fame
Michael J. Fox was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002, cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.
2002: Induction into Hollywood Walk of Fame
Michael J. Fox was honored with an induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002.
2004: Guest Appearance on Scrubs
In 2004, Michael J. Fox guest-starred in two episodes of the TV series 'Scrubs'.
2005: Stuart Little 3 Released
Michael J. Fox continued his voice acting career with the release of Stuart Little 3 in 2005.
2006: Campaign Ad for Claire McCaskill
Michael J. Fox appeared in a 2006 campaign ad for Claire McCaskill, expressing support for embryonic stem cell research and highlighting the effects of his Parkinson's disease.
2006: Recurring Role on Boston Legal
Michael J. Fox appeared in a recurring role on the TV show 'Boston Legal' starting in 2006, earning him an Emmy nomination.
2007: Recognition by Time Magazine
Time magazine named Michael J. Fox one of the 100 most influential people in 2007 for his work in Parkinson's disease advocacy and research.
March 31, 2009: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
Michael J. Fox appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on March 31, 2009, to discuss his Parkinson's disease, his book, his family, and his upcoming primetime special.
May 7, 2009: Primetime Special: Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
Michael J. Fox's primetime special, "Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist," aired on May 7, 2009.
2009: Guest Appearance on Rescue Me and Emmy Award
Michael J. Fox appeared as a guest star in five episodes of 'Rescue Me' in 2009, for which he received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
2009: Rescue Me Appearance
Michael J. Fox made a guest appearance on the comedy-drama Rescue Me in 2009.
2009: Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
Michael J. Fox published 'Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist' in 2009.
February 28, 2010: Appearance at 2010 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
Michael J. Fox participated in the closing ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, on February 28, 2010, expressing his pride in being Canadian.
March 5, 2010: Honorary Doctorate in Medicine from Karolinska Institute
Michael J. Fox was awarded an honorary doctorate in medicine from the Karolinska Institute on March 5, 2010, recognizing his contributions to Parkinson's disease research.
June 4, 2010: Received Freedom of the City of Burnaby
The city of Burnaby, British Columbia, awarded Michael J. Fox the Freedom of the City on June 4, 2010.
2010: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned
Michael J. Fox authored the book 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned' in 2010.
2010: Appearance at the Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
Michael J. Fox performed comedy monologues at the 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Vancouver.
2010: Launch of Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)
Michael J. Fox spearheaded a $100 million observational study in 2010 called the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) to identify biological markers of Parkinson's disease.
2010: Appointed Officer of the Order of Canada
Michael J. Fox was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010.
2010: Officer of the Order of Canada
In 2010, Michael J. Fox was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, recognizing his distinguished service to the nation.
2010: Recurring Role on The Good Wife
Beginning in 2010, Michael J. Fox took on a recurring role in 'The Good Wife', receiving Emmy nominations for three consecutive years.
2010: The Good Wife Appearances Begin
Michael J. Fox began making recurring appearances on the legal drama The Good Wife in 2010.
2011: Curb Your Enthusiasm Appearance and Back to the Future: The Game Released
Michael J. Fox made a guest appearance on the comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm and reprised his iconic role as Marty McFly in the video game Back to the Future: The Game in 2011.
2011: Back to the Future Game Appearance
In 2011, Michael J. Fox lent his likeness to the video game 'Back to the Future: The Game' and made a special guest appearance as an older Marty McFly and Willie McFly in the final episode.
2011: Appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm
Michael J. Fox appeared as himself in an episode of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' in 2011.
May 31, 2012: Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Justice Institute of British Columbia
Michael J. Fox received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Justice Institute of British Columbia on May 31, 2012, acknowledging his acting career and dedication to Parkinson's disease research and awareness.
August 2012: The Michael J. Fox Show Announcement
NBC announced 'The Michael J. Fox Show' in August 2012, a series loosely based on his life.
September 2013: The Michael J. Fox Show Premiere
'The Michael J. Fox Show' premiered in September 2013 but was canceled after 15 episodes.
2013: The Michael J. Fox Show Premiere
Michael J. Fox starred in his final major role on the sitcom The Michael J. Fox Show, which premiered in 2013.
April 2014: Interview with Jimmy Fallon
During an interview with Jimmy Fallon in April 2014, Michael J. Fox shared details about his career, including securing the role of Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties.
2014: The Michael J. Fox Show Finale
The Michael J. Fox Show aired its final episode in 2014.
2015: Lego Dimensions Released
Michael J. Fox reprised his role as Marty McFly in the video game Lego Dimensions in 2015.
2016: Parkinson's Disease Awareness Raffle
Michael J. Fox's organization held a raffle in 2016 to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease, generating $6.75 million with support from Nike through auctions in Hong Kong and London.
2016: The Good Wife Finale
Michael J. Fox's run on the legal drama The Good Wife concluded with the show's finale in 2016.
2017: Return to Curb Your Enthusiasm
Michael J. Fox made a brief return to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' in 2017.
2017: Curb Your Enthusiasm Appearance
Michael J. Fox made another guest appearance on the comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2017.
2020: Endorsement of Pete Buttigieg
In 2020, Michael J. Fox endorsed Democrat Pete Buttigieg for the United States presidential election.
2020: The Good Fight Appearance and Retirement
In 2020, Michael J. Fox made a guest appearance on The Good Fight, a spinoff of The Good Wife. Due to his declining health, he officially retired from acting this same year.
2020: No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality
In 2020, Michael J. Fox published his memoir 'No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality'.
2020: Interview with The Guardian
Michael J. Fox discussed the possible causes of his Parkinson's disease in an interview with Hadley Freeman of The Guardian in late 2020.
2020: Retirement from Acting and Memoir Release
Michael J. Fox retired from acting in 2020 due to the progression of his Parkinson's disease impacting his speech and memory. He released his memoir 'No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality' in November of the same year.
2021: Expedition: Back to the Future and Back Home Again
Michael J. Fox made appearances in the TV series 'Expedition: Back to the Future' and the animated film 'Back Home Again' in 2021.
September 2022: Death of Michael J. Fox's Mother
Michael J. Fox's mother passed away in September 2022.
2022: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In recognition of his advocacy and efforts to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, Michael J. Fox received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in 2022.
2022: Receives Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In recognition of his advocacy for a cure for Parkinson's disease, Michael J. Fox received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in 2022.
2022: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
Michael J. Fox was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2022 Governors Awards for his dedication to Parkinson's disease, having raised over $1 billion for research. The award was presented by his friend, Woody Harrelson.
2023: Release of 'Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie'
A documentary film titled 'Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie', directed by Davis Guggenheim, was released on Apple TV+ in 2023, chronicling Michael J. Fox's life.
2023: Michael J. Fox Opens Up About Parkinson's Challenges
In a 2023 interview with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning, Michael J. Fox candidly discussed the increasing difficulties he faces due to Parkinson's disease, including spinal surgery and multiple bone fractures from falls.