15 photos show Michael J. Fox's career through the years, from 'Back to the Future' to a congressional hearing with Muhammad Ali

Lauren EdmondsMay 21, 2023, 02:04 IST

Michael J. Fox in "Still."Apple TV+

Michael J. Fox's new documentary, "Still," premiered on AppleTV+ this month.
Fox's acting career spans more than four decades, during which he became a household name.

Michael J. Fox has a storied career in Hollywood.

The Canadian-born actor rose to stardom in the 1980s as Alex P. Keaton on "Family Ties" before blasting into the pop culture stratosphere with "Back to the Future." But as his fame continued to mount, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 – something he kept private until publicly announcing the diagnosis in 1998.

In a recent interview with "CBS Sunday Morning," Fox acknowledged that living with Parkinson's disease is "getting tougher," adding that he doesn't believe he'll live past 80. Even so, he continued to raise his children with his wife, Tracy Pollan, and acted in beloved series like "Spin City." He also emerged as a Parkinson's disease advocate through his foundation.

Here is Fox's life in photos.

In September 1982, viewers met Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton on the beloved American sitcom series "Family Ties." The series ran from 1982 to 1989.

Michael J. Fox and the cast of "Family Ties" in 1982.Pictorial Parade/Getty Images

Three years later, Fox catapulted to superstardom with the 1985 classic film "Back to the Future," which premiered that July.

Michael J. Fox starred in "Back to the Future" in July 1985.Universal Pictures/Getty Images

Fox admitted in May 2023 that he doesn't remember most of the women he dated during the 1980s, but he was photographed with a few fellow actresses at the time, including "Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey in January 1986.

Michael J. Fox and Jennifer Grey in 1986.Ron Galella/Getty Images

Fox admitted in May 2023 that he doesn't remember most of the women he dated during the 1980s, but he was photographed with a few fellow actresses at the time, including "Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey in January 1986.

Fox later won an Emmy Award in September 1986 for his work on "Family Ties" and posed with Betty White, who also won an award that night.

Betty White and Michael J. Fox backstage at the Emmy Awards Show, September 1986.Bob Riha Jr/Getty images

He attended the Emmys the following year with his future wife, Tracy Pollan. The two met on the set of "Family Ties," where Pollan portrayed Alex P. Keaton's love interest, Ellen Reed.

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan attend the 39th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in September 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty images

He attended the Emmys the following year with his future wife, Tracy Pollan. The two met on the set of "Family Ties," where Pollan portrayed Alex P. Keaton's love interest, Ellen Reed.

In August 1991, Fox starred alongside Julie Warner and Woody Harrelson in "Doc Hollywood." Fox said he felt a tremor in his pinky finger during filming, leading him to see a neurologist and be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease that year.

Michael J Fox driving a convertible in a scene from the film "Doc Hollywood" in January 1991.Archive Photos/Getty Images

In August 1991, Fox starred alongside Julie Warner and Woody Harrelson in "Doc Hollywood." Fox said he felt a tremor in his pinky finger during filming, leading him to see a neurologist and be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease that year.

He continued to act in projects, including "Spin City," which aired from 1996 to 2002. Mid-series, Fox announced his Parkinson's diagnosis to the public in November 1998.

Michael J. Fox on the set of "Spin City" in September 1998.Bill Foley/Getty Images

He continued to act in projects, including "Spin City," which aired from 1996 to 2002. Mid-series, Fox announced his Parkinson's diagnosis to the public in November 1998.

Fox became a vocal advocate for Parkinson's disease. In May 2002, he and famed boxer Muhammad Ali attended a congressional hearing to appeal for more money to support Parkinson's disease.

Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox attend a congressional hearing in May 2002.Douglas Graham/Getty Images

Fox became a vocal advocate for Parkinson's disease. In May 2002, he and famed boxer Muhammad Ali attended a congressional hearing to appeal for more money to support Parkinson's disease.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research launched in 2000 and holds an annual fundraising event. Fox and his wife posed together for photographers in November 2003.

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan attend A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's in November 2003.Matthew Peyton/Getty Images

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research launched in 2000 and holds an annual fundraising event. Fox and his wife posed together for photographers in November 2003.

Fox appeared in several other acting projects since announcing his diagnosis, including a stint on the popular comedy series "Scrubs."

Michael J. Fox and Zack Braff on "Scrubs" in December 2003.NBC/Getty Images

In October 2010, Fox and Pollan celebrated the 25th anniversary of "Back to the Future."

Tracy Pollan and Michael J. Fox attend the "Back To The Future" 25th-anniversary trilogy Blu-ray release celebration in October 2010.Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Fox debuted his own TV sitcom series, "The Michael J. Fox Show," in October 2013. The series ran for one season.

Richard Kind and Michael J. Fox on "The Michael J. Fox Show" in October 2013.NBC/Getty Images

He also starred in "The Good Wife," which ran from 2010 to 2016. He portrayed Louis Canning, a New York-based lawyer who has dyskinesia.

Michael J. Fox as Louis Canning on "The Good Wife" in August 2015.CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

In October 2021, Fox played the guitar onstage at his foundation's annual benefit.

Michael J. Fox performs at A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's in October 2021.Noam Galai/Getty Images

Fox's family supported him at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of his documentary, "Still," in January 2023. He and Pollan share four children: Sam, twins Aquinnah and Schuyler, and Esmé.

Michael J. Fox and his family at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie" at the Eccles Center Theatre.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Fox's family supported him at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of his documentary, "Still," in January 2023. He and Pollan share four children: Sam, twins Aquinnah and Schuyler, and Esmé.

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15 photos show Michael J. Fox's career through the years, from 'Back to the Future' to a congressional hearing with Muhammad Ali

In September 1982, viewers met Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton on the beloved American sitcom series "Family Ties." The series ran from 1982 to 1989.

Three years later, Fox catapulted to superstardom with the 1985 classic film "Back to the Future," which premiered that July.

Fox admitted in May 2023 that he doesn't remember most of the women he dated during the 1980s, but he was photographed with a few fellow actresses at the time, including "Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey in January 1986.

Fox later won an Emmy Award in September 1986 for his work on "Family Ties" and posed with Betty White, who also won an award that night.

He attended the Emmys the following year with his future wife, Tracy Pollan. The two met on the set of "Family Ties," where Pollan portrayed Alex P. Keaton's love interest, Ellen Reed.

In August 1991, Fox starred alongside Julie Warner and Woody Harrelson in "Doc Hollywood." Fox said he felt a tremor in his pinky finger during filming, leading him to see a neurologist and be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease that year.

He continued to act in projects, including "Spin City," which aired from 1996 to 2002. Mid-series, Fox announced his Parkinson's diagnosis to the public in November 1998.

Fox became a vocal advocate for Parkinson's disease. In May 2002, he and famed boxer Muhammad Ali attended a congressional hearing to appeal for more money to support Parkinson's disease.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research launched in 2000 and holds an annual fundraising event. Fox and his wife posed together for photographers in November 2003.

Fox appeared in several other acting projects since announcing his diagnosis, including a stint on the popular comedy series "Scrubs."

In October 2010, Fox and Pollan celebrated the 25th anniversary of "Back to the Future."

Fox debuted his own TV sitcom series, "The Michael J. Fox Show," in October 2013. The series ran for one season.

He also starred in "The Good Wife," which ran from 2010 to 2016. He portrayed Louis Canning, a New York-based lawyer who has dyskinesia.

In October 2021, Fox played the guitar onstage at his foundation's annual benefit.

Fox's family supported him at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of his documentary, "Still," in January 2023. He and Pollan share four children: Sam, twins Aquinnah and Schuyler, and Esmé.