The actor known for several major movie roles including his role in “Back to the Future” has been fighting against Parkinson’s disease for over two decades. He has been a steadfast advocate for those fighting the illness like he has and even started his own foundation to bring awareness to and raise research money for the disease.

Fox was diagnosed in 1992 at the age of just 29, but he didn’t bring his diagnosis into the public eye until 1998. He says the diagnosis was pretty scary. Being only 29 years old, it was the last thing he expected the doctor to diagnose him with.

He says that he knew he would need to make adjustments to his lifestyle, but he didn’t know what those adjustments would be. He quickly realized, however, that he was part of a very tight knit community who would offer endless support and encouragement as he struggled with his new diagnosis.

 

Fox says that eventually he realized he was in a position to do something amazing and really make a difference. He recalls the moment that he decided to stop being negative about the illness and just move forward from there on out.

Although Fox tried to stay active in Hollywood, he had to cut back on some of his acting roles and has chosen to focus more on voice over roles like “Stuart Little” and “Clone High” instead.

 

In 2016, Fox made a rare public appearance at the U.S. Open final where people believed he looked exceptionally frail. Fox made time to pose for a few pics with long time wife, Tracy Pollan. Last year in an interview with AARP, Fox admitted that he is feeling great and wishes that people would stop feeling sorry for him.

Fox recently cancelled two appearances at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo and his spokesperson reported that Fox had suffered another major health set back. He underwent spinal surgery and is said to be in recovery.

Very little is known about the nature of Fox’s surgery, but his spokesperson did reveal that the surgery was not related in any way to his Parkinson’s disease.

We wish Fox a full recovery from his surgery and hope he continues his brave fight to help those with Parkinson’s disease.