Michael J. Fox Turns 59: On The Star’s Activism In Fighting Parkinson’s Disease

Jun 08, 2020 by apost team

Known for his acting work in such classic movies and shows as Back to the Future, Family Ties, and Spin City, Michael J. Fox is a true Hollywood icon. Today, on June 9, he celebrates his 59th birthday. Happy birthday to the star and activist!

Michael J. Fox is a revered actor whose work goes all the way back to the late 1970s. He rose to fame with his role on Family Ties, before becoming a bonafide icon of the '80s in the wildly popular Back to the Future film franchise.

Tragically, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 at the age of 29, during the peak of his career, however, he didn't go public with the news until 1998. He slowly took on less acting roles due to his worsening condition, still, he occasionally acts in guest roles. In the years since, he's turned his focus to activism for Parkinson's disease, even establishing the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research.

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Now, the actor is celebrating his 59th birthday, undoubtedly with his family by his side. Married to fellow actor Tracy Pollan for over 30 years, the couple met while filming Family Ties and have been together ever since. In a previous Instagram post that Tracy posted for Michael's birthday last year, she described him as: "my love, my one and only, my best friend, one very hot guy."

The couple is widely known for their strong love and support for each other. After initially meeting on the set of Family Ties—where Tracy played Michael's on-screen girlfriend— the couple dated and eventually married in 1988, before having their first child together 10 months later in 1989. In total, they have four children including 31-year-old Sam, who shares his father's good looks, twin daughters Schuyler and Aquinnah, 25, and their youngest daughter Esmé, who is 18-years-old. They all appear to be a very close family, frequently attending events together and sharing photos on social media.

In an interview with People magazine from 2018, Tracy and Michael shared the details on how they make their over 30-year-long marriage work. Explaining how to have a successful long marriage, Tracy said:

"Just give each other the benefit of the doubt. He assumes I'm doing the best I can." Michael added: "Find the best things about you and the best things about life and celebrate them."

In the same interview, Tracy discussed what Michael has added to her life, saying: "So much, obviously. His optimistic worldview about everything is just so powerful. Michael doesn't worry about the future. I'm completely the opposite." They added that it's "us against the world," and their devotion and support for one another couldn't be clearer. We wish Michael a very happy 59th birthday and hope he's enjoying it with his loved ones around him!

Are you a fan of Michael J. Fox? What is your favorite acting role of his? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this on to your family and friends!