Michael J. Fox Opens Up About His Ongoing Battle with Parkinson’s, Calling the Disease a “Bully” While Reflecting on the Message of Back to the Future and His Decades of Resilience
Michael J. Fox, the actor who defined an era with his role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, has once again reminded the world why his courage continues to inspire millions. In a recent interview with Empire magazine, the 64-year-old actor opened up about living with Parkinson’s disease and described it in strikingly human terms — as a “bully.” The comparison resonated deeply with fans who have followed his three-decade-long fight with the degenerative condition he was diagnosed with in 1991.
Fox explained that while the word “bully” may sound simple, it perfectly captures the relentless nature of Parkinson’s. “We live in a bully culture right now,” he said. “There are bullies everywhere. In Back to the Future, Biff was a bully. Time is a bully. And for me, Parkinson’s is a bully.” His words carried both pain and pride — the pain of daily struggle and the pride of refusing to give in.
In the interview, Fox reflected on how his illness has reshaped his perspective on time, resilience, and success. While Parkinson’s has gradually taken a toll on his mobility and speech, he emphasized that it has never conquered his spirit. “It’s not about pretending the bully isn’t there,” he said. “It’s about standing up to it, every single day. It’s about the courage and resolve you bring to the fight.”
The actor’s comments also touched on how Back to the Future continues to connect with audiences nearly forty years after its release. He believes the film’s message about facing adversity and shaping one’s destiny mirrors his own journey. “People respond to the story because they see themselves in it,” Fox said. “It’s not just about time travel — it’s about believing that no matter what happens, you can change your future.”
Since his diagnosis at just 29 years old, Fox has been a symbol of perseverance. His foundation — The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research — has raised more than $2 billion toward finding a cure, funding groundbreaking studies and clinical trials. Despite multiple surgeries, falls, and hospitalizations over the years, Fox remains a voice of optimism. He often jokes about his struggles, saying humor helps him disarm fear. “If I can laugh at it, then it doesn’t own me,” he once said.
His public appearances have become rarer due to worsening symptoms, but whenever he does speak, it carries weight. Whether appearing at charity events or documentaries like Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, his openness about the realities of living with Parkinson’s has earned him respect that extends beyond Hollywood. His willingness to be vulnerable — to let people see the unfiltered version of his life — is what makes him both relatable and heroic.
As he reflected on his legacy, Fox shared that he has accepted his condition as part of his life’s story. He doesn’t see himself as a victim but as someone learning to coexist with an uninvited companion. “It’s part of my life, not my identity,” he said. “Parkinson’s may have knocked me down, but it never told me who I am.”
For millions who grew up watching him skate through time in Doc Brown’s DeLorean, Fox remains a symbol of optimism and strength. His story isn’t just about illness — it’s about the enduring power of hope and humanity. Parkinson’s may be a bully, but as Fox reminds the world, courage always stands taller.
