Michael J Fox almost lost a finger, fractured his shoulder and elbow and was living with Parkinson’s
“I hope, and I have a feeling, that I won’t break so many bones tomorrow. So that’s optimistic,” said the Back to the Future star
Michael J Fox tells of another way Parkinson’s disease has affected his body.
The 61-year-old actor revealed in an interview with that he has suffered a number of injuries as a result of the brain condition diversity.
“I broke this shoulder – I had it replaced. “And that sucked.”
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that results in involuntary and uncontrollable movements, often associated with tremors, stiffness, and problems with balance and coordination. Although symptoms begin gradually, the effects of the disease worsen over time, eventually leading to difficulty walking and speaking.
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Michael J. Fox says battle with Parkinson’s is getting ‘tougher’ and doesn’t think he’ll live to 80
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Because his illness makes him more prone to physical accidents, Fox explains, “he’s around me most of the time in case I fall,” although “that lack of privacy is hard to bear.”
The Back to the Future star – who is currently promoting his documentary called Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie – spoke about how his life has changed since going public with his illness. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 at the age of 29.
“I’ve won more awards and received more nominations since announcing my diagnosis,” said the Family Ties graduate. “People may feel sorry for me, but I prefer to take it as recognition that I continue to have a legitimate career.”
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When he began struggling with his lyrics, Fox ended his acting career in 2020.
“Sometimes I have a fleeting moment of disappointment when a really great joke comes out and falls flat because people can’t understand what I’m saying,” he said, citing how his speech has been marred by the illness. “It’s not like you can just repeat it. It dies instantly. But you find ways to deal with it.”
Though he’s had to learn to navigate the limitations of his illness, the actor makes it a point to stay positive and spend time with family.
“I’m still excited to be there on that day and to be a part of things,” Fox continued. “I just enjoy the little math problems in life. I love waking up and finding out these things and being with my family at the same time. My problem is that I fall. I trip over things, fall and break things. And that’s it.” Part of it. But I hope, and I have a feeling, that I won’t break so many bones tomorrow. So that’s optimistic.”