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In 1982, Michael J. Fox sat down with Jane Pauley to promote his new show Family Ties. The actor's breakout role as conservative teen Alex P. Keaton led to his iconic roles in 1985's number one AND number two films—Back to the Future and Teen Wolf respectively.
40 years later, the two reunited, this time to talk about Fox's 30 year struggle with Parkinson's disease, the progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement such as walking, speech and balance.
Fox quipped Parkinson's is "the gift that keeps on taking."
But he revealed to Pauly:
“I’m not gonna lie. It’s getting harder."
“Every day it’s tougher.”
When Pauley mentioned Fox's visible decline, he added:
"It's been 30+ years; not many of us that have had this disease for 30 years."
"It sucks having Parkinson's."
Even still, Fox acknowledged:
"For some families, some people, it's a nightmare. It's a living hell."
"They have to deal with realities that are beyond most people's understandings."
"My life is set up so I can pack Parkinson's along with me if I have to."
He added:
“I recognize how hard this is for people, and I recognize how hard it is for me, but I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff."
“And I realize, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.”
“If you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to, and you carry on."
You can watch the interview below.
Viewers of the interview applauded Fox for his willingness and bravery to speak about and educate others.
Several added his outlook was an inspiration.
\u201c@CNN I\u2019m speechless! How brave of Michael Fox to educate his battle & his hope. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family. \u2764\ufe0f\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN With gratitude\u2026.optimism is sustainable. Powerful words right there.\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN Michael J Fox: \u201cI realize that with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.\u201d Such a fighter. Such an inspiration. \u2764\ufe0f\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN 30 years and diagnosed at his prime not even 30 years old. Respect to him and his endless work with this foundation, so there\u2019s hope for others. \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb remarkable legacy\u2026\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN Somehow Michael finds the courage, strength, tenacity to fight everyday for a future for others to live without Parkinson's disease. God bless him and his family. \ud83d\ude4f\ud83e\udd17\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN 30 yrs living with Parkinson\u2019s Disease is stunningly heroic especially that he was only 29 when diagnosed. He looks amazing. Handsome man, inside and out. By his foundation\n& the money he raised, he has found the means to detect & cure the disease. Verification complete in 5 yrs\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN such a talented funny actor and still so courageous to keep going like he said , even with days getting harder god bless you Michael\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN What an incredible human being. Nothing but respect for the work he is doing, and the example he sets us.\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN \u2665\ufe0f An inspiration, a warrior and an incredible human being. My deepest respect. All the best to Michael \u2661\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN What a remarkable man- the legacy he leaves will help so many people now and in the future. He is an inspiration to us all and gives hope to so many through his great work.\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN What an inspirational man.\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN While very sad to see him in this condition... The value of his character, fighting against the disease for the benefit of others.... That's hope. Hope that there's more people like him. \ud83e\udee1\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN Courage in battle.His wife and family,too.\ud83d\udcaa\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
\u201c@CNN You go Michael! You're an inspiration to us all! You bring joy to us in your work & your life! My mum had Parkinsons for over 20 years before it killed her at 84 yrs young, & was as brave as you! Keep going for all the people with Parkinsons!\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682928009
Fox, now 61, documented his life with Parksinson's in Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which will be available on Apple TV+ on May 12.
When asked about the significance of the title, Fox responded:
"I could never be still, until I couldn't be still."
"Still has other meanings. Still here. Still committed."
"And I'll take 'em all!"