Additional Coverage:
- Michael J Fox shares desire for a peaceful death ‘without drama’ after 35 years with Parkinson’s (the-independent.com)
Michael J. Fox Reflects on Life with Parkinson’s, Hopes for Peaceful End
Veteran actor Michael J. Fox, 65, has shared poignant insights into his 35-year journey with Parkinson’s disease, including his candid thoughts on death and his hope for a peaceful passing. Fox was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition in 1991 at the age of 29.
In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Fox described the nature of his diagnosis as “much more mysterious and enigmatic” than other conditions. “There’s no timeline, there’s no series of stages that you go through – not in the same way that you would, say, with prostate cancer,” he explained.
While promoting his new memoir, Future Boy, Fox articulated his desire for a tranquil end to his life. “There are not many people who have had Parkinson’s for 35 years,” Fox stated.
“I’d like to just not wake up one day. That’d be really cool.
I don’t want it to be dramatic. I don’t want to trip over furniture, smash my head.”
Parkinson’s disease causes progressive damage to the brain over many years, leading to physical symptoms such as involuntary tremors, slowed movement, and other mobility challenges. Fox acknowledged the evolving impact of the disease on his daily life, noting, “I don’t walk much anymore.”
He elaborated on the challenges of movement, telling The Times, “I can walk, but it’s not pretty and it’s a bit dangerous. So I just roll that into my life, you know – no pun intended.”
Speaking to People last week, the Spin City star further detailed his daily routine. “I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it,” he said. “I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it.”
Despite announcing his retirement from acting in 2020, Fox has made recent appearances, including a role in the Apple TV+ comedy-drama Shrinking, which features Harrison Ford as a character living with Parkinson’s. He has also maintained a visible public presence, attending events such as Glastonbury and various awards ceremonies.
In November 2024, he spoke about his experiences at the annual gathering of his Parkinson’s research foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Fox has expressed a shift in his perspective on the disease over the years, telling Entertainment Tonight that he no longer views his condition negatively. “After 35 years or something since I’ve been diagnosed, this is just my life and I don’t think about it much,” he shared.
His current focus, he added, is on collective efforts to combat the disease. “I’m thinking about what we’re going to do as a community to figure this out and find a cure – and short of a cure, [create] treatment centres that are really groundbreaking,” Fox concluded.