Michael J. Fox, the iconic star of Back to the Future, is making waves once again—but not just for his return to acting after a five-year hiatus. Here’s the twist: he’s been ‘retiring’ his entire career. In a recent interview with People magazine, Fox humorously revealed, ‘I’m always retiring,’ leaving fans to wonder if retirement ever truly stuck for him. Now, he’s diving back into the spotlight with a supporting role in the Apple TV+ dramedy Shrinking, and he couldn’t be more thrilled. ‘It’s been really positive, really energizing,’ he shared, marking his first role since 2020’s The Good Fight.
But here’s where it gets personal—and powerful. Fox’s character in Shrinking lives with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he’s been navigating since his diagnosis in 1991 (publicly revealed in 1998). What sparked his interest in the role? Discovering that Harrison Ford’s character on the show also grapples with Parkinson’s. ‘I said, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’’ Fox recalled. Ford’s response? ‘Oh, you want to do it?’ And the rest, as they say, is history.
And this is the part most people miss: For Fox, this role wasn’t just another gig—it was a chance to exist authentically on-screen. ‘It was the first time ever I got to show up on set and not worry about being too tired or coughing,’ he explained. ‘I just did it.’ This raw honesty has sparked conversations about representation and the challenges of living with Parkinson’s, a topic Ford himself emphasized: ‘Parkinson’s is not funny. We need to get it right.’
Despite physical challenges, Fox remains fiercely optimistic. ‘I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it,’ he told People. ‘You take the good, and you seize it.’ His hunger for life—as an actor, writer, parent, husband, and friend—is undeniable. ‘I have a lot left to do,’ he declared.
But here’s the controversial question: Does Hollywood do enough to authentically represent chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s, or is it often reduced to entertainment value? Fox’s role in Shrinking feels like a step in the right direction, but it’s a conversation worth continuing. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
While details about Fox’s role and Shrinking’s Season 3 remain under wraps, one thing’s clear: his presence is ‘indispensable,’ according to Ford. With no official release date yet, fans are eagerly awaiting the show’s return. One thing’s for sure—Michael J. Fox isn’t done inspiring us just yet.
