Michael J. Fox
Edmonton, AB
WHO? Michael J. Fox is a globally recognized actor whose career spans decades of film and television across North America. He is best known for portraying Marty McFly in the Back to the Future films and for founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation, a cornerstone in Parkinson’s disease research funding and patient support throughout Canada and the United States. His work as an advocate has helped raise awareness, accelerate research, and inspire countless people facing Parkinson’s disease, while his on screen charisma continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
BREAK? His breakout moment came when he landed the pivotal role of Alex P. Keaton on the television series Family Ties, a performance that established him as a rising star in the 1980s and opened doors to major film projects. The show blended witty political humor with warm family dynamics, earning him recognition and setting the stage for a prolific career in Hollywood that would span decades and genres. His early success on TV translated into enduring opportunities in cinema, where he became a household name in North America.
SIGN? He was born under the sign of Gemini, a detail some fans find intriguing given his energetic, quick-witted presence on screen and his gift for combining humor with heartfelt moments.
COOL FACTS:
– He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 and has since become a leading advocate for research funding, patient support, and public awareness across the United States and Canada.
– He follows a vegetarian lifestyle and has spoken openly about how such choices align with his health goals while maintaining a demanding creative schedule.
– He added the middle initial J to his name as a tribute to actor Michael J. Pollard, a personal homage that became a distinctive part of his public identity.
– He published Lucky Man, a memoir that chronicles his life, career, and the moments that shaped his public mission.
– A Christmas gift of a guitar at eight sparked a self-taught musical journey that would accompany him through film sets and charity events.
– He is a devoted hockey fan, a passion that mirrors the sports culture shared by audiences in both Canada and the United States.
BACK STORY
- 1982-1989, Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties, a role that blended ambition with family humor and helped define a generation of television storytelling for North American audiences.
- 1985, Marty McFly in Back to the Future, a time travel adventure that became a cultural milestone and solidified his status as a film icon across Canada and the United States.
- 1996-2001, Mike Flaherty in Spin City, a political satire that showcased his versatility in shifting from family comedy to ensemble political humor.
- 1999, the voice of Stuart Little in Stuart Little, adding a beloved animated performance to his diverse portfolio.
- 2001, Milo James Thatch in Atlantis: The Lost Empire, a central adventurer in a story that fused science fiction with mythic discovery.