Michael J. Fox is staying optimistic in his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The “Back to the Future” actor, 65, gave an update on his well-being as he continues to deal with the neurodegenerative disease.
“I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it,” Fox told People in an interview published Wednesday.
“I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it,” he continued. “I roll around in a wheelchair a lot, and it took some getting used to.
Fox added, “You take the good, and you seize it.”
The “Family Ties” alum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 29, but didn’t announce it publicly until 1998. Two years later, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a move that has helped many find the help and support they need throughout their respective battles with the disease.
Parkinson’s affects movement, balance, and coordination and can cause tremors, stiffness, slurred speech, facial masking and cognitive problems. There is no cure.
Fox announced his retirement from acting in 2020 due to his diagnosis, but he reversed his decision to play someone who has Parkinson’s in the upcoming season of Apple TV+’s comedy series “Shrinking.”
“It was the first time ever I get to show up on-set, and I didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything,” he told People. “I just do it.”
Fox is also preparing to release his new book, “Future Boy,” which comes out Oct. 14. The book recounts Fox’s intense experience making “Family Ties” and “Back to the Future” simultaneously in the 1980s.
“I see other people’s work, and it makes me think that I might be able to find something that’s for me as an actor and as a writer,” he said in the interview. “And as a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do.”
In 2023, Fox explained that he doesn’t “fear” death amidst his Parkinson’s battle.
“One day I’ll run out of gas. One day I’ll just say, ‘It’s not going to happen. I’m not going out today.’ If that comes, I’ll allow myself that. I’m 62 years old,” the beloved actor told Town & Country.
“Certainly, if I were to pass away tomorrow, it would be premature, but it wouldn’t be unheard of. And so, no, I don’t fear that,” he added.
