Michael J Fox's Biography
Michael J Fox was born Michael Andrew Fox on 9 June 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Fox adopted the "J" as an homage to character actor Michael J Pollard.
Fox started out as a professional actor at 15, co-starring in the sitcom Leo and Me on Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) He gained roles in theatre, TV and a few films, before moving to L.A. when he was 18.
His breakthrough came with the role of Alex P. Keaton on NBC's popular Family Ties(1982-89), through which Michael J Fox won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Fox married his Family Ties co-star, actress Tracy Pollan, in 1988.
Michael J Fox also appeared in many leading roles in the movies, including the popular 'Back to the Future' trilogy.
One of Michael J Fox's best roles was his portrayal of Michael Flaherty in Spin City from 1996-2000. Amongst many accolades for the role he gained another three Golden Globe Awards. Fox was also co-executive producer on the show.
Although he did not make it public for another seven years Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991.
In 2000 Fox launched The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Their website outlines how to join the effort to raise much-needed research funding for and awareness about Parkinson's disease.
In 2009, Michael J Fox talked to Oprah Winfrey at the time of the publication of his memoir, Always Looking Up: The Adventures Of An Incurable Optimist and a related TV show.
Michael J Fox told Oprah: "I'm a dad, I'm a husband, I'm an activist, I'm a writer and I'm just a student of the world."
