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."

In August 2010, Entertainment Tonight reported that Michael J. Fox had been cast as Simon Canning in The Good Wife.

On 21 August 2012, the BBC reported that Michael J Fox was to star in a TV comedy as a father of three dealing with a degenerative nervous system disorder.

In 2024, he presented the best film award at the Baftas.