Through it all, his optimism remains unshaken. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has raised over $1 billion toward finding a cure. “Optimism is contagious,” he told AARP. “At 60, I love my life, my wife, and my kids, despite the challenges.”
Fox recently delighted fans by reuniting with Back to the Future co-star Christopher Lloyd at New York Comic Con. Despite his struggles, he embraced the moment with humor, quipping, “Parkinson’s is the gift that keeps on taking,” a testament to his ability to find gratitude amid adversity.
Even online, Fox keeps his humor intact. After receiving a rude comment, his son Sam encouraged him to reply with “SMH” (shaking my head), earning the troll’s unexpected admiration. It was another example of Fox’s enduring wit and grace.
For Fox, life’s value lies in joy and connection. “People think I’m crazy for calling Parkinson’s a gift,” he said. “But it’s taught me what truly matters—family, laughter, and staying optimistic.”