Michael J Fox Always Looking Up
Birthdate/place:
In Alberta, Canada on June 9, 1961 Michael J. Fox was born Michael Andrew Fox.
Family:
His
mom, Phyllis Fox was an actress and payroll clerk. And his father
William was a police officer and a sergeant in the Canadian Army Signal
Corps. He has three sisters Kelli, Karen, and Jacki and one brother
Steven.
Childhood/Schoollife:
At a young age, he
realized his passion for acting. When he turned age ten, him and his
family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. Fox turned fifteen years
old, when he successfully auditioned for the role of a 10-year-old in a
series called, "Leo and Me." He gained lots of attention as a young
Canadian star after his appearance on "The Shadow Box." Then, at age
eighteen, he moved to Los Angeles and was offered a few television
series roles. He lived off boxes of mac and cheese for a while. Finally
he was offered the role of Alex Keaton on "Family Ties." He was
diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and eventually disclosed his
condition to the public. However, Michael struggled in school and was
too short to participate in his favorite game, ice hockey. He never
graduated High School or College.
Career:
Fox
was discovered by Ronald Shedlo in his first American appearance in
the movie "Letters from Frank." His other famous/well-known roles
include "Teen Wolf," "High School USA," "Poison Ivy," and "Back to the
Future." Michael J Fox is an inspirational individual known as an actor,
author, producer, activist, and voice over artist. He semi-retired
from acting in 2000 due to more serious and severe symptoms, and
eventually on March 5, 2010, he created the Michael J Fox Foundation for
victims of the disease.
Later Life/Old Age:
Michael Andrew Fox married
Tracy Pollan on July 16, 1988 in Vermont. They have four children Sam
Michael, twins Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Francis, and Esme
Annabelle. And eventually moved back to Vancouver. In his first book,
"Lucky Man," he focused on seven years of being in denial of his
disease, but quit drinking and became a strong advocate for victims of
Parkinson's. He believes he is an "incurable optimist."
Death:
He is still alive.
Anecdotes:
Fox met his wife on the set of
"Family Ties," when she starred the role of Alex Keaton's girlfriend
"Ellen." In Screen Actors Guild, there was a registered actor/veteran
using the name Michael Fox, so to avoid credibility confusion he adopted
the initial "J," like actor Michael J. Pollard. He was awarded
Doctorate of Medicine degree. Fox also starred in "Scrubs," and "Boston
Legal." In 1999, he did famous voice over for "Stuart Little," playing a
little white mouse.
Reason For Fame:
He wrote "Lucky Man: a
Memoir," "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist,"
and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists Turns and
Lessons Learned." His first feature films were "Midnight Madness," and
"Class of 1984." He won three Emmy awards for "Family Ties," and a
Golden Globe for "Back to the Future."
Hobbies/Interests/Activities
Earlier Michael
J Fox gave a compassionate speech during the 2010 Winter Olympics
closing ceremony. The City of Burnaby, British Columbia honored him with
granting freedom of the city. He manages his Parkinson's disease with
the drug Sinemet and had a thalamotomy. In his book, "Always Looking Up:
The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist," he describes a time in his
life when he shares funny experiences, stories, and anecdotes. It's a
collection of personal evaluations and dealing with his four
themes/titles work, faith, family, and politics. They also deal with his
battle against Parkinson's. He is a gifted writer, very funny but gets
serious in the book. It's very self-promoting and encouraging.
