Michael J. Fox opens up about struggles of maintaining his humor
The actor, who brought us unforgettable characters like Marty McFly in Back to the Future, has always had a way of making us smile — even during the toughest times.
But recently, he shared a heartbreaking confession that’s left us all feeling a little heavy-hearted.
In a candid moment at The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the 63-year-old actor opened up about the emotional toll Parkinson’s disease has taken on him, revealing that maintaining his signature humor, especially his “darker” sense of it, has become “hard for him.”
The lighthearted attitude that has helped him cope with his diagnosis since he first shared it with the world in 1991, now seems a little more difficult to hold on to.
Self-deprecating jokes and playful remarks
Michael has always used humor to deal with the challenges of living with Parkinson’s, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring. From his Back to the Future days to today, Michael’s knack for self-deprecating jokes and playful remarks has kept his fans smiling — and has also brought much-needed attention to the fight for a cure.
But when speaking to People Magazine at the recent gala, Michael admitted, “I gotta keep it intact,” acknowledging how much harder it’s become to stay that upbeat.
His self-deprecating humor has been a tool not just for his own coping but for making Parkinson’s something people can talk about without discomfort. Through his books like Lucky Man, and countless interviews, Michael has made the seemingly impossible task of discussing a life-altering diagnosis more approachable.
His ability to share the ups and downs of his journey, with a touch of humor, has helped countless others feel less alone in their struggles.
“Let’s embrace that..”
Yet even though he’s been open about the challenges — about how Parkinson’s has impacted his body and his life — Michael is still determined to stay positive.
In fact, he shared that dark humor can be a powerful way to break down the taboos surrounding the disease. He told People, “Let’s embrace that and make a difference.” And that’s exactly what he’s doing — using his voice, his story, and yes, his humor, to inspire others facing their own battles.
Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s gala was held on Saturday, and raised a staggering $116 million for Parkinson’s research.
But in true Michael fashion, it wasn’t just a night for serious speeches and heavy hearts. During the gala, he surprised everyone by rocking out on stage and showing off his impressive guitar skills — something he’s always loved, even back when he was filming Back to the Future.
In a 2020 interview with Empire, Michael J. Fox shared a fun behind-the-scenes moment from the iconic movie. He revealed that he learned to play the guitar specifically for the iconic scene, where Marty McFly shreds on stage.
”When I do this scene, I play guitar, so you can finger sync me. Feel free to cut to my hands any time you want,” he told director Rob Zemeckis.
But of course, the pressure was on to nail it. ”Having said that, it put pressure on me to get it f–king right. So I had this guy named Paul Hanson who was my guitar teacher.”
Fox’s guitar performance at the gala wasn’t the first time the Hollywood star showcased his beloved instrument. Earlier this year, Michael made a surprise appearance with Coldplay at the Glastonbury Festival in the U.K., once again demonstrating his guitar skills in front of a massive crowd.
Even when facing such a challenging and cruel disease, Michael J. Fox continues to be a beacon of strength and humor. It’s clear that, despite the tough times, he remains committed to living life to the fullest and helping others do the same.
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Michael J. Fox has always been more than just a fighter — he’s a symbol of hope. And even on the toughest days, he continues to teach us all the value of laughter, resilience, and never letting go of hope.
Share your thoughts on Michael’s journey and let us know how his story has inspired you. We’d love to hear from you!