Michael J Fox, 64, delights fans with defiant 8-word statement as he marks milestone amid Parkinson’s battle
Michael J Fox may be facing Parkinson’s disease head-on, but the beloved actor is showing no signs of slowing down.
As the Back to the Future star celebrated his 65th birthday on Monday he shared a powerful message that instantly struck a chord with fans.
“I’m not getting older, I’m getting more grateful,” he stated.
The touching declaration came in response to a heartfelt Instagram tribute from his wife, actress Tracy Pollan, who shared a series of sweet photos of the couple in celebration of the milestone.
The pair, who married in 1988, are parents to four children: Sam, 35, twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, 30, and Esmé, 23.
“Happy birthday my love!” Tracy wrote alongside the photos, which included a cozy date night, a beach moment, and a peaceful park bench snap.
“Wishing you the best one yet, I love you and can’t wait to celebrate!!”
Fox’s response captivated fans and celebrity friends alike, many of whom flooded the comments to share their admiration.
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“Happy everything!!!!!!” wrote Ali Wentworth, while others chimed in with, “Happy Birthday to Michael,” “You deserve all the best in this world,” and “Happy birthday to a very special man.”
Fox’s birthday celebration comes against the backdrop of a decades-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Diagnosed in 1991 and going public in 1998, he has since become one of the world’s most prominent advocates for Parkinson’s research.
In 2000, he founded the Michael J Fox Foundation, which has since raised more than $1.75 billion toward funding groundbreaking research and working toward a cure.
In recognition of his extraordinary advocacy, Fox was honoured last year with the Time100 Impact Award.
During his acceptance speech, he reflected on how far the science has come: “We now know we are dealing with not just a clinical approach to Parkinson’s disease, but a truly biological understanding of its symptoms, progress and clues towards finding a cure sooner than we ever would’ve hoped for.”
Close friend and fellow actor Ryan Reynolds, a board member of Fox’s foundation, praised him in a tribute for the TIME 100 issue.
“I know Michael J Fox. Like, I know him pretty damn well,” he wrote. “He’s funny. He’s warm. He’s handsome and intensely smart. He also falls a lot. Not just because he has Parkinson’s. He falls a lot because he’s unafraid to fly.”
He added: “I’ve watched him raise the bar for purpose and passion. It’d be kinda lazy to simply characterise him as the greatest champion of Parkinson’s research on the planet.”
“He’s someone who helped my dad, along with millions of others, feel less alone.”