Michael J. Fox is opening up about living with Parkinson’s disease and how the condition has become more difficult over the years.
The beloved actor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 29, has spent decades raising awareness about the disease while helping fund research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Fox Revealed It Has Gotten Harder Over the Years
“Of course, things have gotten harder over the years,” he told PEOPLE. But, “I’m privileged to commit my time and energy to bringing everything I’ve got to help cure this disease.”
Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000. Since then, the organization has funded more than $3 billion in Parkinson’s research, making his advocacy a major part of his life.
Now, that work is receiving a significant honor.
The Lasker Foundation is recognizing Fox with its Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award. The annual Lasker Awards honor major contributions to medical research and public service and are sometimes referred to as America’s Nobels.
Previous recipients have included Bill and Melinda Gates, Anthony Fauci, and Christopher Reeve.
For Fox, the recognition is particularly meaningful.
He said the Lasker honor “is a standout. Lasker winners show the world what science can achieve when we keep our eyes on the prize. To be included in that company is humbling,”
Fox also emphasized that he does not view the award as recognition for himself alone.
The actor said he shares the prize with “the researchers and clinicians on the front lines of cure hunting, and the patients and families who critically inform that mission”.
The Lasker Foundation said Fox and his organization “have helped dispel the stigma of the disease and spearheaded a revolution in the world of PD research.”
Fox made the decision more than two decades ago to become one of the most recognizable public faces of Parkinson’s.
“[I knew] my name could attract attention to help us achieve our goals faster. But I also have this disease. I know the issues and I share my community’s sense of urgency,” Fox told PEOPLE.
Fox Had a Guest Role in ‘Shrinking’
His advocacy has also intersected with his acting career. Earlier this year, Fox returned to the screen, including working with Harrison Ford on a project connected to his foundation.
“This new character allows me to show up on set as myself,” Fox stated.
Fox and Ford previously worked together on “Shrinking,” with both actors playing characters with Parkinson’s. Fox described the experience as “insanely fun.”
The return to acting represents another chapter for Fox, who stepped away from “Spin City” in 2000 after publicly revealing his diagnosis.
He later made guest appearances on shows including “Scrubs” and “The Good Wife.” In 2020, he stepped back again, explaining that memorizing lines had become more challenging.
“A new variable emerged: my ability to memorize lines,” he said. “There’s a time for everything, and the time for 12-hour workdays was behind me.”
Despite those challenges, Fox continues using his platform to push Parkinson’s research forward while embracing the work he can still do.
