Michael J. Fox has made a captivating return to acting, five years after announcing his retirement. However, the legendary star of Back to the Future revealed that his initial departure from showbiz was never truly meant to be a definitive end.
“I’m always retiring,” Fox shared with People magazine in a recent candid interview. His upcoming role in the popular Apple TV+ dramedy, Shrinking, marks his first acting appearance since 2020’s The Good Fight. He described the experience as “really positive, really energizing.”
Fox’s supporting character in the series holds a profound personal significance, as the role reflects a character living with Parkinson’s disease. Fox himself was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, a condition he publicly disclosed in 1998. His interest in joining the show was sparked upon learning that lead actor Harrison Ford’s character in the series also had a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Michael J. Fox isn’t done with acting yet. Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images.
Recalling how he joined the cast, Fox recounted, “I said, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’ And he said, ‘Oh, you want to do it?’ And I said, ‘I’d love to do it.’ So he said, ‘Let me think about it, see what I can do.’ He then developed this concept, which turned out to be excellent.”
For Fox, this acting opportunity transcended a typical job. It was a unique chance to simply be himself on set without apprehension. “It was the first time ever I got to show up on-set, and I didn’t have to worry about being too tired or coughing or anything,” Fox explained. “I just did it. It felt truly liberating, because in moments when I thought, ‘I’m not going to be able to do this,’ I’d then tell myself, ‘Well, I’ll just incorporate how I can’t do it into the scene.’ And you get through it.”
Details about Fox’s specific role and the third season of Shrinking remain largely under wraps. However, Harrison Ford previously told Variety that Fox is an indispensable asset to the show’s future.
“Michael’s courage, his fortitude, and above all, his grace, are truly remarkable. He’s incredibly smart, brave, noble, generous, and passionate, serving as an inspiration to all of us, whether we face Parkinson’s or not,” Ford remarked. “You can’t help but be amazed by such grace… Parkinson’s is a serious condition, and we are committed to portraying it accurately and respectfully, ensuring it’s not exploited for mere entertainment.”
Despite the ongoing challenges Parkinson’s presents in his daily life, Fox maintains a remarkably positive outlook. “I continue to encounter new physical hurdles, but I navigate them. I spend a lot of time in a wheelchair now, which took some adjusting,” he told People. “You embrace the good, and you seize it.”
The actor remains driven by a passion for life and creation. “I observe other people’s work, and it sparks a desire in me to find ways to contribute as an actor and a writer,” he revealed. “And as a parent, husband, and friend, I still have so much more I want to do.”
While an official release date for Season 3 of Shrinking has not yet been announced, anticipation suggests the show will be returning soon.
Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images.