How Michael J. Fox Stays Optimistic Amid Parkinson’s Battle (Exclusive)

Emmy Award winner and one of the world’s most beloved stars, Michael J. Fox gives viewers an in-depth look at his life in a new documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.

Michael sat down with “Extra”‘s Tommy Didario to discuss this documentary of his childhood in Canada, his rise to stardom with “Family Ties,” his Parkinson’s diagnosis and his life today. Told.

Michael, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29, said, “It’s actually crazy fun…and a great ride.” bad thing. “

The film reveals the never-before-seen journey of Michael and his wife Tracy Pollan since receiving their diagnosis.

“Life just keeps giving you chance after chance, and that doesn’t stop you from getting older,” Fox told Extra, noting that family and laughter are his sources of joy. added.

“My family has made me very happy, and there are a lot of things about them in the film that make me laugh. ‘ he explained.

“When I started ‘Family Ties’ and started making jokes, it was really powerful for me. [with] People laugh and laugh more. I even made him make sounds that didn’t even make sense of laughter. ”

The 61-year-old went on to clarify that Parkinson’s disease itself is not fatal. dies of Parkinson’s disease. That’s the important thing to know. Aspiration of food can lead to pneumonia. I fell. Both his arms were broken, elbows and shoulders were replaced. I broke his face. I broke his hand… calamity has befallen me because of this disease. ”

Still, Michael just made a rare public appearance, sitting courtside with Tracy at the NBA playoffs in New York. Explaining how he can stay positive, Fox said gratitude is key.

“Just be grateful for what you have: yourself, your family, your job, your opportunities,” he explained.

“While writing this article, I realized something. [my] The book, it’s… thanks. With gratitude, optimism is sustainable. And it’s about finding sustainable optimism, and maintaining that finding ways to carry it through filming every day, and it’s earned in the same place. And do you understand how wonderful life is? You can’t get a better deal than this. ”