Since his thirty-first birthday in 1991, Michael J. Fox has been struggling with Parkinson’s disease. But up until the late 1990s, he concealed his diagnosis and suppressed his symptoms with medication. Since then, the actor has committed to spreading knowledge about the devastating illness, which disrupts daily activities including eating and movement.

Regarding the reason behind his diagnosis this past year, the father of four speculated that his upbringing may have had a significant impact on his downfall. He was open about controlling his expectations of his life expectancy and said that he doubts he would live to be 80.

Why did Michael J. Fox develop Parkinson’s disease?

Throughout his honorary Oscar address in 2022, Fox mentioned that he and Woody Harrelson caused “some damage” in the 1980s due to their reckless way of living that involved drinking and partying. He revealed further information about his poor lifestyle choices in the twenties, which could have cost him optimal health later, when he was chatting with Jane Pauley regarding his documentary, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie.

Fox conjectured that in addition to environmental causes, such as toxins he may have been introduced to, he might have a hereditary susceptibility to the illness. Given how outrageous his parties were, the multi-talented performer said it was not surprising if he suffered injuries or had a catastrophic accident that changed his system.

He’s learned to live with his disability and find meaning in his existence for as long as he can.

Considering his Parkinson’s disease challenges, Fox made an unexpected appearance during Coldplay’s headline Glastonbury show this past week on the Pyramid Stage. He rejoined guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion, and frontman Chris Martin, who gave him special credit for starting the band back in 1985 with Back to the Future.