Michael J. Fox is returning to television for Season 4 of the Apple TV+ comedy series Shrinking.
He credits his decision to continue acting with extending his life following his 1991 Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
Fox, who was told by doctors at age 29 that he might have only 10 years of performing left, originally stepped back from acting in 2020 due to worsening symptoms before reversing his decision.
The Emmy and Golden Globe winner first joined Shrinking in its third season, playing Gerry, a character living with Parkinson's who interacts with Dr. Paul Rhoades, a character played by Harrison Ford who also lives with the condition.
Reflecting on his return to performance and working alongside Ford, Fox highlighted the collaborative dynamic on set.
"He was happy that I was sharing my experience with him as a character and helping him do what he needed to do," Fox said.
Fox emphasized that staying active in his profession has provided significant personal benefits and purpose as he navigates the ongoing physical challenges of his condition.
"[It] prolonged my life," Fox said.
He noted that remaining involved in creative projects reshaped his perspective on aging with the disease.
"[It has] made my life interesting in a way that I didn't think it would be to this point," Fox said.
Addressing his future in the entertainment industry, Fox explained that he remains open to future roles while allowing his health needs to dictate his commitments.
"I'm not retired from acting," Fox said.
He clarified that any future decision to stop performing would stem entirely from managing his ongoing symptoms.
"I'm not retired from acting, but if I didn't act again, it would be for a very good reason," Fox said.
Fox reiterated that his primary guidance comes from how his health develops day by day.
"I let Parkinson's make decisions for me," Fox said.
The actor was privately diagnosed shortly after finishing work on Family Ties and kept the diagnosis secret during his initial two years on Spin City before going public in 1998, a transition he described as challenging for his family.
"[It was] hell," Fox said.
He recalled telling his wife, Tracy Pollan, that transparency was essential to help others facing similar circumstances.
"It was really hard on her — and it still is because it's always changing," Fox said.
Fox resolved to address the condition openly to advocate for the wider Parkinson's community.
"But I said to her, 'I have to go all the way here. No half measures,'" Fox said.
He felt a responsibility to use his platform to raise awareness and support research initiatives.
"I started to understand what it was like for these people who didn't have the options or the choices I had, didn't have the connections and the reason to be optimistic.
… I needed to normalize it and just be that all the time. I said, 'I have to not hide this.
[Expletive] vanity,'" Fox said.
Speaking at a foundation event in New York City in November 2025, Pollan discussed how their children adapted to living with their father's condition throughout their lives.
"Michael was diagnosed before the girls were born and very, very early into Sam's life, so it's kind of all they know, really," Pollan said.
She noted that their family remains a crucial source of daily assistance while navigating the realities of caregiving.
"They're just incredibly supportive," Pollan said.
Pollan stressed that while optimism helps, managing the chronic illness requires substantial effort from everyone involved.
"They're very helpful to me.
I lean on them a lot and [because] Michael is so optimistic, which is wonderful and really helps him, but it's really important to also understand that this is a huge challenge," Pollan said.
She added that acknowledging the daily reality of the disease is vital for caregivers and families.
"It's very difficult for the family, for the caregivers, and obviously for the patient, so I think it's also important to acknowledge that, and acknowledge that it's not just all sort of easy.
It's not easy," Pollan said.
Pollan expressed gratitude for her family's persistent involvement and presence.
"So you know, and it's hard for them, but they show up and you know, they're there for us," Pollan said.
In addition to his acting career, Fox founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, which has raised billions of dollars toward research and therapies for Parkinson's disease.
