Michael J. Fox says he “doesn’t have time to feel sorry for himself” as he reflected on his life since being diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease more than three decades ago, insisting he has “no regrets”.
The Back To The Future actor, 61, was just 29 years old when he was told he had the life-changing condition which affects the brain and causes problems like shaking and stiffness that get worse over time.
The once in-demand Hollywood star tried to hide the disease for seven years by carrying props in his left hand, where the telltale shakiness first started.
He has since dedicated his life to spreading awareness about Parkinson’s and raising funds to search for a cure.
His journey is the subject of a new documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which had a special showing at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in Austin, Texas on Tuesday.
Speaking about his diagnosis at a Q&A where he was joined by wife Tracy Pollen, he said: “Parkinson’s sucks, but it’s a great life, so thank you for it”.
“Pity is a benign form of abuse. I can feel sorry for myself, but I don’t have time for that. There is stuff to be learned from this, so let’s do that and move on,” he contined.
“My fans have basically given me my life. I wanted to give these people who have done so much for me my time and gratitude. It was great for me to hear from all of you.”
On how he “mobilised” people to care about Parkinson’s, he added: “I didn’t have a choice. This is it. I have to give everything I have, and it’s not lip service. I show up and do the best I can.”
On his period working after his diagnosis he went on to explain: “I have no regrets. You do what you have to do, but you do not want to kill yourself. And that’s when I stopped.”
