Despite the amazing advancements in the field of medicine at the turn of the 20th century, there is still no proper cure for such a distressing disease as Parkinson’s disease among the many other diseases that afflict mankind without a cure. Back to the future Star Michael J. Fox happens to be one of the many unfortunate people to have been diagnosed with this condition.
However, he has made a name for himself in the movie industry because, after all, he is Marty McFly. He also made sure to put all the wealth he gained to good use, investing a huge part in investigating and finding a cure for the disease, and it earned him an honorary Oscar!
Must Read: 15 Movies That Almost Killed Their Stars and Up-and-coming Directors
A Brief History of Michael J. Fox’s Battle with Parkinson’s Disease
Michael J. Fox was on top of the world when Back to the future was released, ultimately continuing the franchise and concluding it with a third and final film in 1990.
He will then be cast in the romantic comedy Doctor Hollywood, and as filming began, he was beginning to show symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. He was finally diagnosed with the disease in 1991 (aged 29!) after the first symptoms and was told he would have to bring his flamboyant acting career to an unhappy end in a few years.
Disconcerted by the news that was announced to him, the Teen Wolf star was sinking into depression, feeding her even more with heavy drinking.
However, he eventually sobered up and decided to tell the world about his unfortunate diagnosis, and to go further, he would put his wealth to good use and become an advocate for Parkinson’s research. He went on to found the Michael J. Fox Foundation with the goal of helping find a cure for what is still an incurable disease today.
Related: Back to the Future: Where Are the Actors Now?
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has now raised over $1.5 billion in research funds, a truly remarkable achievement, and for his efforts, Fox earned himself an honorary Oscar.
Also Read: Is Back to the Future 4 Happening? Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox are driving all 90s kids crazy with a mysterious tweet
Michael J. Fox receives an honorary Oscar for his defense of Parkinson’s disease
Michael J. Fox, who has never won an Oscar despite his stellar record as an actor, just won one for his efforts to advocate and help raise research funds to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Related: 10 Celebrities We Didn’t Know Had Dangerous Chronic Illnesses
At the annual Governors Awards, Fox received a standing ovation from a slew of A-listers in the crowd, such as Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lawrence, as he accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. He followed with the words-
“It’s humbling in the deepest way to stand here and accept your kindness.”
To be fair, an Oscar for the Marty McFly actor was long overdue, but it’s better to celebrate the fact that he officially has one to his name now!
Source: USA Today
