Michael J. Fox recently lauded his wife, Tracy Pollan, for her immense "sacrifices, patience, and love" during his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease. The heartfelt tribute came during his acceptance speech for The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Primetime Emmys.
Fox, 65, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 29, reflected on how his wife has been a constant pillar of support for him and their four children. "You have no idea," he told the audience, acknowledging Pollan's role in their lives. The couple, who met in 1985 on the set of the NBC sitcom "Family Ties," have been married for over three decades and have navigated the challenges of Fox's progressive neurological condition together.
Their relationship began on the set of "Family Ties," where Pollan was cast as Fox's love interest. Initially, it wasn't love at first sight, with Fox recalling a humorous, albeit blunt, exchange where he teased Pollan about her breath. However, their paths crossed again two years later for the film "Bright Lights, Big City," during which they fell in love. They became engaged seven months later and married in a small ceremony in Vermont. Their first child was born the following year.
Just three years into their marriage, Fox received his Parkinson's diagnosis. At the height of his career, he chose to keep the news private, with Pollan becoming his confidante and primary caregiver. She has since been a steadfast presence, supporting him and their family, which includes son Sam and twin daughters Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, and daughter Esmé Annabelle.
Fox has often spoken about Pollan's strength. In his Apple TV+ documentary, "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie," he recounted how Pollan "didn't blink" when he learned of his diagnosis. He has also stated that she would have been entirely justified in leaving him, sharing, "At any time she would have been forgiven to say, 'I'm just gonna step out.' But, she didn't do that." He credits her for maintaining a sense of normalcy and for recognizing her own life separate from his public persona and illness.
Pollan herself has spoken about the keys to their enduring marriage, telling PEOPLE, "I think we really listen to each other, we are there for each other when we need each other. And then we also give each other space when that’s needed."
Fox's return to acting in the Apple TV+ series "Shrinking," where he plays a character also navigating a Parkinson's diagnosis, has been met with acclaim. He received his 19th Emmy nomination this year for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in the show.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award recognized Fox's significant contributions to Parkinson's disease research and advocacy through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. During his acceptance speech, he drew parallels between his own experiences and the selflessness of Bob Hope, who he recalled as a champion for soldiers and military families. Fox emphasized that lessons learned from Hope prepared him for the unexpected role Parkinson's would play in his life.
He shared the initial fear and uncertainty following his diagnosis, admitting he worried how it would impact his career and audience perception. However, the global support he received inspired him to continue his work and advocate for others. "I understood that accepting Parkinson's didn't mean I had to surrender to it," he stated, vowing to fund research aimed at eradicating the disease. He expressed deep gratitude to his foundation's staff, donors, researchers, and the Parkinson's patient community.
Michael and Tracy Fox attended the recent Primetime Emmys ceremony with their children, underscoring their enduring bond as they celebrated Fox's humanitarian honor.