Michael J. Fox has returned to acting, finding a role in the Apple TV+ series "Shrinking" that allows him to perform as himself, despite the progression of Parkinson's disease. The Emmy-winning actor, who began experiencing symptoms of the neurological disorder in 1990 at age 29, cited his character Gerry, who also has Parkinson's, as a key factor in his return.
Speaking with People, Fox described the role as "insanely fun." The series, created by his friend Bill Lawrence, permits him to "use how [he feels] on any given day and channel it into the scene," a significant departure from the demanding 12-hour workdays common in television.
Fox publicly disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1997, three years after his symptoms began. He initially retired from acting in 2000 but made several guest appearances in shows like "Scrubs" and "The Good Wife." However, by 2020, a new challenge emerged: a diminished ability to memorize lines, in addition to ongoing issues with tremors and balance.
"My short-term memory is shot," Fox told People in November 2020, recalling a period where he struggled with memorization during his "last couple of jobs." He drew parallels to a scene in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," where Leonardo DiCaprio's character grapples with his failing memory, leading Fox to feel he "couldn't do it anymore."
Despite these challenges, Fox returned to the screen in Season 3 of "Shrinking," which aired from January to April. The series, co-created by and starring Jason Segel, features Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a colleague with Parkinson's. Fox's character, Gerry, befriends Rhoades. This role has earned Fox an Emmy nomination.
While Fox has not ruled out future acting projects, his primary focus remains on the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Founded in 2000, the foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. "The Foundation's work is about driving toward a world without Parkinson's," Fox stated, adding that "the science is showing we're getting close."