'I’m 61, and I’m feeling it a bit more': Michael J Fox opens up about painful year ridden with injuries
Michael J Fox recently opened up about the difficulties he had to face of late due to a slew of injuries. The 61-year-old had a rather tough year on the emotional front as his mother Phyllis died on September 24, aged 92.
Speaking to People, the 'Back To The Future' actor also spoke on how his health “got worse” in the past year. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 and worked with the ailment ever since, said he had broken multiple bones, some of which required surgery.
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He said, “I broke my cheek, then my hand, then my shoulder, had a replacement shoulder put in and broke my [right] arm, then I broke my elbow. I’m 61 years old, and I’m feeling it a little bit more.” The Canadian-US actor, who retired from acting in 2020 after 30 years in the business, revealed his broken hand became infected after surgery, and the constant struggle to steady it caused multiple falls.
The physical struggle took a toll on his personality as well, leaving him short-tempered. Fox said, “I was never really a cranky guy, but I got very cranky and short with people,” adding, “I try to nip it in the bud. I always think of these aides who work with me. And I often say to them, ‘Whatever I say, just imagine I said “please” at the beginning and “thank you” at the end. Just take a second and absorb that I might have said that if I was more myself, but I didn’t, so I apologize.’”
On Sunday, October 9, fans were in for a happy surprise after Fox reunited with his 'Back To The Future' co-star Christopher Lloyd, 84, at Comic-Con in New York. Despite his health issues, Fox walked across the stage without help and shared a hug with his long-time friend.
Speaking of his recovery to People, Fox said, “I’m coming through where the last of my injuries are healing up; my arm is feeling good. Life is interesting. It deals you these things,” adding, “The whole mission is: Don’t fall down. So whatever works to not fall down, whether it’s a walker or a wheelchair, a cane, a guy with a belt around my waist holding onto it – I use all those tools.”
Meanwhile, the actor is said to be the ultimate family man despite having one of the most celebrated careers in Hollywood. Raising four children together, both Michael and his wife Tracy Pollan have had their hands full.
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The actor was just 29 and already a father-of-one when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Nonetheless, the pair went on to have three more children, and the actor owes his longevity to his loving family. Michael and Tracy tied the knot in 1988 and are now parents to Sam, 33, twins Aquinnah and Schuyler, 27, and Esme, 20.