Michael J Fox's Unwavering Support: Tracy Pollan Stands by Him Through Parkinson's Diagnosis
Despite his Parkinson's diagnosis, Michael J Fox's unwavering love for wife Tracy Pollan shines through as he expresses his willingness to forgive her had she chosen to leave after 35 years of marriage
Michael J. Fox would have understood if his wife Tracy Pollan had chosen to leave him after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. However, he expressed his gratitude that she stuck by him and supported him throughout his journey. Speaking on CBS Mornings on Thursday, November 9, Fox acknowledged Pollan's commitment to their marriage by honoring their vows of standing by each other in better or worse, and in sickness and in health. He credited her for being by his side for the past 35 years.
"We were aware of the approaching bus, anticipating its impact, but were uncertain about its distance and speed."
The renowned actor from Back to the Future was diagnosed with the condition in 1991, three years after tying the knot with Pollan, who is now 63. The two first crossed paths on the set of the fourth season of Family Ties, where Pollan portrayed the character Ellen Reed, the love interest of Fox's character, Alex P. Keaton. Their romance blossomed when they reunited on-screen for the 1988 film Bright Lights, Big City. This July marked the couple's 35th anniversary of marriage.
Fox jokingly remarked that their decades-long romance has been great for him and expressed uncertainty about how it has been for his partner, Pollan. He emphasized the importance of Pollan maintaining her own identity and individual life beyond his career and health challenges as a crucial factor in their healthy relationship. He expressed his love for Pollan and acknowledged the obstacles she has faced. Recognizing her as a separate person from his Parkinson's, his iconic characters, and their relationship, Fox believes that this understanding has contributed to the success of their relationship.
As the couple has continued to navigate Fox's health challenges, they have also expanded their family. They are the proud parents of Sam, 33, twins Schuyler and Aquinnah, both 28, and Esmé, 21.
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In May, Fox released his documentary called Still. The documentary focuses on his early acting career and his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease for the past three decades. Additionally, Fox discusses the beginnings of his love story with Pollan in the series. He revealed that he fell in love with her when she fearlessly teased and challenged him, although it took him some time to fully appreciate her actions. Reflecting on a specific incident, Fox admitted that he initially didn't understand when Pollan jokingly called him a "total f—king ahole" after he pointed out her garlic breath. He explained that he had never experienced anyone playfully teasing him before.
Throughout their relationship, Pollan has been a strong supporter of Fox's advocacy efforts for Parkinson's. She has served on the board of directors of his Michael J. Fox Foundation since 2000. In March, a source told We exclusively that she has been her husband's greatest source of encouragement since his diagnosis of Parkinson's.
The insider shared that if anything, Fox's diagnosis has brought them closer together. Seeing how Tracy has stepped up and supported him in every possible way has made Michael fall even more in love with her. He now thoroughly enjoys showering her with love and gifts.
During an interview with CBS Mornings on Thursday, Fox candidly admitted that although the ongoing struggle against Parkinson's, a condition without a cure, is undoubtedly challenging, it is his optimism that propels him forward.
"The sincerity of my positive attitude is genuine," he explained. "However, it's a hard-won battle. To alleviate this fear, we must find ways to grant ourselves respite and acknowledge our resilience on life's various paths. To accomplish this, we must pause and remind ourselves, 'It's not as terrible as it seems.'"
