Ryan Reynolds Shares Lessons from Michael J. Fox with Daughter James Through 'Back to the Future' Movie Time

Ryan Reynolds Says He s Teaching Daughter James Lessons From Intensely Smart Michael J Fox 886

Getty Images (2)

Ryan Reynolds is using Michael J. Fox’s work to teach some major life lessons to his eldest daughter, James.

Reynolds, 47, shared in a tribute to Fox, 62, in TIME 100’s Most Influential People of 2024 list, that he watched "Back to the Future" with his then 8-year-old daughter last year. The movie has now become her favorite film. Reynolds expressed that seeing his daughter enjoy the film brings him joy, as it allows another generation to appreciate something he loves.

Reynolds shared that although his daughter James is unaware that her dad's friend is the actor who played Marty McFly, she is quite familiar with him. He described Michael J. Fox as funny, warm, handsome, and intensely smart, expressing how fortunate he feels to have Fox in his life. (Reynolds, along with his wife Blake Lively, is a father to four daughters: James, Inez, 7, Betty, 4, and a fourth daughter, 14 months old.)

Reynolds went on to explain that he doesn't need to teach his daughter the level of compassion that Mike possesses or how to tell stories like he does. Instead, he believes it's important to teach her that it's okay to make mistakes and fall down because that's the best way to learn how to soar.

Fox received the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease during the filming of Doc Hollywood in 1991 when he was 29 years old. He noticed a tremor in his pinky finger and decided to see a neurologist, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation website.

Reynolds shared his appreciation for his close friend Fox, mentioning that Fox tends to fall frequently, although not solely due to his illness.

Reynolds wrote that he falls often because he is not afraid to take risks, mentioning that he and the other person first met 17 years ago. He admires how the person has set high standards for themselves in terms of goals and interests. Reynolds believes it would be too simplistic to label the person as just the top advocate for Parkinson's research worldwide. He emphasizes that the person has not only made a significant impact on his father, James Chester Reynolds, who passed away in 2015 after fighting Parkinson's disease, but also on countless others who have felt less isolated because of his efforts.

He went on to say that it wouldn't be fair to just see [Fox] as a famous actor who influenced people worldwide with his clever humor and charisma. He is made up of many wonderful qualities, and much more.

Michael J. Fox Coped With Parkinson’s Diagnosis by “Drinking Heavily” Every Day

In a recent interview with Howard Stern, Michael J. Fox revealed that he turned to alcohol to help him deal with his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1991.

Two years after learning about his condition, Fox started advocating for a cure and established the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000. Through his efforts, he has raised awareness and funding of over $2 billion for research. In May 2023, he released his documentary, Still, where he shared the story of his acting career and the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life following his diagnosis.

I decided to create this documentary for a couple of reasons. First, raising awareness about this disease has been a priority for me for many years. I wanted to continue this important work through film," Fox shared with We before the documentary's release. "Secondly, I wanted to do it for my fans. They, along with my family, have been my motivation to keep going. As I always say, my fans have given me life, and I wanted to share mine openly."

In that same month, Fox and his wife, Tracy Pollan, attended the A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s musical charity gala in Nashville. During the event, Fox expressed why he is determined to keep fighting for a cure.

After being diagnosed 35 years ago, Michael J. Fox shared with Entertainment Tonight that living with Parkinson's has become a part of his everyday life. He mentioned that he doesn't dwell on his condition much, focusing instead on finding a cure and establishing innovative treatment centers within the community.

Fox expressed his commitment to this cause, emphasizing that his efforts extend beyond personal benefit. He highlighted the importance of Parkinson's research in helping not only himself but also others in need.

"I'm not just trying to figure things out for myself, I'm doing it for everyone," he explained. "It is what it is. My life has been full of ups and downs, but it's still a fantastic journey. Despite the challenges, there's always good things to cherish."

Editor's P/S:

Ryan Reynolds' tribute to Michael J. Fox is a heartwarming testament to the power of resilience and the importance of role models. Reynolds' daughter's admiration for Fox's work in "Back to the Future" shows how his influence extends beyond generations, inspiring children to appreciate timeless classics. Reynolds' message about embracing mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth aligns with Fox's own journey, demonstrating the impact of his personal story on those around him.

Fox's unwavering determination to fight Parkinson's disease is a testament to his indomitable spirit and his commitment to making a difference in the world. His advocacy work through the Michael J. Fox Foundation has raised billions of dollars for research and awareness, bringing hope to countless individuals affected by the disease. Fox's refusal to let his condition define him serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and purpose in helping others.