Unveiling the Enduring Love Story of Michael J Fox and Tracy Pollan: A Journey Beyond 'Family Ties'

Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan have a love that has grown even stronger over time. Together, they have faced and overcome numerous challenges, including Michael's battle with Parkinson's disease. It was in 1991, three years after their marriage, that Michael received his diagnosis. In the trailer for his upcoming 2023 documentary, titled Still, Michael fondly recalls the moment he shared the news with Tracy.

"I vividly recall Tracy whispering 'In sickness and in health' during our intimate conversation," shared the Canadian actor in a heartfelt voiceover. "It was a secret that only my family was aware of... Yet, the burden of hiding our relationship for all those years was gradually waking me up."

Their paths first crossed during the production of season 4 of Family Ties in 1985, where Pollan portrayed Ellen Reed, the romantic interest of Fox's character, Alex P. Keaton. However, their real-life love story truly began to unfold when they reunited on the silver screen for the emotional drama, Bright Lights, Big City.

Fox and the New York native made their first public appearance as a couple at the 39th annual Emmy Awards in 1987. It was at this event that Fox won the prestigious trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Family Ties. Following their debut, he proposed to his partner later that same year.

In an essay written for Esquire, the ’80s icon humorously addressed the media frenzy that surrounded his wedding in 1988. Reflecting on the negative reviews received, Fox stated, "I got married last summer and the reviews were terrible. Now, I can usually handle bad reviews - you put your work out there and anyone can criticize it. However, Tracy and I never expected our wedding to be a subject of critique in our artistic portfolio."

Fox and Pollan's wedding ceremony was held in Vermont, a deliberate choice to distance themselves from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. However, even in this secluded location, they could not escape the attention of the public. Despite the chaos happening in the outside world, the couple remained oblivious and danced joyously throughout the night. Their love for each other continued to flourish over the years, and in 2011, Fox surprised Pollan with a romantic trip to Paris to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary.

"Tracy's passion for art is truly remarkable. We strolled from one gallery to another, covering countless miles," shared the Spin City alum with Us. "Witnessing her immerse herself in what she loves most, which is exploring art, is truly inspiring. However, I must admit, it left me completely exhausted!"

Throughout the years, the creator of The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Pollan have consistently supported and uplifted each other. During the acceptance of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2022 Governors Awards, the Good Wife alum, who had previously retired from acting, took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the Inventing Anna star.

Scroll down to catch a glimpse of the enduring romance between Fox and Pollan throughout the years.

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Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan's Relationship Timeline: 'Family Ties' and Beyond

Stronger than ever! Michael J. Fox and wife Tracy Pollan's lasting love has helped them navigate the biggest challenges, including his battle with Parkinson's disease.

"I remember telling Tracy about my diagnosis," the Canadian actor shared in a voiceover for his 2023 documentary, Still, as he reflected on his health journey. "Her whispered response of 'In sickness and in health' has stayed with me. For years, no one outside of my family knew about my condition, but the burden of keeping it a secret was starting to take its toll on me."

The couple first crossed paths while collaborating on season 4 of the hit television show Family Ties in 1985. Pollan portrayed Ellen Reed, the character who captured Fox's Alex P. Keaton's heart. Their love story extended beyond the set when they rekindled their connection while working on the film Bright Lights, Big City.

In 1987, Fox and the native New Yorker made their first public appearance as a couple on the prestigious red carpet of the 39th annual Emmy Awards. It was a memorable night for Fox as he took home the coveted trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Family Ties. Later that same year, he proposed to Pollan, sealing their commitment to each other.

In an essay written for Esquire, the beloved '80s icon brought a lighthearted perspective to the frenzy that engulfed his wedding in 1988. Reflecting on the aftermath of their nuptials, Fox humorously admitted, "The reviews for our wedding last summer were absolutely dreadful." While he was accustomed to handling negative reviews in his career, he and his spouse, Tracy, never anticipated that their wedding would be subjected to such scrutiny.

Despite their intentions to have a ceremony far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, their chosen location in Vermont did not shield them from the attention. Fox fondly recalled, "Unaware of the chaos unfolding outside, Tracy and I danced the night away, blissfully lost in our own world."

After spending many years in the limelight, the couple's affection for each other continued to flourish. In 2011, Fox pleasantly surprised Pollan by organizing a romantic trip to Paris to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary.

"Tracy is a true enthusiast when it comes to art, so we strolled for miles from one gallery to another," the former Spin City star shared exclusively with Us following their excursion. "I derive immense joy from witnessing her passion for indulging in what she adores, which is exploring artwork, although it did exhaust me!"

During his acceptance speech for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2022 Governors Awards, the actor expressed his gratitude towards his wife and co-founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Tracy Pollan. He acknowledged her unwavering support and thanked her for standing by his side throughout their journey. In a heartfelt moment, he admitted that he couldn't believe he had come this far and considered it a miracle. Playfully, he mentioned that he couldn't physically carry the trophy but asked Tracy to once again share the load with him.

Scroll down for a glimpse of Fox and Pollan's romance over the years:

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1985

The couple started dating after meeting while on the set of Family Ties season 4. Fox proposed two years later. 

Credit: John Barrett/Shutterstock

1988

The pair tied the knot in Woodstock, Vermont.

Credit: Dave Lewis/Shutterstock

1989

Fox and Pollan welcomed their first child, son Samuel, in May.

Credit: Eric Charbonneau/BEI/Shutterstock

1995

Twins Aquinnah and Schuyler joined the family in February.

Credit: Leon/Mediapunch/Shutterstock

1998

"I am incredibly proud of the show, our amazing cast, talented writers, dedicated crew, and all that we have achieved in the past four years. However, at this moment, I believe that my focus should be on my family and my efforts towards finding a cure for Parkinson's disease," he expressed in a statement released in 2000.

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2001

Fox and Pollan welcomed daughter Esmé in November.

Credit: Paul Buck/EPA/Shutterstock

2013

The actor reflected on his initial response to being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in an interview with Howard Stern. He shared that during that time, he found solace in drinking alone on a daily basis. However, he acknowledged the pivotal role his wife played in encouraging him to make positive changes in his life and start therapy. Fox expressed gratitude for her support, stating, "She questioned me, asking if this was the path I truly desired to take. Thankfully, things eventually turned around for the better."

Credit: Greg Mathieson/Shutterstock

2018

Fox and the Promised Land star commemorated three decades of marital bliss as they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. When asked about her spouse, she expressed admiration for his unwavering optimism in all aspects of life. In contrast to her own concerns about the future, she praised Michael's ability to remain unfazed by worry and embrace a positive outlook.

Credit: Courtesy of Michael J. Fox/Instagram

2020

"How lucky are we?! Happy Mother's Day T. Best Mom in the world ️," the Doc Hollywood actor captioned an Instagram tribute to his spouse.

Credit: Courtesy of Tracy Pollan/ Instagram

2022

Pollan shared a romantic vacation pic on the duo's 34th anniversary. "7️16️88 Favorite place, favorite person, favorite day ️," she wrote.

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2023

The couple attended SXSW in Austin, Texas, for the premiere of Still: A Michael J. Fox Story. 

Credit: Courtesy of Michael J. Fox/Instagram

June 2023

In a heartfelt social media tribute, Fox expressed his love and birthday wishes for his wife. He shared a photo of Pollans on Instagram on June 22, accompanied by the words, "‘She showers the people she loves with love, she shows them the way that she feels.’ Happy happy birthday @tracy.pollan, my forever Summer girl, my love, my best friend, and the most beautiful amazing mom to our four stupendous kids. Love love love you."