Michael J. Fox, the beloved actor known for his iconic role as Marty McFly, is alive and remains a prominent activist and author. Born on June 9, 1961, he is 64 years old as of 2026 and continues to inspire millions through his foundation and public appearances.
Despite a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis over three decades ago, Fox has maintained a steady public profile, shifting his focus from leading-man roles to advocacy and writing. He lives with his wife, actress Tracy Pollan, in New York.
Is Michael J. Fox Still Alive?
Yes, Michael J. Fox is alive. As of July 2026, he is 64 years old and actively involved in his foundation, occasional acting projects, and public speaking, despite the challenges of living with young-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Alive
June 9, 1961
~$65 million (estimated)
Marty McFly
Key Insights at a Glance
- Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 but remains active.
- He founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has funded over $2.5 billion in research as of 2026.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately $65 million, largely from acting royalties.
- He continues to make guest appearances on television and release new books.
- He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
- He and his wife Tracy Pollan have been married since 1988.
Snapshot Fact Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Andrew Fox |
| Birthdate | June 9, 1961 |
| Age (2026) | 64 years old |
| Height | ~5 ft 7 in (1.72 m) |
| Nationality | Canadian and American |
| Spouse | Tracy Pollan (m. 1988) |
| Children | 4 |
| Disease | Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed 1991) |
| Foundation | Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (founded 2000) |
| Major Movies | Back to the Future trilogy, Family Ties (TV), Spin City (TV) |
| Honors (2025) | Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| Books | Five books including Lucky Man and Future Boy |
What Is Michael J. Fox’s Net Worth?
Michael J. Fox’s net worth is estimated to be around $65 million. This figure is not officially confirmed in public financial disclosures, but it is widely reported based on his decades-long career in television and film, as well as ongoing royalties.
His wealth primarily stems from his starring role in the Back to the Future trilogy, his long-running sitcom Family Ties, and his award-winning turn on Spin City. Royalties from syndication and home media sales for these properties continue to generate income. Fox has also earned from book advances and speaking engagements.
While exact figures remain private, Fox’s estimated net worth of $65 million places him among the wealthiest former sitcom stars. A significant portion of his earnings is also directed toward his foundation’s mission.
What Movies and TV Shows Is Michael J. Fox Known For?
Michael J. Fox is best known for his two defining roles: Alex P. Keaton on the NBC sitcom Family Ties (1982–1989) and Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy (1985–1990). He won three Emmy Awards for Family Ties.
Television Career
After Family Ties, Fox starred as Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty on Spin City (1996–2000), for which he won another Emmy and three Golden Globes. He later made guest appearances on Boston Legal, The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and Designated Survivor.
Film Career
Beyond the DeLorean, Fox appeared in a string of hit films in the 1980s and 1990s, including Teen Wolf, The Secret of My Success, Doc Hollywood, The American President, and The Frighteners. In 2025, he took a major guest star role in Apple TV+’s Shrinking.
Is Michael J. Fox Still Acting?
Yes, though less frequently. His most recent prominent role was a guest appearance in the 2025 season of Shrinking. He has scaled back physically demanding roles due to his condition but continues to appear in television cameos and voice work.
Fox has acted in 18 feature films and more than 100 television episodes since his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1991, demonstrating an enduring commitment to his craft despite physical limitations.
What Is Michael J. Fox’s Height?
Michael J. Fox stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.72 m) tall. Some sources list his height as 5 feet 4 inches, but contemporary measurements from verified sources indicate the taller figure. His height has been a commonly searched biometric, likely because of his youthful on-screen image.
What Book Did Michael J. Fox Write?
Michael J. Fox has written five memoirs. His most famous, Lucky Man (2002), details his diagnosis with Parkinson’s and his decision to go public. Other books include Always Looking Up (2009) and No Time Like the Future (2020). In fall 2025, he published Future Boy, reflecting on his life 34 years after diagnosis.
What Is the Michael J. Fox Foundation?
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000. It is now the largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s drug development globally, having funded over $2.5 billion in research as of 2026.
The foundation operates the Fox Trial Finder platform, which connects patients with clinical trials and supports over 100,000 individuals. Its mission is to accelerate research toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Unlike many celebrity foundations, MJFF is known for its high efficiency and direct funding of early-stage research. It has been credited with significantly shortening the timeline for new Parkinson’s treatments entering clinical trials.
Timeline of Key Life Events
- 1961: Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- 1982–1989: Stars as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties.
- 1985: Stars as Marty McFly in Back to the Future.
- 1991: Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 29.
- 1998: Publicly discloses his diagnosis.
- 2000: Launches the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
- 2002: Publishes first memoir Lucky Man.
- 2022: Receives Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
- 2025: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom; publishes Future Boy; guest stars on Shrinking.
Established Facts and Remaining Uncertainties
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Michael J. Fox is alive and active as of 2026. | His exact net worth beyond a general estimate of $65 million. |
| He has young-onset Parkinson’s disease and is a prominent advocate. | His precise height, with some sources listing 5 ft 4 in and others 5 ft 7 in. |
| He founded the MJFF, which has funded over $2.5 billion in research. | His future acting plans beyond occasional cameo appearances. |
| He was born June 9, 1961, and is 64 years old. | The exact progression of his Parkinson’s symptoms, which he discusses only generally. |
What Is the Broader Context of Michael J. Fox’s Activism?
Fox’s public disclosure of his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998 was a watershed moment. At the time, the disease carried significant stigma, and his openness helped normalize conversations about neurological illness. His foundation has since become the largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s drug development worldwide.
His activism has earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Joe Biden in 2025, alongside the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Fox continues to use humor and storytelling in his public appearances to champion scientific breakthroughs.
Sources and Quotes
“I told people I had Parkinson’s, not that I was going to die from it.”
— Michael J. Fox, as quoted on the Michael J. Fox Foundation website
Fox remains an influential activist and author, having received multiple honors including five Emmys, four Golden Globes, two SAG Awards, a Grammy, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and induction into both Canada’s and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
— Compiled from Wikipedia and AAE Speakers
Summary: Who Is Michael J. Fox Today?
Michael J. Fox is a 64-year-old Canadian-American actor, activist, and author who remains one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment despite living with Parkinson’s disease for over three decades. His estimated net worth of $65 million, his iconic filmography including Back to the Future, and his foundation’s $2.5 billion research impact define a legacy that blends Hollywood fame with meaningful philanthropy. For a full Michael J. Fox biography and career overview, visit his Wikipedia page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael J. Fox
How tall is Michael J. Fox?
Michael J. Fox is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.72 m) tall, though some older sources list 5 feet 4 inches.
Does Michael J. Fox still act?
Yes, though infrequently. His most recent role was a guest spot on Apple TV+’s Shrinking in 2025.
When was Michael J. Fox diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
He was diagnosed in 1991 at age 29 but did not go public until 1998.
How much has the Michael J. Fox Foundation raised?
As of 2026, the foundation has funded over $2.5 billion in Parkinson’s research.
Is Michael J. Fox married?
Yes, he has been married to actress Tracy Pollan since 1988. They have four children.
What is Michael J. Fox’s most famous movie?
He is best known for playing Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy.
How many books has Michael J. Fox written?
He has written five memoirs, including Lucky Man (2002) and Future Boy (2025).
Did Michael J. Fox win a Presidential Medal of Freedom?
Yes, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025 by President Joe Biden.
What is Michael J. Fox’s nationality?
He holds both Canadian and American citizenship.
What is the Fox Trial Finder?
A platform created by the Michael J. Fox Foundation that connects Parkinson’s patients with clinical trials. It supports over 100,000 individuals.
Margaret Ellison is Editor-in-Chief at RegionalReport.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. She writes occasional leader columns and major regional news stories.