Despite a protracted struggle with Parkinson's disease, Michael J. Fox, the endearing star of Family Ties and Back to the Future, continues to embrace life with unwavering humor and optimism. Even as he grapples with the challenges brought on by his condition, he projects a remarkable spirit of resilience, an attribute showcased in "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie," a documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into his life and health journey.

The film includes a poignant scene where the actor, now 61, stumbles and falls outside his Upper East Side apartment in New York City. Demonstrating his enduring humor, Fox jokes with a concerned passerby who comes to his aid, “Nice to meet you. You knocked me off my feet!”

However, Fox's reality is a far cry from the levity he often portrays. Twenty-five years ago, he went public with his diagnosis, and he openly admits he may not have another two decades ahead of him. "I’m not gonna be 80," he acknowledges in a recent, heartrending interview. “Every day gets tougher. But that’s the way it is.”

Fox, who made the difficult decision to retire from acting in 2020, has lived with Parkinson's for over half his life; he was diagnosed at 29. This degenerative disease affects the nervous system and motor skills, leading to symptoms like memory loss, tremors, and rigid muscles. In addition to these challenges, Fox has undergone spinal surgery for a benign tumor, suffered broken bones from falls, and battled infections. He poignantly explains, “You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s.”

Yet in the face of his trials, Fox remains remarkably jovial. Describing his condition, he says, “It’s the gift that keeps on taking.” However, he doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the harsh reality of his progressive disease, reminding fans it's been more than three decades since his diagnosis.

Fox's humor and resiliency have always been part of his public persona. In a memorable moment from his 1986 Emmy acceptance speech for Lead Actor in Family Ties, the 5-foot-4 actor playfully remarked, “I feel 4 feet tall!” His ability to inject humor and positivity into even the most difficult circumstances is a testament to his enduring spirit, serving as an inspiration to many.