Actor Michael J. Fox has spoken about his wish for a peaceful death after managing Parkinson’s disease for 35 years, offering insights into mortality and the unpredictability of his condition in a recent interview with The Sunday Times on October 13, 2025.
Fox, aged 64, was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in 1991 at the age of 29. He explained that Parkinson’s is unlike other serious illnesses, noting there is no distinct timeline or series of stages, as seen with conditions like prostate cancer. He described the disease as mysterious and enigmatic.
In expressing his hope for how his life might conclude, Fox stated a preference for passing peacefully in his sleep. Fox said, “I’d like to just not wake up one day. That’d be really cool.” He emphasized his wish to avoid a dramatic death, mentioning he does not want to trip over furniture or endure a head injury.
The actor pointed out that few individuals have lived with Parkinson’s as long as he has, having endured the condition for three and a half decades. His remarks were made as he promotes his new memoir, “Future Boy.”
Fox outlined how Parkinson’s gradually affects the brain over the years, leading to physical symptoms like involuntary shaking, slowed movement, and mobility challenges. He shared that the disease has greatly impacted his daily life, noting he does not walk much because, although he is able to walk, it is neither aesthetically pleasing nor safe.
The “Back to the Future” actor indicated he has adjusted his lifestyle to accommodate these physical constraints, integrating his condition into his daily routine. In a separate interview with People magazine the previous week, Fox discussed his daily struggles while managing Parkinson’s. He explained he starts each day by receiving cues from his body about what to expect, then adjusts his activities accordingly. He acknowledged ongoing physical challenges but continues to manage them.
Despite announcing his retirement from acting in 2020, Fox has maintained some involvement in the entertainment industry. He will appear in the third season of the Apple TV+ comedy-drama “Shrinking,” which stars Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a character who also has Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to his television roles, Fox has remained active in public appearances, including events at Glastonbury, England and various awards shows. Most recently, he spoke about his experience with Parkinson’s in November 2024 at the annual meeting of his research organization, the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Fox’s perspective on his condition has evolved over the decades since his diagnosis. He told Entertainment Tonight that after 35 years with Parkinson’s, he no longer sees his condition negatively. Instead, he views it as a part of his life and does not focus on it extensively.
His focus has shifted towards community engagement and finding solutions for the disease. He expressed his commitment to collaborating with others to understand the condition and discover a cure. In the absence of a cure, he emphasized his dedication to developing innovative treatment centers that could aid other patients.
The actor’s openness about his mortality and health challenges reflects a pragmatic approach to living with a progressive neurological condition. His willingness to publicly address such personal topics continues his long-standing advocacy for Parkinson’s research and awareness.
Fox’s candid remarks about death and his hope for a peaceful end highlight the reality faced by many individuals living with chronic progressive diseases. His comments offer insight into how one can maintain dignity and hope while confronting the uncertainties of a condition that affects each person differently.
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