Michael J. Fox Discusses ‘Bully Culture’ and His Experience with Parkinson’s
In a recent interview to celebrate the 40th anniversary of *Back to the Future*, Michael J. Fox, along with co-stars Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson, reflected on the enduring relevance of the film and shared his thoughts on what he calls a “bully culture” that persists today.
“We live in a bully culture right now. There are bullies everywhere,” Fox remarked, noting that it’s not always necessary to point fingers. “In this movie, Biff is the bully. Time is the bully. For me, personally, Parkinson’s disease is the bully. It’s all about how you stand up to them, how you choose to fight. It takes resilience and courage.” He emphasized the importance of confronting these challenges head-on.
Fox believes the film resonates with audiences even after four decades because its characters manage to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. “I think the reason so many people connect with this movie is that it strikes a chord they didn’t realize was there,” he added.
For the last 30 years, Fox has refused to let Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1991, take control of his life. After taking a break from acting for five years, he is set to return in the upcoming series *Shrinking*, where he plays a character who also has Parkinson’s.
The actor expressed a renewed sense of purpose, stating, “This role has been really good because I don’t have to worry about getting too tired or coughing.” He’s excited about continuing to engage with community and friends, saying, “I want to stay active in everything I do.” He feels optimistic, noting that things are better than he had expected.
Fox also touched on the nature of living with a chronic illness. “It’s much more mysterious and enigmatic than other illnesses,” he explained. He remarked on the rarity of having Parkinson’s for so long and expressed a hope for a peaceful decline, without the dramatic pitfalls of illness.
Overall, Fox’s insights highlight not only his personal battles but also a broader commentary on society’s ongoing struggles with adversity and resilience.
