Michael J. Fox, forever remembered as Marty McFly from Back to the Future, has spent much of his life balancing fame with the harsh reality of Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed at just 29, the actor chose not to hide his condition but to weave it into his work — playing characters with neurological struggles on House and The Good Wife.

Now in his 60s, Fox admits acting has become harder. Memorizing lines is no longer easy, and he often turns down dialogue-heavy roles. At one point, he even thought his memory problems were caused solely by Parkinson’s, only to later learn he also faced spinal cord issues that required surgery and grueling rehab. Even then, setbacks followed — like a kitchen fall that shattered his arm.

Yet through it all, Fox has remained an optimist. His foundation for Parkinson’s research has raised over $1 billion, and he continues to write books, embracing storytelling when acting became tougher. At New York Comic Con, he was welcomed with cheers despite his unsteady walk — a reminder of the love fans still hold for him.

Fox acknowledges the criticism and even trolling that comes with being in the public eye, but credits his son for teaching him how to laugh it off. “Optimism is perpetuated if you can find something to be grateful for,” Fox once said. For him, that gratitude is rooted in his family, his career, and the ability to keep moving forward despite the weight of his illness.