Michael J. Fox has unveiled a deeply personal account of his life with Parkinson’s disease in his upcoming memoir, “Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum,” set for release on October 14, 2025. This book, co-authored with Nelle Fortenberry, marks Fox’s fifth memoir and reflects on his experience living with the degenerative neurological condition for 34 years since his diagnosis in 1991.
“Future Boy” serves as an extensive exploration of the actor’s evolution both personally and professionally, particularly focusing on the groundbreaking year of 1985. During this pivotal time, Fox balanced two iconic roles: Alex P. Keaton on “Family Ties” and Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.” This memoir integrates his advocacy work through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which he founded in 2000 to fund research for Parkinson’s treatment and cures.
The book takes a distinct approach by intertwining Fox’s Parkinson’s reality with the energetic atmosphere of 1985, offering insights into the challenges he faced before he was officially diagnosed. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Fox described “Future Boy” as his most emotionally resonant work, one that allows him to reclaim his narrative at a time when the disease has often attempted to overshadow it.
Unlike his previous memoirs, which centered on celebrity stories and career achievements, “Future Boy” emphasizes the profound impact of Parkinson’s on his life. Fox courageously shares the realities of living with an illness that affects motor control and daily functioning while emphasizing his determination to prioritize what truly matters. His wife, Tracy Pollan, plays an important role in his discussions about the support systems that have helped him navigate through various physical challenges.
The memoir also touches upon his recent return to acting in the Apple TV series “Shrinking,” highlighting his ongoing creative ambitions despite the realities of his condition. Fox’s decision to return to television, carefully coordinated with his family and medical team, exemplifies the resilience celebrated throughout the book.
The narrative positions 1985 at the heart of a broader commentary on ambition, timing, and the unseen challenges that can accompany success. Through a reflective lens, Fox questions how this convergence of opportunity influenced his journey, suggesting that the lessons gained from his experiences could resonate with others facing similar struggles.
“Future Boy” is anticipated to not only entertain but also inspire readers with its humor and vulnerable storytelling. Early reviewers have praised its unique narrative structure, which loops back through time to explore the lasting impact of that year over the subsequent decades.
As Fox continues his advocacy efforts, the release of this memoir aligns with a renewed focus in Parkinson’s research, with the Michael J. Fox Foundation announcing new funding initiatives. This highlights that Fox remains committed to turning his diagnosis into a platform for awareness and support, reinforcing the belief that living with a chronic illness can clarify life’s true priorities.
With “Future Boy,” Fox aims to create a narrative that transcends the celebrity memoir genre by offering hard-fought wisdom and insights into the lived experience of Parkinson’s, ultimately demonstrating that life’s meaning can shine even in the face of adversity.