Michael J. Fox shared insights with the Los Angeles Times regarding his decision to step back from acting in 2020, describing the process as surprisingly straightforward and emotionless. He cited the challenges of memorizing lines and the physical demands posed by Parkinson’s disease as significant factors that contributed to his departure from the industry. Fox expressed a desire to move on with his life without the additional drama of being in the spotlight.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 and making it public in 1998, Fox battled the effects of the condition for many years. His health challenges particularly impacted his work during the fourth season of the sitcom *Spin City*, leading him to leave the production as his symptoms began to interfere with his performance, marking what he referred to as his first retirement.
Afterward, co-creator Bill Lawrence offered Fox a role on *Scrubs*, which allowed him to embrace acting again while portraying characters who faced similar struggles. He later took on roles in *Boston Legal* and *The Good Wife*, where he infused his personal experience with Parkinson’s into his performances.
In 2020, as he announced his second retirement in his book *No Time Like the Future*, Fox reflected on how the disease increasingly complicated his ability to stay on set and memorize dialogue, ultimately concluding that stepping back was the best decision at the time.
However, his return to acting was spurred by a chance opportunity when he saw an episode of *Shrinking*, a new series created by Lawrence, featuring a character with Parkinson’s—portrayed by Harrison Ford. The authenticity of the representation inspired Fox to reach out to Lawrence with a strong desire to make an appearance. He emphasized that this return is not about reviving his career but about joining a project that honors his condition while providing engaging storytelling. He found the set to be accommodating, allowing him to focus on the work without the stress of fatigue or coughing.
Fox conveyed a heartfelt message to his fans, asserting that his comeback is fueled by a love for acting rather than a quest for fame. He hopes his openness about Parkinson’s disease sheds light on the daily challenges faced by actors and elevates awareness regarding the condition, particularly through the representation found in *Shrinking*.
The third season of *Shrinking* is currently available for streaming on Apple TV. For more details on Fox’s interview, readers can visit the Los Angeles Times website.