Michael J. Fox becomes emotional when discussing his wife’s unwavering support.

About 35 years ago, when Tracy Pollan pledged to stand by Michael J. Fox “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health,” she truly meant it.

After her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease just three years into their marriage, Pollan remained steadfastly by Fox’s side, supporting him “every single day” through the challenges.

With tears in his eyes, the retired star speaks of his devoted wife, saying, “One of the things I’ll always love Tracy for is that at that moment, she didn’t blink.” Keep reading to discover more about the remarkable bond between the couple!

Rising to fame with his portrayal of the ambitious and intelligent Alex P. Keaton in the popular TV series Family Ties (1982 to 1989), a young Michael J. Fox was destined to become one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

The Golden Globe-winning actor charmed audiences as the cute, preppy, Canadian-born heartthrob whom girls around the world adored.

 

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However, when he crossed paths with Tracy Pollan, who portrayed his girlfriend Ellen Reed on the award-winning comedy series spanning seven seasons, it was a game-changer.

Pollan, now 63, and Fox, 62, tied the knot in 1988 at the peak of his career, as he was transitioning from his TV role to becoming the film star known as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy.

In 1991, the same year his comedy film Doc Hollywood hit theaters, the Emmy Award-winning actor, then 29 years old, received the devastating diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

During his acceptance of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in November 2022, Fox reflected on his challenging journey with Parkinson’s disease.

“I was told I only had 10 years left to work. That was tough. That’s what happened. The hardest part of my diagnosis was dealing with the certainty of it and the uncertainty of the situation,” Fox expressed. “I only knew it would worsen. The diagnosis was definite, but the progression was indefinite and uncertain. My wife [Pollan] assured me she was with me for the long haul. But my young son, Sam, didn’t understand. He didn’t have a choice.”

The children
The couple has a son, Sam Michael, 34, and twin daughters, Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, 29, along with Esmé Annabelle, 22.

“If I reach for something, they’ll just do it and move on,” he shared about his children in an interview with Good Housekeeping (via People). “[They’ve learned] empathy, resilience, and also figuring out what’s truly important from what’s not, things like vanity.”

Fox maintains a tight bond with his adult children, often featuring them as guests on his Instagram account.

 

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“Our children are beautiful, sensitive, intelligent, empathetic, independent, compassionate, adventurous, lovely people,” he wrote in a Mother’s Day tribute to Pollan in May 2022. “That’s your fault. We all love you so much. Happy Mother’s Day.”

‘In sickness and in health’
In March 2023, the couple opened up to People about their ongoing support for each other and their commitment to nurturing their relationship.

“I believe we genuinely listen to each other; we support each other when needed,” Pollan remarked. “We also respect each other’s space when necessary, tuning into each other’s needs in the moment and being present.”

Expanding on that sentiment, Fox added, “Tracy provides our family with everything we need. Every good thing in our family, every positive action we take, stems from her.”

In early November 2023, the Teen Wolf star appeared on CBS Mornings and shared how his devoted wife has been his biggest supporter for 35 years.

“It’s been wonderful for me, though I can’t speak for her,” Fox quipped. “I adore Tracy, obviously. She’s incredible and has endured so much. I understand that she has a life beyond me having Parkinson’s, beyond my roles as Alex Keaton or Marty McFly—she’s her own person. I believe that’s why things have worked out okay.”

 

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The actor, known for voicing Chance in the 1993 family film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, also reflected on how Pollan remains committed to their wedding vows.

“I had no clue what was ahead [after the diagnosis], and neither did she. She demonstrated her commitment by saying, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health… She supported me through it all, enduring alongside me. And she’s been doing so for 35 years.”

The acclaimed actor, winner of multiple awards, established the Michael J. Fox Foundation. As per the organization’s website, it has raised nearly $2 billion for the research aimed at finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, a degenerative brain condition.