Actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 when he was just 29 years old. In an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning” host Jane Pauley, Fox, now 61, says dealing with the incurable disease is becoming more challenging. and he can’t imagine living to be 80.
The revealing and emotional interview will air on “CBS Sunday Morning” on April 30 and will air on Paramount+.
In a lengthy conversation, Fox talks to Pauley about his current life; the recent research breakthrough announced by his foundation that identifies a genetic biomarker that could lead to earlier diagnosis; and how, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
MICHAEL J. ZORRO: My life is set up so that I can pack Parkinson’s with me if I have to.
JANE PAULEY: You have not wasted any of your capacity. But at some point, Parkinson’s will make the call for you, won’t it?
FOX: Yes, he is, he’s banging on the door. Yeah, I mean, I’m not going to lie. It’s getting tough, it’s getting tougher. It’s getting harder. Every day is more difficult. But, but, that’s the way it is, that’s the way things are. I mean, you know, who do I see on that? …
FOX: I had spinal surgery. I had a tumor in the spine. And… and… and it was benign, but it hurt my walking. …And then, I started breaking things. Brother, I broke this arm, and I broke this arm, I broke this elbow. I broke my face. I broke my hand.
PAULEY: Fall on things?
FOX: Which is a great killer with Parkinson’s. He’s falling… and aspirating food and getting pneumonia. All these subtle ways that catch you. … You don’t die of Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s. So, so I’ve been, I’ve been thinking about the mortality of this. … I’m not going to be 80. I’m not going to be 80.
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To see a trailer for “Still,” click on the video player below: