Actor Michael J. Fox has opened up about his desire for a peaceful death after living with Parkinson’s disease for 35 years, sharing candid reflections about mortality and the unpredictable nature of his condition in a recent interview with The Sunday Times on October 13, 2025.
Fox, now 64, was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in 1991 when he was just 29 years old. He described Parkinson’s as fundamentally different from other serious illnesses, explaining that there is no clear timeline or series of stages patients go through, unlike conditions such as prostate cancer. He characterized the disease as much more mysterious and enigmatic in nature.
When discussing his hopes for how his life might end, Fox expressed a preference for dying peacefully in his sleep. Fox said, “I’d like to just not wake up one day. That’d be really cool.” He emphasized his desire to avoid a dramatic death, stating he does not want to trip over furniture or suffer a head injury.
The actor noted that few people have lived with Parkinson’s disease for as long as he has, having battled the condition for three and a half decades. His comments came as he promotes his new memoir titled “Future Boy.”
Fox described how Parkinson’s progressively damages the brain over many years, causing physical symptoms including involuntary shaking of body parts, slowed movement, and various mobility issues. He revealed that the condition has significantly impacted his daily life, explaining that he no longer walks much because, while he can still walk, it is neither aesthetically pleasing nor safe.
The “Back to the Future” star indicated that he has adapted his lifestyle around these physical limitations, incorporating the reality of his condition into his daily routine. In a separate interview with People magazine the week prior, Fox elaborated on his daily challenges while managing Parkinson’s. He explained that he wakes up each day and receives messages from his body about what the day will be like, then tries to adjust accordingly. He acknowledged that he continues to face new physical challenges but manages to work through them.
Despite initially announcing his retirement from acting in 2020, Fox has maintained some presence in the entertainment industry. He appeared in the third season of the Apple TV+ comedy drama “Shrinking,” which stars Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a character who also lives with Parkinson’s disease.
Beyond his television work, Fox has remained active in public appearances, including events at Glastonbury and various awards shows. He most recently spoke about his experience with Parkinson’s in November 2024 at the annual gathering of his research organization, the Michael J Fox Foundation.
The actor’s perspective on his condition has evolved significantly over the decades since his diagnosis. He told Entertainment Tonight that after 35 years of living with Parkinson’s, he no longer views his condition negatively. Instead, he considers it simply part of his life and does not dwell on it extensively.
Fox has shifted his focus toward community action and finding solutions for the disease. He expressed his commitment to working with others to figure out the condition and find a cure. In the absence of a cure, he emphasized his dedication to creating groundbreaking treatment centers that could help other patients.
The actor’s openness about his mortality and health challenges reflects a pragmatic approach to living with a progressive neurological condition. His willingness to discuss such personal topics publicly continues his long-standing advocacy for Parkinson’s research and awareness.
Fox’s candid discussion about death and his hopes for a peaceful end underscores the reality faced by many individuals living with chronic progressive diseases. His comments provide insight into how someone can maintain dignity and hope while confronting the uncertainties of a condition that affects each person differently.
