In a heartfelt moment, beloved actor Michael J. Fox took the stage to share some heartbreaking news with his fans. He revealed that his mother, Phyllis Fox, passed away on September 24, 2022, just two weeks ago. Phyllis was ninety-two years old.
During a recent appearance at the New York Comic Con, where he reunited with his “Back to the Future” co-star Christopher Lloyd, Fox opened up about his mother. He shared a touching story about how she didn’t approve of his busy work schedule back in the 1980s. Fox was shooting “Family Ties” during the day and would go to the movie set of “Back to the Future” at night to film with his co-stars.
“I was 23 years old, and I called her. She was in Canada, and I said, ‘They want me to do this Steven Spielberg movie, but I have to do it at night, and I have to do ‘Family Ties’ in the daytime.’ And she said, ‘You’ll be too tired,’” Fox recalled.
It’s clear that Fox’s mother was just being protective of him. Despite her concerns, he decided to take on the role, and it turned out to be a huge success. Reflecting on his mother’s skepticism, he said, “To this day, till two weeks ago, my mother thought it was a really bad idea for me to do ‘Back to the Future.’ She loved the movie, [but she was right], I got tired.”
Phyllis Fox, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was not only a loving mother but also an advocate for diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. She served on the board of the Michael J Fox Theatre in Burnaby. Phyllis is survived by her son Michael, as well as her two daughters, Jackie and Kelli. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild who brings immeasurable joy to the family.
During his appearance at New York Comic Con, Fox not only spoke about his mother’s passing but also addressed his own battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1998. Despite the challenges he has faced, Fox remains optimistic about the future. He shared that although the disease has progressed over the years, he receives exceptional medical support that keeps him hopeful.
“In the last year, I’ve broken my cheek, my eye socket, my hand, my elbow, my shoulder. I had a rough year of getting beat up. But that was really cool because it made me realize… with gratitude, it’s sustainable,” Fox expressed.
He continued, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and optimism in facing life’s hardships. “If you can find something to be grateful for, if you can find something and say, ‘Well, that’s good,’… it’ll always get better… I’m very optimistic.”
Fox’s inspiring message resonates with his fans, offering a reminder to stay positive even in the face of adversity. His mother’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the love and support that has shaped his life and career.
