Tracy Pollan, the wife of beloved actor Michael J. Fox, has shared a poignant insight into how their four children have developed profound compassion and a protective nature as a direct result of their father's long-standing battle with Parkinson's disease.
A Family Forged in Strength
Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the young age of 29 in 1991, a mere three years after he married Pollan in 1988. The couple have built a family together, raising son Sam, 36, twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, 30, and their youngest daughter, Esmé, 24.
Pollan, 65, recently opened up about the family dynamic at the 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's Gala', where the family of six made a rare collective appearance on the red carpet. She expressed her belief that witnessing their father's health challenge has been instrumental in shaping their children's characters.
"I do think that growing up with a parent who has a health challenge, it just brings out an empathy and a protection naturally, and they’ve always been like that," Pollan told Page Six. She described their brood as being "just incredibly supportive" of their father.
Unwavering Support and Acknowledging the Challenge
Fox himself was effusive in his praise for his family at the event, which benefits the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. "They're so supportive and so great," the longtime actor told People. "All these people are friends of mine, family, and it's really great to see them... They've always been there for me, and they continue to be for me, year after year."
While highlighting Fox's renowned optimism, Pollan was also candid about the realities of living with Parkinson's. She told People, "Michael is so optimistic, which is wonderful and really helps him, but it's really important to also understand that this is a huge challenge."
She added, "It's very difficult for the family, for the caregivers and, obviously, for the patient. So it's important to acknowledge that and acknowledge that it's not just all sort of easy. It is not easy. It is hard for them, but they show up and they're there for us."
A Legacy of Research and a Return to Screen
The gala, held at Cipriani South Street at Casa Cipriani, was co-chaired by Fox and his wife. The evening was hosted by Denis Leary and featured a musical performance by Jackson Browne, with comedians Nikki Glaser and Jon Stewart providing entertainment for guests that included Katie Couric and Meg Ryan.
Following his diagnosis, Fox established the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000 to fund research for a cure. The foundation has since invested a staggering $2.5 billion into research for the incurable disease. "You don't know how much you need until you know how much it took. I'm so happy with what we've done. So happy to see advancement," Fox told People in October.
In a significant career development, Fox is set to return to the small screen after announcing his retirement from acting in 2020. It was revealed in May that he will join Harrison Ford on season three of the AppleTV+ series 'Shrinking'. Ford, 83, who plays a therapist facing his own Parkinson's diagnosis in the show, told People, "His willingness to be part of our show is a great source of inspiration and gives us a real purpose."
After his diagnosis in the early 90s, Fox continued his successful career, starring in 'Spin City' from 1996 to 2001 and 'The Good Wife' from 2010 to 2016, demonstrating the same resilience his family so clearly admires.
