Michael J. Fox Shares Powerful Lessons on Parenting and Resilience

Michael J. Fox is widely known for his successful acting career, but he is equally proud of his role as a father. He and his wife of more than three decades, Tracy Pollan, share four children and a strong family bond built on love, humor, and resilience. In an interview with Reader’s Digest, Fox once joked that sometimes it feels like he has five children instead of four, highlighting the lively energy of their home.

Fox believes deeply in being present for his children. He has shared simple but meaningful parenting advice, saying that when parents ask for “just a few minutes,” those minutes can quickly turn into twenty, and important moments may be lost. For him, listening right away and being emotionally available has always been a priority—and a principle that has guided his family life.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, Fox has faced many physical challenges over the years. Yet, he has remained a devoted father, never allowing the illness to distance him from his children. In a 2009 interview, he explained that his journey with Parkinson’s helped his family develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life.

Through humor, honesty, and unwavering love, Michael J. Fox continues to inspire not only as an actor, but as a dedicated father and role model.