Michael J. Fox Biography: Michael J. Fox, born Michael Andrew Fox on June 9, 1961, is a retired Canadian-American actor and influential activist. He began his acting career in the 1970s as a teenager and gained widespread recognition in the 1980s. Fox became a household name for his role as Alex P. Keaton on the hit NBC sitcom Family Ties (1982–1989) and for his iconic portrayal of Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy (1985–1990). His film career also included standout performances in Teen Wolf (1985), The Secret of My Success (1987), Casualties of War (1989), Doc Hollywood (1991), and The Frighteners (1996). He later returned to television in the lead role of Mike Flaherty on the ABC sitcom Spin City (1996–2000). In 1998, Fox revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991.
Michael J. Fox Biography
Michael J. Fox, originally named Michael Andrew Fox, was born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Phyllis Fox (née Piper), a payroll clerk, and William Fox, a sergeant in the Canadian Army Signal Corps. After William’s retirement, the family—Michael, his three sisters (Kelli, Karen, and Jacki), and his brother Steven—relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia. It was during this time that Michael’s interest in acting began to take shape. At the age of 15, he landed his first major role, playing a 10-year-old in the Canadian television series Leo and Me (1978). His talent quickly drew attention within the Canadian entertainment industry, and he found a particular passion for acting during a stage performance in The Shadow Box. Motivated by his early success, Fox moved to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue a full-time acting career.
Michael J. Fox Achievement
In the beginning, roles were scarce and he struggled financially, relying on inexpensive meals like macaroni and cheese to get by. His breakthrough came when his agent informed him that he had secured the role of Alex P. Keaton on the hit sitcom Family Ties (1982). From there, his career soared, with standout performances in films such as High School U.S.A. (1983), Teen Wolf (1985), Poison Ivy (1985), and most notably, Back to the Future (1985), which solidified his status as a Hollywood star.
Michael J. Fox Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Michael Andrew Fox
June 9, 1961 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Citizenship |
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Occupations |
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Years active |
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Spouse |
Tracy Pollan
(m. 1988) |
Children | 4 |
Category | Singers Bio |
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About Michael J. Fox
Michael Andrew Fox, known professionally as Michael J. Fox, is a Canadian and American activist and retired actor. Beginning his career as a child actor in the 1970s, he rose to prominence portraying Alex P. Keaton on the NBC sitcom Family Ties and Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film trilogy.
Michael J. Fox Wiki
- Born: 9 June 1961 (age 63 years), Edmonton, Canada
- Spouse: Tracy Pollan (m. 1988)
- Children: Sam Michael Fox, Aquinnah Kathleen Fox, Esmé Annabelle Fox, Schuyler Frances Fox
- Height: 1.63 m
- Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom ·
Early Life
Fox was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Phyllis (née Piper), a payroll clerk and actress, and William Nelson Fox, a career military man who later became a police dispatcher. With English and Northern Irish ancestry, Fox experienced a mobile upbringing as his family moved frequently due to his father’s military career. After William retired in 1971, the family settled in Burnaby, near Vancouver.
Fox attended Burnaby Central Secondary School, and a theater at Burnaby South Secondary School now bears his name. At age 16, he starred in the CBC television series Leo and Me. In 1979, he relocated to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue acting full time. After marrying in 1988, he briefly returned to Vancouver. He made his American TV debut in the film Letters from Frank and was initially credited as “Michael Fox.” However, because that name was already taken in the Screen Actors Guild, he adopted the professional name Michael J. Fox—choosing “J” as a tribute to actor Michael J. Pollard.
Michael J. Fox Facts
Where does Michael J. Fox live? And how much money does Michael J. Fox earn?
Birth Date | 9-6-1961 |
Heritage/origin | Canadian |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion – believes in God? | |
Residence | He lives together in a house in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. |
Michael J. Fox Net Worth 2025 & Houses
Estimated Net Worth | 65 million Dollar |
Yearly Salary | N/A |
Colleagues | Julie Warner, Lea Thompson & Kirk Douglas |
Management | Unknown |
Houses
- Southampton, New York house ($6.3 million)(Swimming Pool • )
Cars
BMW
Michael J. Fox: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Relationship status | Married (Since 1986) |
Sexuality | Straight |
Current Wife of Michael J. Fox | Tracy Pollan |
Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Jennifer Grey, Helen Slater, Kari Michaelsen |
Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- William Fox (Father)
- Phyllis Piper (Mother)
Friends
- Robin Williams
- Christopher Lloyd
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool actor & writer originating from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has a slim body & square face type. Michael J. Fox makes commercials for DeLorean, but actually uses: Nike.
Hair color | Light brown |
Hair type | Wavy |
Hair Length | short hair |
Hairstyle | classic |
Distinct feature | eye color |
Skin Tone/Complexion | Type II: Fair skin |
Skin Type | Normal |
Beard or Mustache | Circle Beard |
Eye Color | Blue |
Does Michael J. Fox smoke? |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
Height | 164 cm |
Weight | 55.3 kilo |
Clothing style | natural |
Favorite colors | blue |
Feet size | 10 |
Biceps | 28 |
Waist size | 104 |
Buste size | 112 |
Butt size | 108 |
Does Michael J. Fox have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What was Michael J. Fox’s first acting role?
Michael J. Fox’s first acting role was in the Canadian television series Leo and Me (1978), where he played the part of a 10-year-old character at the age of 15. This marked the beginning of his professional acting career.
Why did Michael J. Fox change his name?
Michael J. Fox changed his professional name because “Michael Fox” was already taken by another actor in the Screen Actors Guild. He added the “J” as a tribute to actor Michael J. Pollard.
How did Michael J. Fox get his big break in the U.S.?
Michael J. Fox got his big break in the U.S. when he was cast as Alex P. Keaton on the NBC sitcom Family Ties (1982–1989). The role became iconic and launched him into stardom.
What inspired Michael J. Fox to pursue acting?
Fox’s passion for acting was sparked during his teenage years in Vancouver. He discovered a true love for performance after appearing on stage in a production of The Shadow Box, which led him to pursue acting full-time.
How did Michael J. Fox struggle early in his acting career?
Early in his career, after moving to Los Angeles, Fox experienced financial difficulties. He went through a period where roles were hard to come by and he survived on inexpensive meals like macaroni and cheese.
What Canadian city did Michael J. Fox grow up in?
Michael J. Fox grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, after his family moved there from Edmonton, Alberta, following his father’s retirement from the military.