Michael J. Fox on Retaining His Dark Sense of Humor amid Parkinson's: 'I Gotta Keep It Intact' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Michael J. Fox.Photo:Noam Galai/Getty

Noam Galai/Getty

Through life’s ups and downs,Michael J. Foxprioritizes laughter.

While Fox admitted that maintaining a sense of humor on the darker side is actually “hard for me," he added, “I gotta keep it intact.”

Michael J. Fox performing at his foundation’s 2024 gala.Noam Galai/Getty

“That’s true. And it’s okay,” he said at the New York City event. “Let’s embrace that and make a difference.”

“I can’t believe — a lot of these people I’ve known for years and years — they’re so kind to me,” he told PEOPLE. “I think because they see an opportunity for a win, for a big advancement, and that’s what we’re working toward.”

Tracy Pollan, Michael J. Fox, Stevie Nicks, and Maggie Rogers at the he 2024 A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s Benefit.Taylor Hill/WireImage

Taylor Hill/WireImage

This year’s annual event has raised $116 million toward Parkinson’s disease research so far. Since it was first developed in the fall of 2000, the foundation has raised $2 billion.

Fox was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 andwent public with his diagnosis in 1998. Two years later, he developed his foundation to aid with research.

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Fox previouslyopened up about how he uses humor to copeahead of when his NBC sitcom,The Michael J. Fox Show, aired for one season from 2013 to 2014.

“I have challenges that come with Parkinson’s, but my experience is to deal with things through humor,” he explained at the time.

As for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the star explained toCBS Morningsin 2023 that he founded it to give a voice to the voiceless.

“They didn’t have money, they didn’t have a voice, and I thought, I could step in for these people and raise some hell,” Fox said on the morning show. “It’s not a cure. But it’s a big spotlight on where we need to go, and what we need to focus on so we know we’re on the right path, and we’re very proud.”

source: people.com