Michael J. Fox on His Retirement: Why Consider a Comeback?
Michael J. Fox has recently opened up about his return to acting in the third season of “Shrinking.” His hiatus from the industry lasted for six years, during which he announced his retirement in 2020. Fox emphasized that his decision to step back was “non-emotional and kind of okay.” This retirement came shortly after his guest appearance on the legal drama “The Good Fight.”
Reflecting on His Career
In 2020, Fox faced challenges while filming “The Good Fight.” He shared, “I confused it with Kiefer Sutherland’s show [‘Designated Survivor’]. Both shows required me to handle complex legal jargon, which was overwhelming.” In a moment of vulnerability, he described a scene from “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” After reflecting on it, he concluded, “I can’t do this anymore,” leading to his decision to retire.
Fox’s journey with Parkinson’s disease began in 1991, and he made his condition public in 1998. At that time, he starred in the ABC sitcom “Spin City,” but he stepped away in 2000 due to the increasing challenges posed by the disease.
Returning to Acting
Despite initially retiring, Fox was coaxed back into the acting world by Bill Lawrence, co-creator of “Spin City.” He took on a guest role in “Scrubs,” which reignited his passion for acting. Fox noted, “I discovered this new niche, playing characters with flaws.” This included portraying cancer on “Boston Legal” and a character with Parkinsonism on “The Good Wife.”
Now, he is back once again through “Shrinking,” which features a storyline involving Harrison Ford’s character living with Parkinson’s. Fox was so impressed with the show’s handling of the condition that he reached out to Lawrence to participate. “The depth of character, the quality of relationships — it’s just a beautiful show,” he stated.
The Meaning of His Comeback
Fox clarified that his return is not about reinventing his career. In his book, “No Time Like the Future,” he discussed the difficulties his condition created, especially regarding memorizing lines. However, working on the set of “Shrinking” felt different. “I didn’t have to worry about being too tired or coughing,” he said. “I just do it. It was liberating.” Fox expressed contentment with the challenges he faced in scenes, realizing they were just part of the process.
Current Status
- Retirement Announcement: 2020
- Return to Acting: Featured in “Shrinking” Season 3
- Primary Condition: Parkinson’s disease diagnosed in 1991
- Previous Retirement: “Spin City” in 2000
- Notable Shows: “The Good Fight,” “Scrubs,” “Boston Legal,” and “The Good Wife”
“Shrinking” Season 3 is now available for streaming on Apple TV. For more insights, visit Filmogaz.com.
