A new documentary titled “Still” features Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan discussing their experiences living with Parkinson’s disease. The couple has been open about their journey with the degenerative disorder since Fox’s diagnosis in 1991.
The documentary, directed by filmmaker Alex Gibney, explores the challenges that Fox and Pollan have faced since the diagnosis, as well as the impact that Parkinson’s disease has had on their family and careers. The film also sheds light on the ongoing research and advancements being made in the field of Parkinson’s treatment.
In the documentary, Fox and Pollan discuss their dedication to finding a cure for the disease, as well as their advocacy work through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. They hope that by sharing their personal experiences, they can raise awareness and inspire others to support the cause.
“Still” is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival later this year. Fox and Pollan, who have been married since 1988, continue to inspire others with their resilience and commitment to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
In a heartfelt documentary, viewers were given a glimpse into the life of beloved actor Michael J. Fox as he navigates his journey with Parkinson’s disease. The film showcased footage of Michael accompanied by his wife, Tracy, during a doctor’s appointment, highlighting their unwavering support for one another. Tracy attentively listened as they discussed Michael’s medications and treatment, offering her insights along the way. The documentary also provided glimpses of the couple enjoying precious moments with their four children, giving viewers a deeper understanding of their family dynamics.
Throughout the documentary, Michael expressed his admiration for his family’s resilience in the face of his illness. He emphasized that when he is with his loved ones, they treat him as a regular person and don’t pity him or see him as a saintly figure. This approach has been instrumental in helping him maintain a sense of normalcy in his day-to-day life. Michael conveyed, “When I’m with my family, there’s no ‘Poor baby, I feel your pain, you’re a saint among men.’ That would be the worst thing.”
In addition to shedding light on his relationship with his family, Michael opened up about how Tracy and their children played a pivotal role in his decision to become sober in 1992. He candidly shared that he used to turn to alcohol as a means of disassociating himself from the challenges of living with Parkinson’s. However, one transformative night of partying led to a profound realization. Michael recounted the pivotal moment when Tracy confronted him about his destructive behavior, showing indifference instead of enabling him. Her words struck a chord with him, and he described feeling terrified by the wake-up call. He said, “‘Is this what you want?’ she said. ‘Is this what you want to be?’ I’ve never been so frightened in my life.”
The documentary serves as a testament to the strength and support that Michael J. Fox has found in his family while battling Parkinson’s disease. It showcases the profound impact that Tracy and their children have had on his journey towards sobriety and their unwavering love and understanding. Through their presence and the shared moments they cherish, they have created an environment that empowers Michael to face his challenges head-on while reminding him of the importance of living a fulfilling life surrounded by those he loves.
In a candid documentary, actor Michael J. Fox shared intimate details about his journey through sobriety and the profound impact his wife, Tracy, has had on his life. Michael described the early years of his sobriety as a challenging battle, which led him to take movie roles in far-flung locations as a means of escape. However, Tracy reached a breaking point, and with the arrival of their twins, he knew he had to make a change. Determined to prioritize his family, Michael made the decision to return to television, ultimately joining the cast of “Spin City.” The show’s schedule perfectly aligned with the needs of his family, allowing him to balance his career and his role as a husband and father.
The documentary also delved into the origins of Michael and Tracy’s relationship. They initially crossed paths when Tracy starred on the hit show “Family Ties,” and it was during a particular scene that Michael fell head over heels for her. After a lunch break, they resumed filming, and as Tracy delivered her first line, Michael playfully teased her about the scent of garlic on her breath. Reflecting on the moment, Michael recounted Tracy’s fearless response to his remark, stating, “‘That was mean and rude, and you’re a complete f* a*.’ Nobody talked to me that way. This woman was completely unintimidated by whoever I thought I was.” Her candidness and ability to see through his facade captivated him, and in that instant, he fell deeply in love with her.
Michael expressed his enduring love and admiration for Tracy, emphasizing that he is still the most smitten person in the world. He commended her for her unwavering honesty, noting that her authenticity and refusal to be influenced by external factors is what truly defines her. In his eyes, she remains steadfastly herself, regardless of his own achievements or status. Michael affectionately described, “I could be the King of England, and she’d still be her. I could be Elvis, and she’d still be her.”
The documentary offers a touching portrayal of the power of love and sobriety in Michael J. Fox’s life. It highlights the pivotal role Tracy played in his decision to prioritize his family and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Their relationship serves as a beacon of strength, built on unwavering honesty and mutual support. Through their shared journey, they have demonstrated the transformative impact of love and the resiliency that comes from facing life’s challenges together.
