Michael J. Fox Hospitalized in Critical Condition… See more

Michael J. Fox is best known for his iconic roles in *Back to the Future* and *Family Ties*, but to him, his greatest role is that of being a father. Together with his wife of more than 30 years, actress Tracy Pollan, he has raised four children—Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esmé.

Fox often jokes about the chaos of family life. In an interview with *Reader’s Digest*, he laughed that at times it feels like he’s raising five kids instead of four. Yet beneath the humor lies his deep commitment to parenthood. His most important piece of advice is simple: always make time for your children. “If you ask your kids to give you a few minutes before listening, those minutes can turn into 20, and by then the moment has passed,” he explained. Instead, he makes a conscious effort to be fully present whenever his kids need him—something he says has never failed him.

That commitment became even more meaningful after Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at just 29 years old. While navigating the challenges of his condition, he has remained a devoted father, using his experience to teach his children empathy, resilience, and perspective. In a 2009 interview, he reflected that his diagnosis gave his family a clearer understanding of what truly matters in life, shaping them into stronger, more compassionate people.

For Michael J. Fox, fame and accolades pale in comparison to fatherhood. Through humor, presence, and unwavering love, he continues to inspire not just as an actor and advocate, but as a dad who puts family above all else.