Michael J. Fox, the beloved actor who has captured our hearts in iconic roles, is opening up about his journey with Parkinson's disease and the challenges he's faced in recent years. In a candid moment, he compares riding in a wheelchair to being "luggage." But this isn't just a quip—it's a reflection of the adjustments he’s had to make. As he writes in his deeply personal new book, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, "The pusher is in charge. I’m not expected to say much. Just sit still. No one listens to luggage." This isn't just about a shift in roles; it's about redefining what it means to live with grace and determination.

Overcoming Health Setbacks and Rediscovering Gratitude

Over the past couple of years, the star of "Back to the Future," now 59, has faced a series of health challenges that were largely unrelated to his Parkinson's disease. Despite hitting "bottom," Michael has emerged with a profound sense of gratitude for his life, his family, and his wife of 32 years, Tracy Pollan, 60. "She really got me through everything," he shares with heartfelt sincerity. Tracy wasn't just a partner; she was his anchor during the toughest times, reminding him of the strength they've built together over the years.

Since his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease in 1991, Michael, a father of four adult children, has learned to live with the degenerative disorder in a way that honors both his limitations and his passions. For years, he continued to act while raising awareness and funds for a cure. To date, his foundation has raised over $1 billion for Parkinson's research, though the miracle breakthrough he hoped for hasn't yet come. "I’d hoped we’d be out of business by now," he admits with a mix of humor and frustration. But even in the face of uncertainty, Michael remains an unwavering advocate for the cause.

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A Journey Through Pain and Recovery

Two years ago, Michael experienced numbness in his legs, which led to spinal surgery to remove a benign cyst. Though the growth had caused irreparable neurological damage, the surgery prevented him from becoming paralyzed. The road to recovery was long and grueling, requiring four months of intense physical therapy just to learn how to walk again. "It was like starting from scratch," he recalls. Just when he thought the worst was behind him, Michael slipped and fell in his kitchen, shattering his arm and requiring 19 pins and a plate to repair. "That was definitely my darkest moment," he confesses. "It was when I questioned everything. There is no bright side to this, no upside. This is just all regret and pain." Yet, even in the depths of despair, Michael's spirit endured.

Michael J. Fox and Wife Tracy Pollan — AFF-USA/Shutterstock

Though the challenges Michael faced didn't destroy his characteristic optimism, they certainly tempered it. Recently, he had a turtle tattooed on his inner arm as "a visual record of the power of resiliency." It's a symbol of his ability to adapt and persevere, even when life throws unexpected curveballs. Michael is learning to focus on what he can still do rather than mourn what he has lost to Parkinson's. "It's about embracing the things that bring me joy," he says. "And there are plenty of those."

Life Beyond Acting: Golf, Friendships, and Writing

The now-retired actor admits that his compromised short-term memory makes learning scripts difficult. "Not being able to speak reliably is a game-breaker for an actor," he adds with a touch of humor. Despite this, Michael has found new ways to connect with the world. Golf has become a cherished pastime, and he often tees off alongside pals like Jimmy Fallon, Bill Murray, writer Harlan Coben, and newsperson George Stephanopoulos. "They look past my difficulties in playing golf with Parkinson's and embrace the truth that golf is hell for everyone," Michael quips, highlighting the camaraderie and humor that sustain him.

Writing has emerged as a powerful creative outlet for Michael, offering him a platform to share his experiences and insights. His life with Tracy and their children—Sam, 31, twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, both 25, and daughter Esmé, 19—is a source of immense strength and pride. "The last couple of years have been trickier than most," Michael admits. "But my gratitude is deeper now, from having gotten through the darkest times." It's this gratitude that fuels his optimism and keeps him moving forward, one step at a time.

For this story and more, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now.