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Michael J. Fox made a rare appearance at the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1, where he shared how becoming an actor changed his life.
By Brahmjot Kaur Mar 02, 2026 1:34 AM | Updated 26 minutes ago
Michael J. Fox Brings Unexpected Date to Rare Appearance at 2026 Actor Awards
Michael J. Fox doesn't need the DeLorean for a look back at the past.
After all, the Back to the Future star reflected on how becoming an actor changed his life in a rare appearance during the 2026 Actor Awards "I Am an Actor" segment on March 1.
"I moved from Canada to L.A. to try and make it as an actor," Michael explained from his table at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. "A teacher of mine told me, 'Fox, you're not gonna be cute forever.' I didn't know what to say to that, so I said, 'Maybe just long enough, sir.'"
"After a few years of dumpster diving in L.A., I ended up on Family Ties," he continued, "where I received the biggest gift of my career. I met my wife Tracy Pollan, who played Ellen, my girlfriend. And she gave me four gifts: our kids, Schuyler, Aquinnah, Esmé and Sam." (See all the winners at the Actor Awards here.)
So, for the 64-year-old—whose Parkinson's diagnosis has progressed since his initial diagnosis in 1991—it was his role on the sitcom from 1982 to 1989 that changed everything for him.
"Sometimes I like to remind them that if it wasn't for acting, they wouldn't be here," he added. "I'm Michael J. Fox and a dad and I'm an actor."
Despite Michael's love for acting, he previously shared insight into his decision to step away from his career as his health continued to deteriorate.
Netflix
"I continued to act for almost 30 years after I was diagnosed," he explained to AARP Magazine in 2021. "I reached the point where I couldn't rely on my ability to speak on any given day, which meant I couldn't act comfortably at all anymore. So, last year I gave it up."
But he is always open to returning in front of the camera for the right project.
"If someone offers me a part and I do it and I have a good time, great," he told Entertainment Tonight in April 2024. "I would do acting if something came up that I could put my realities into it, my challenges, if I could figure it out."
For a closer look at all the stars at the 2026 Actor Awards, keep reading.
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Kristen Wiig
in Christian Cowan and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Michelle Randolph
in Balenciaga.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Sofia Carson
in Elie Saab and Chopard jewelry.
John Salangsang/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Liza Colon-Zayas
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Jean Smart
in Laura Basci and Rahaminov Diamonds jewelry.
John Salangsang/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Jasmin Savoy Brown
in Zuhair Murad.
Frazer Harrison/WireImage
Irina Shayk
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Janelle James
in Christian Louboutin shoes.
John Salangsang/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Ethan Hawke
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Eiza González
in Giorgio Armani Privé.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Fiona Dourif
in Lanvin and Lagos jewelry.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Erin Doherty
in Louis Vuitton.
John Salangsang/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Benicio del Toro
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Michael B. Jordan
in Tom Ford.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Regina Hall
in custom Cong Tri.
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Lisa Ann Walter
in Alexia Maria.
John Salangsang/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Demi Moore
in Schiaparelli.
Frazer Harrison/WireImage
Allison Janney
in Raisa Vanessa and Sabyasachi jewelry.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Calista Flockhart & Harrison Ford
in Zuhair Murad and Leviev jewelry (Flockhart).
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Timothée Chalamet
in Prada.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Mindy Kaling
in Yara Shoemaker and Bucherer Fine Jewellery.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Jenna Ortega
in Christian Cowan and Jimmy Choo shoes.
Frazer Harrison/WireImage
Sterling K. Brown
in Brioni, Blancpain watch and Oliver Peoples glasses.
Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Tyler, The Creator
Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images
Natasha Rothwell
in Naeem Kahn and Mindi Mond jewelry.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Aimee Lou Wood
in custom Versace, Jimmy Choo shoes and Frank Darling jewelry.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Emma Stone
in custom Louis Vuitton.
David Fisher/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Paul Mescal
in Saint Laurent and Cartier jewelry.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Sarah Paulson
in Saint Laurent.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Connor Storrie
in Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
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