According to Michael J. Fox, the celebrities who rose to fame in the 1980s were far more resilient than the ones currently climbing the ladder of stardom, all thanks to social media. Fox himself became one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars during that era, thanks to his role in the sitcom “Family Ties” and his iconic portrayal of Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” films.
“When I was given an honorary Academy Award, someone told me that I was ’80s famous,” Fox revealed in an interview with People magazine. “I found that expression quite interesting. Being ’80s famous meant something back then. We were a different breed of celebrities. We didn’t have social media or any of the modern-day distractions. We relied solely on our own talents and abilities. It was a remarkable era.”
In a recent interview with People, Michael J. Fox was asked about the challenges of being famous in the 1980s compared to today. In response, he humorously remarked, “Well, you had to be talented. That helped.”
“We used to work hard, exercising our acting skills and immersing ourselves in the world of acting. We would spend time with fellow actors, discussing our craft and sharing insights,” Fox explained. “But nowadays, it seems like all people care about is superficial things like what you’re wearing or the latest dance craze. It’s strange how fame has shifted its focus.”
Michael J. Fox hasn’t been active in the acting world since 2020 due to the challenges posed by his Parkinson’s disease, specifically, his difficulty in remembering dialogue. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, he expressed his openness to returning to acting if the right role came along.
Retiring from acting allowed Michael J. Fox to focus on his biggest goal, which was raising a family. With four amazing kids, this became his main priority. Additionally, he dedicated his time to the Michael J. Fox foundation. Despite stepping away from acting, Fox remained open to opportunities that aligned with his personal experiences and challenges. If something came up where he could contribute his unique perspective, he was willing to figure it out.
“Back to the Future: The Musical” star Casey Likes shares Michael J. Fox’s incredible advice on opening night
Fox recently made a guest appearance on the TV show “The Good Fight” in 2020, but he also made headlines last year for his involvement in the Apple TV+ documentary “Still.” He expressed his excitement about being part of the film, stating that it was a thrilling experience. Fox also mentioned that if he were offered a new acting role and enjoyed it, he would gladly accept it.
In a 2022 episode of Mike Birbiglia’s “Working It Out” podcast, Fox revealed that he took a break from acting due to challenges in memorizing his lines. He encountered difficulties on the sets of both “The Good Fight” and “Designated Survivor.”
“It was the legal aspects that I struggled with,” Fox shared during that time. “But what was truly refreshing was my ability to remain calm and composed. Instead of panicking or freaking out, I simply accepted the situation and moved forward. One crucial aspect of this process involves memorizing lines, something that I found myself unable to do.”
“Back to the Future” Reunion: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson Attend Broadway Musical Performance
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