Michael J. Fox Explains Return to Acting Amid Parkinson's

Actor Michael J. Fox has explained his return to acting after a break, citing the flexibility of his role in the Apple TV+ series "Shrinking" as a key factor in managing his Parkinson's disease. In an interview published on September 11, 2026, the 65-year-old actor stated that a new challenge emerged in his ability to memorize lines, making traditional long workdays unfeasible. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991, said he took the role of Gerry in "Shrinking" because it allowed him to "show up on set" as himself. He described enjoying the freedom to "use how I feel on any given day and channel it into the scene." The series was created by his longtime collaborator Bill Lawrence. The actor was recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance. While he expressed interest in returning for the show's fourth season, Fox emphasized that his primary focus remains on the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The foundation is preparing to launch a new fundraising campaign with a goal of raising an additional $2.5 billion for research.