Michael J Fox hints ‘damage’ from partying may have led to Parkinson’s disease

Michael J Fox has linked his heavy partying in the 1980s his poor health later in life.

The Back to the Future star, 62, made the stark claim while talking to CBS Sunday Morning last year about his documentary, STILL: A Michael J Fox Movie.The actor, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, was asked by Jane Pauley about a previous speech he made after being presented with an honorary Oscar by Woody Harrelson in 2022.

He told his actor pal at the time: “We did some damage. We did some damage in the ’80s.” Jane honed in on whether it was possible he did actually do “damage to himself” with his hard partying, to which Michael responded: “I mean, there’s so many ways that you can … that I could’ve hurt myself.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

READ MORE: Bruce Willis’ wife urges fans to ‘make time for some fun’ amid husband’s dementia battle

He added: “I could’ve hit my head. I could’ve drank too much at a certain developmental period.” Michael was first diagnosed with the disease when he was just 29 years old. He tried to keep the diagnosis secret for a number of years and admitted to taking tablets in a bid to prevent his symptoms showing to others.

He revealed to Jane that he believes his condition could be a combination of a number of factors, both genetic and environmental. “Most likely I think is that I was exposed to some kind of chemical,” he continued. “What we say is that genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger.”

The Teen Wolf star also opened up on how he fears the disease will cut his life expectancy, saying he didn’t think he would make it to the age of 80. After decades of campaigning, raising funds and awareness of the condition, he said: ” My life is set up so…I can pack Parkinson’s along with me if I have to.”

The actor also explained how the disease made him reassess his approach to life, revealing: “You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s.” He told the host that those who have the disease are at risk of injuries, like falling, choking, or getting sick with a cold which can in turn prove fatal.

Michael – who turns 63 on June 9 – also admitted his stark reality as he discussed the future and how he feels about getting older when he has a crippling disease. He heartbreakingly added: “I’ve been thinking about the mortality of it… I’m not gonna be 80.”

*Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .