That same optimism and persistence have long defined Fox’s public life. In a new interview with People, he says:

“I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it.

I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it. I roll around in a wheelchair a lot, and it took some getting used to.”

No longer walks regularly

Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, when he was just 29 years old. He has admitted that he popped dopamine pills “like Halloween Smarties (candy)” in a bid to hide early symptoms. While on set, he tried to hold props to mask the tremors in his hand.

More than 30 years after his diagnosis, Fox has admitted that he no longer walks regularly because of the risk of serious injury.

Years of performing high-energy stunts on set — from somersaulting over co-stars to sliding across car hoods — have taken a lasting physical toll.

He explained to The Times: