Out of 'Spin City' and Onto a New Stage; Michael J. Fox's Fight With Parkinson's Is Both Personal and Public (original) (raw)
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- May 24, 2000
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May 24, 2000
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In an odd way, Michael J. Fox said the other day, he feels liberated by his decision to reveal his nearly decade-long battle with Parkinson's disease.
''For me personally, it's been a gift, and I don't mean, 'Hey, rah, I have this thing,' '' he said quietly on the eve of his departure from the ABC show ''Spin City,'' which is broadcasting his final episode of the season tonight.
''In terms of my own evolution, against the context of my life, it's somehow easier to deal with. It's led to me to deeper thought, a greater sense of compassion, a greater sense of acceptance of things, of realizing what is my fight and what isn't my fight.''
His life now has a focus, he said as he sat in his production office at Chelsea Piers: contributing to the search for a cure for Parkinson's, the degenerative illness that causes tremors and muscle rigidity.
''The deck has really been cleared for me to help,'' said the actor, who is 38. ''The fact is I don't have financial burdens. I'm not worried about feeding my family. A lot of people can't tell anybody. I can. They can't risk losing their insurance. They can't risk opening themselves. I can.''
Sitting at a conference table, Mr. Fox gripped his left hand and arms tightly. He spoke somberly and candidly. At times he rocked forward in his chair and sipped diet soda. His recent final episode of ''Spin City'' was painful and tearful for the cast that Mr. Fox helped recruit. The tributes from Heather Locklear, the campaign finance manager and love interest; Barry Bostwick, the slightly goofy mayor; and the other actors afterward had plainly touched Mr. Fox. ''I'll miss them,'' he said, blinking hard.
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