Beloved actor Michael J. Fox is alive and well, despite a brief moment of widespread concern triggered by a CNN post that mistakenly memorialized him.
Fox's representative confirmed to sources that the actor is "doing great" and was actively participating in public events as recently as Tuesday. The confusion arose when CNN published an article and video package titled "Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox," which has since been removed from all platforms.
A CNN spokesperson later stated, "The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family."
Fox made a surprise appearance at PaleyFest LA on Tuesday, joining the wrap party for the third season of the comedy series "Shrinking." The event at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles featured a special screening and a panel discussion led by showrunner Bill Lawrence and co-creator Jason Segel, alongside cast members including Harrison Ford.
The actor, who guest stars in the show's third season, has significantly reduced his public appearances in recent years due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease. Diagnosed at age 29 in 1990, Fox publicly revealed his condition in 1998 and has since become a leading advocate for Parkinson's research.
In 2000, he founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which has funded over $2 billion in scientific studies. While he retired from full-time acting in 2020 due to speech and memory challenges, Fox has continued selective work, including his 2023 documentary "Still" and recent television roles.
The "Back to the Future" star's foundation remains one of the most influential non-profit organizations dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease.