Fox was recently named to Time Magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People, and Reynolds used to occasion to sing Fox’s praises and talk about their bond via social media.
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Ryan Reynolds And Michael J. Fox Share Special Bond
“I wrote this short blurb about Michael J. Fox for the annual #Time100. This man means a lot to me. And I know he means a lot to many of you,” began Reynolds, adding:
“I know Michael J. Fox. Like, I know him pretty damn well. He’s funny. He’s warm. He’s handsome and intensely smart. He also falls a lot. Not just because he has Parkinson’s. He falls a lot because he’s unafraid to fly.”
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Fox First Diagnosed With Parkinson’s In 1991
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Fox became a household name back in the 80s as the star of “Growing Pains,” a popular family sitcom. He burst onto movie screens as the star of such classic films as the “Back to the Future” franchise and “Teen Wolf.” He was at the top of his game when he noticed unusual symptoms, like a twitch in his pinky finger.
That led to his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at age 29. The beloved actor did not disclose his diagnosis publicly until 1998. In 2000, Fox started the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has since raised $2 billion towards Parkinson’s research.
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“‘I always say Parkinson’s is a gift, and people ask me, ‘How can you describe it as a gift?’ And I say, ‘It is the gift that keeps on taking, but it is a gift,'” he said.
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Fox ‘Raised The Bar For Purpose And Passion’
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“I met Mike 17 years ago. I’ve watched him raise the bar for purpose and passion. It’d be kinda lazy to simply characterize him as the greatest champion of Parkinson’s research on the planet. He’s someone who helped my dad, along with millions of others, feel less alone. It’d be kinda lazy to simply regard him as a movie star who shaped the lives of people all over the planet with a uniquely electric wit and self-aware charm. He’s the sum of these beautiful parts. And so many more,” Reynolds continued in his touching post.
Fox has been married to actress Tracy Pollan since 1988. They share four children. Reynolds, meanwhile, has been married to actress Blake Lively since 2012. They also have four children.
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Ryan Reynolds’ Father Suffered From Parkinson’s
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Reynolds has a personal connection to Parkinson’s, as his father, James “Jim” Chester Reynolds, was diagnosed with the disease in 1995. He’s been on the Board of the Michael J. Fox Foundation since 2009.
“I have a slightly different, weird, strange story about that because my father really hasn’t ever said he has Parkinson’s disease. He comes from a pretty prideful generation. And he doesn’t really talk about it too much. But, he’s maybe said it once or twice out loud,” he said, adding:
“It kind of galvanized everybody else, to sort of seek resources. And for us, it’s in a strange way, it’s really kind of brought us together.”
According to the foundation’s website, “In 2008 Reynolds got involved with The Michael J. Fox Foundation when he ran the New York City Marathon for Team Fox. Running in honor of his father, Reynolds completed the marathon in under four hours and raised over $100,000 for Parkinson research. Reynolds has continued to work with the foundation and since then has auctioned off movie premiere tickets, supported various events and has recently been named one of the Board of Directors.”
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Ryan Reynolds Says He’s ‘Lucky’ To Call Fox A Friend
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“Last year, I watched Back to the Future with my 8-year-old daughter,” continued in his tribute to Fox. “It’s become her favourite film. And for now, that’s enough for me—and her. One more kid from one more generation sees what I saw,” Reynolds said.
“I know how lucky I am to call Mike a friend. She still has no idea that I know him. I don’t need to teach my daughter the level of compassion Mike has mastered. Or teach her to tell stories the way Mike tells stories. I need to teach her that it’s OK to fall a lot. It’s the absolute best way to know you’re flying,” Reynolds concluded.
Others on Time Magazine’s annual list include Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Mark Cuban, Patrick Mahomes, Kelly Ripa, and more.