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The reports of Michael J. Fox’s death were greatly exaggerated, with the actor himself reassuring fans on Wednesday night that he was very much alive.
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The “Back to the Future” star was forced to provide proof of life after CNN accidentally published an article and video on Tuesday titled “Remembering the life of Michael J. Fox.” It is a common practice in the news industry to prepare for the deaths of public figures in advance.
“The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family,” a CNN spokesperson said in a statement.
But Fox appeared to take the news of his death with a touch of humor, writing on Threads, “How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?”
He offered a few options, which included changing the channel and calling his wife. One suggestion included, “relax, they do this once every year.”
“I thought the world was ending, but apparently it’s just me and I’m OK,” Fox wrote.
Fox was actually out and about in Los Angeles on Tuesday. He made a special guest appearance at Paley Fest for a panel on the Apple TV series “Shrinking,” as he appears in the show’s most recent season.
The guest spot on “Shrinking” was his first on-screen appearance since 2020. Fox also had a minor voice over role last year in Disney’s “Zootopia 2.”
At just 29-year-old, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He has spent much of his career since the diagnosis bringing awareness to the progressive neurological disorder while still continuing to take on acting work.
He also started the The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which supports the development of new treatments and finding a cure for the disease.
Fox told Variety in 2023 that he now has more medical support than ever as he is frequently surrounded by aides in case he should fall. Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include physical issues such as tremors and impaired balance.
He said he’d had multiple broken bones in recent years as an indirect effect of his medical condition, but still tries to find joy in life with his family.
“I’m still happy to join the day and be a part of things,” Fox said. “I just enjoy the little math problems of existence. I love waking up and figuring that stuff out and at the same time being with my family. My problem is I fall down. I trip over things and fall down and break things. And that’s part of having this.”
