Michael J. Fox is not only a star—happily, he’s a cultural reference point. From redefining sitcom hipness to playing one of the most iconic movie time travelers, and then parlaying his own medical odyssey into a source of inspiration, Fox has cultivated a career that transcends mere entertainment. With his comeback in Shrinking and decades of indelible performances under his belt, it’s the ideal moment to reflect on the moments that made him a legend. Here are the 10 most iconic Michael J. Fox moments on screen and in real life.
10. The Michael J. Fox Show – Finding Humor in Real Life
When Fox headlined The Michael J. Fox Show, he played a character with Parkinson’s—echoing his real-life experiences. But rather than turn it into a show about sickness, the series embraced warmth, optimism, and comedy. It was a personal, brazen show that taught viewers how to laugh and engage and still be emotionally moved.
9. The Frighteners – Supernatural and Surprising
In Peter Jackson’s The Frighteners, Fox was Frank Bannister, a ghost-haunted guy who’s also haunted by his past. Levity and intensity were required of the role, and Fox aced it. Coming out the same year he made his Parkinson’s diagnosis public, the performance is a testament to his energy, range, and stamina.
8. The Good Wife / The Good Fight – A Lawyer Like No Other
Fox’s repeated appearances as lawyer Louis Canning were among the wittiest, most cunning characters on television. Canning was a master of making disability perceptions his strong suit, and Fox played the complexity with suavity and humor. His initial one-shot guest spot turned into an ongoing moment, with Emmy nominations to show for it.
7. Rescue Me – An Emmy-Winning Guest Turn
As Dwight in Rescue Me, Fox made a gigantic splash in only a few episodes. Acting opposite Denis Leary in a paraplegic role, he walked the line between humor and seriousness so adeptly that he received an Emmy. It was brief but unforgettable evidence of his skill at taking over a scene.
6. Spin City – The Heart of a Sitcom Hit
As Spin City’s Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty, Fox exemplified flawless comedic timing as he navigated the out-of-control City Hall. His rapport with the cast brought the series to life, and it also launched his collaboration with Bill Lawrence, who would eventually create Shrinking. Even when his Parkinson’s symptoms grew more apparent, Fox’s acting never wavered, solidifying his place as a sitcom icon.
5. Teen Wolf – Howling into the 80s
Before werewolves were hip, Fox made them hip. As Scott Howard in Teen Wolf, he provided a combination of gangly teen charm and athletic, furry mayhem, full of that memorable van-surfing moment. It’s campy, it’s iconic, and it made Fox a full-fledged’80ss teen heartthrob.
4. Family Ties – Hi, Alex P. Keaton
As the snappy, conservative, suit-wearing Alex P. Keaton, Family Ties stole the show. Fox’s light-speed delivery and quick wit earned him three consecutive Emmys. The character defined a generation of television comedy and established Fox as a charismatic star who could carry a series.
3. Back to the Future – The Role of a Lifetime
Marty McFly needs no introduction. With his skateboard, puffy vest, and boundless energy, Fox brought the time-traveling teen to life in one of cinema’s most beloved trilogies. His chemistry with Christopher Lloyd and gift for physical comedy turned Back to the Future into a cultural phenomenon that still resonates decades later.
2. Advocacy & Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie – A Real-Life Hero
Apart from acting, Fox has become the public face of Parkinson’s research and activism. Since establishing the Michael J. Fox Foundation, he’s contributed to the collection of over a billion dollars for research. His memoirs and the Still documentary expose his sense of humor, vulnerability, and determination, while awards such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom ratify his legacy beyond Hollywood.
1. Shrinking – A Triumphant Return
Fox’s next turn in Shrinking is a new chapter. Since taking time off from acting, he’s returning to the center stage with a role that could be inspired directly from his own life with Parkinson’s. For co-creator Bill Lawrence—Fox’s long-time partner—it’s a full-circle moment, adding authenticity and representation to the screen in a new way.
The Legacy of Michael J. Fox
From sitcom genius to blockbuster superstar, from vociferous champion to inspiring return, Michael J. Fox has provided us with more than performances—he’s given us hope, heart, and resilience. And proof of his being a legend is that his legend never faded; he just kept going.