Marty McFly—a young boy dreaming of becoming a famous musician—challenges time itself alongside his faithful friend, the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown. Marty is a fearless adventurer, facing challenges head-on and solving humanity’s problems with courage and determination. This is how most viewers, as well as his fellow Edmontonians, remember him. But is Michael J. Fox really the same as the character who made him a global star? Read more on edmonton-trend.
Michael J. Fox was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on June 9, 1961, to a military father and an actress mother. His father was not only a hero to the armed forces but also a pillar of strength for their large family, where Michael was the sixth child.
Like many military families, they moved frequently, following his father’s postings across the country. While Michael’s childhood included time in Edmonton, it was marked by the family’s constant relocations, making Edmonton just one chapter in his early life.
Youth
At the age of 13, Michael faced a significant loss when his father passed away from a heart attack. Following this tragic event, his family relocated to the Vancouver suburb of Burnaby. There, Michael attended high school at the same institution as famed musician Bryan Adams. One day, Michael decided to try his hand at hockey, but his small stature stood in the way. This moment turned out to be pivotal, leading him to hang up his skates and pursue acting.
At just 15 years old, Michael landed his first acting role in the series Leo and Me. Curiously, all four main cast members later developed Parkinson’s disease—an ominous foreshadowing of what lay ahead for Michael.
Breaking Through
At the age of 18, Michael packed his bags and, despite his family’s reservations, moved to Hollywood to chase his dreams. His journey wasn’t easy, but persistence paid off. His first major success came with the sitcom Family Ties, which made him a household name across the United States.
The role that catapulted him to global stardom, however, was Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy. At just 24, Michael took on the role that brought him worldwide fame, box office records, and numerous accolades. This series solidified his place in Hollywood history.
Battling Parkinson’s
The year 2000 marked a turning point in Michael’s life. While filming the third season of the show Spin City, where he played the lead role, he was forced to step away due to the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed years earlier, the illness had finally taken its toll. Michael redirected his focus, becoming an advocate, director, and producer while stepping back from acting.
The DeLorean
The time machine featured in Back to the Future was a DeLorean. If Michael could use it to return to his early days in Edmonton, he would likely revisit his childhood home and the person who played a crucial role in his life and career—his grandmother. She was the only family member who supported his decision to leave home at 18 to pursue his dreams. Despite his illness, Michael would undoubtedly walk the streets of his hometown, visit his school, and be warmly welcomed by Edmontonians. Most importantly, he would embrace his grandmother and thank her for believing in him, whispering, “Thank you, Granny.”
Perhaps she never expected such gratitude, but this example reminds us all to thank our loved ones while we still can.
