Michael J. Fox has done several films in his long and successful career. One of the most iconic performances of his career is the science fiction comedy ‘Back to the Future.’ He played the role of Marty McFly in the film and the subsequent installments.
In 2021, Fox retired from acting due to health complications. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the 1990s which deteriorated over the years. Recently, the 61-year-old said that he thought of Leonardo DiCaprio while contemplating his retirement.
Related: How Michael J Fox Got Iconic ‘Back To The Future’ Role After Eric Stoltz Was Fired
Michael J. Fox Thought Of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Scene From ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’
In an interview with the Empire magazine, Michael J. Fox said that a scene of Leonardo DiCaprio from ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood‘ inspired him to retire from acting. In the scene, DiCaprio’s character struggles to remember his lines on a set and later has a meltdown in his dressing room.
“There’s a scene where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character can’t remember his lines anymore“, Fox said. “He goes back to his dressing room and he’s screaming at himself in the mirror. Just freaking insane.”
He added, “I had this moment where I was looking in the mirror and thought, ‘I cannot remember it anymore. Well, let’s move on.’ It was peaceful.”
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Fox Has Been Living With Parkinson’s Disease
In 1991, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He disclosed this information in 1998. Later on, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000 to help fund the research for a Parkinson’s cure.
Fox eventually shifted to television and did special appearances. He finally retired from acting in 2021 after his condition worsened. The actor recently released a biographical documentary titled ‘Still‘ on Apple TV+.
“No matter how much I sit here and talk to you about how I’ve philosophically accepted it and taken its weight, Parkinson’s is still kicking my ass“, he said. “I won’t win at this. I will lose. But, there’s plenty to be gained in the loss.”
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