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Ask Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox Krista Kennell / Corbis

He's played the precocious yuppie Alex P. Keaton on the 1980s TV show Family Ties, a time-traveling teenager in the Back to the Future trilogy and a wheeling-and-dealing deputy mayor in the hit sitcom Spin City. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson's, a degenerative disease of the nervous system, in 1991, Michael J. Fox has become a tireless advocate for stem-cell research to find a cure. His second memoir, Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist is on stands now. Submit your questions for Michael J. Fox here, then read the interview in an upcoming issue of TIME magazine.

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  • 1

    What do you think it was about some of your roles, notably Alex and Marty, that made you an American icon despite a total body of work no larger than many other actors?

    You're the best and best wishes!

  • 2

    No question - just know that you are much admired and supported in your personal fight against Parkinson's, and in your campaign against it too. I've been fightin Ms since my wife was diagnosed with it 40 years ago and in my advocacy , we work ofr all disabling diseases.

  • 3

    Michael:

    Given the past administration's dearth of support for stem cell research, do you feel as though you and others like you have been discriminated against as a result of policy?

  • 4

    What is "the secret of your success?"

  • 5

    Hi, I've been a fan since Family Ties, and greatly admire your grace and strength in the way you've coped with your condition.

    My question is: is there one particular person in the entertainment industry who has been the most supportive, and perhaps also had the greatest impact on your life?

  • 6

    As an aspiring actor, did you anticipate becoming such a strong comic presence?

  • 7

    If you could change the American health care system, what would you do?

  • 8

    Of all the characters you've played, which one was the most fun? Most challenging?

  • 9

    Whatever happened to hoverboards?

  • 10

    Is there ever a thought of reviving the Back to the Future series with you in a smaller role and maybe having the children of Marty being in the spotlight?

    Thank you,
    Chris Carlisle

  • 11

    Michael have you ever read DAVY CROCKETT'S "NOT YOURS TO GIVE" Speech
    he gave in Congress? If you haven't, I think you should.

  • 12

    When did you first realize that you were attracted to Tracey Pollan

  • 13

    Hi Mr. Fox,

    I am an acting student at Florida State University and I was wondering if you could tell me how you coped with rejection when you first started working.

    Yours Truly,
    John DeLisa

  • 14

    Dear Mr. Fox,
    "Lucky Man" is a treasure, filled with courage and insight. My wife and I have read it many times, and we share highlighted portions with friends often. The book has brought me humor and comfort in difficult times. Thank you. Thank you for inviting us into your personal story, and thank you for your work to raise awareness and find a cure. You aren't only saving lives, you are reminding us what matters in life. I wish you and your family the best.

    Here's my question: Has your experience with Parkinson's changed your approach to your craft?(Beyond any physical limitations, I mean).

    Thanks, and God bless.

  • 15

    Would you like to do anymore acting or do you think your free time is best spent continuing to find a cure for Parkinson's?

  • 16

    You've talked about letting go of vanity. What do you tell yourself every time you are faced with vanity?

  • 17

    why doesn't someone take out a full page ad in all the major newspapers educating people on the stem cell research issue letting them know that it is not taking a life and that the stem cells are thrown away even if NOT used?

    i really don't think the people who think it's life understand this and afterall, education is always the answer, no?

    we need everyone behind this important research writing letters. thank goodness for Obama but he still has far to go on this very important matter.

    the system does work if people work it. it's criminal not allowing all the research possible.

  • 18

    Only about 5 years remain until the year 2015 - the year in which BTTF 2 was set. Do you think society made more progress from 1955 to 1985 as depicted in BTTF, or from 1985 to 2015?

  • 19

    Only about 5 years remain until the year 2015 - the year in which BTTF 2 was set. The bar was set pretty high technology-wise. What are the chances that we'll have hover boards, flying cars, and talking clothing by then?

  • 20

    Would you support stem cell research if you did not have Parkinson's?

  • 21

    To me the ultimate form of optimism is the belief in heaven,from which all other forms flow.What is your religion ? and do you think you may have received this illness as a platform from which to teach us all lessons about suffering with grace?

  • 22

    Has your diagnosis with Parkinson's affected your beliefs about life, death or your spiritual practice?

  • 23

    How do you like your martini's?

  • 24

    What has been your favourite role Michael?
    Best wishes from the UK!

  • 25

    What is your favorite movie you have performed in and why?

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