Michael J Fox says research is ‘close to Parkinson’s cure’ in emotional speech

The Back to the Future star shared that his condition ‘has gotten harder over the years’

The actor made a guest appearance in the hit TV series ‘Shrinking’, starring How I Met Your Mother co-star Jason Segel and Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford. 

Fox was nominated for his appearance in the third season of Shrinking at the Emmy awards last night, all while remaining true to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, funding £2.23 billion in research for Parkinson’s disease since its beginnings in 2000.

The actor has been living with Parkinson’s for more than 20 years, stepping out of the camera frame and becoming the public face of the disease.

“I knew my name could attract attention to help us achieve our goals faster,” Fox said to PEOPLE, “but I also have this disease.”

“I know the issues and I share my community’s sense of urgency.”

The actor, now 65, has won five Emmys and four Golden Globes throughout his career, but shares his prizes with “the researchers and clinicians on the front lines of cure hunting, and the patients and families who critically inform that mission.”

Fox reflected on his character in Shrinking, playing alongside Harrison Ford, whose character also suffers from Parkinson’s, saying the experience was “insanely fun”.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is expected to go through another round of funding, aiming to receive £1.86 billion for research, as “science is hard. It’s astronomically expensive,” and most crucially, “it takes time and collaboration”.

Fox shared positive news about the ongoing research: “The science is showing we’re getting close. 

“We’re seeing more research breakthroughs every year, new drugs to help patients live well, and better tools to help scientists move faster. 

“It’s heartening progress. And we’re going to stay on it till the job is done.”