The Michael J Fox Foundation founder suddenly became the unexpected subject of a death hoax, which prompted the Back to the Future star to issue a statement.
Michael J. Fox spoke out against a death hoax (Image: Getty Images)
Beloved actor Michael J. Fox has reassured fans that he is very much alive.
On April 8, CNN mistakenly posted an article titled “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox” across social media platforms, accompanied by a video. Although the network swiftly removed the piece about the iconic Back to the Future star, remnants lingered online, sparking concern among supporters who feared something tragic had befallen the 64-year-old performer, who received an early-onset Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 1991.
Fox was subsequently forced to dispel the death hoax that had spread rapidly online. This incident follows Michael J Fox’s recent candid health revelation where he acknowledged ‘I don’t walk much anymore.’
“Michael is doing great. He was at PaleyFest yesterday,” a representative for The Frighteners actor confirmed to TMZ, emphasizing his well-being before elaborating, “He was on stage and was giving interviews.
“The package was published in error,” a CNN spokesperson informed the outlet, adding, “We have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family,” reports the Mirror US.
Michael J. Fox has shared his health while living with Parkinson’s disease (Image: (Image: Getty Images for The Michael J.))
On April 7, Fox made an appearance at the television festival PaleyFest, hosted at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, joining the Shrinking cast for a discussion panel. He participated in the conversation alongside showrunner Bill Lawrence and co-stars Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, with Scrubs actor Zach Braff serving as moderator. Audiences were given a special preview of the third season finale. Fox joined the Apple TV series as a guest star, portraying Gerry, a recurring character living with Parkinson’s disease who forms a connection with Dr. Paul Rhoades (Ford).
Given that Fox lives with Parkinson’s in real life, his involvement in the show remains limited. Last year, the actor provided an update on his health as he continues battling the progressive neurological condition.
Michael J. Fox appeared in Shrinking Season 3 alongside Harrison Ford (Image: Apple TV)
In October 2025, Fox disclosed his condition had deteriorated to where walking is no longer possible. He confessed to feeling terrified about moving too much, expressing concern about falling and sustaining multiple fractures.
“And that’s [the point] where I break stuff, it’s absolutely incredible the stuff I broke,” he told The Sunday Times. “In a three-year period, I broke my elbow, I broke my hand.
CNN posted “Remembering about the life of Michael J. Fox” (Image: undefined)
“I got a big infection in my hand, and I almost lost my finger.” He continued, “I take it easy now, I don’t walk that much anymore. I can walk, but it’s not pretty and it’s a bit dangerous.”
The actor founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised over two billion dollars in funding for the discovery of scientific breakthroughs and treatments.
