He lived on the margins and ate food from dumpsters – yet he managed to become an iconic actor and a father of 4 heirs

Life hasn’t been easy for Michael J. Fox of late.

The much-loved actor has been locked in a battle with Parkinson’s disease for many decades now, and as one can imagine, that’s not a fight that gets easier with time.

But did you know that Michael’s childhood was quite tough – and he faced significant challenges when trying to break through in Hollywood.

Overall, Michael J. Fox’s life has been a great success – even though his Parkinson’s Disease has taken its toll on him.

First of all, Michael’s upbringing was pretty unusual.

Born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Canada, he grew up with a father who worked in the Canadian Armed Forces, and therefore, the family moved around a lot.

Michael’s mom was a payroll clerk, so she had a steady job – but Michael grew upp in a typical blue-collar home. Finally, the family settled in Burnaby, British Columbia, and Michael J. Fox found his passion for acting in junior high.

He joined the Drama division at school, and it was evident he was a talented actor. Per his website, his theater teacher encouraged him to audition for a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation series, Leo & Me, and Fox got the part.

He got several roles on television and, at the same time, worked at the local theater in Vancouver. Michael J. Fox had decided that acting was his call in life at that point. At the age of 17, he packed his bags to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles.

“I knew that if I wanted to be someone, I couldn’t just sit on my parents’ porch and think, ‘Boy, if I was only born in the States and my parents had money and weren’t living paycheck to paycheck, I could do something with my life,’” he said.

Fox dropped out of high school, and his parents always supported his big dreams. His father even drove him all the way to Los Angeles. Speaking on LIVE with Kelly and Mark recently, Fox said he still doesn’t know how he convinced his father to do it.

Instagram / Michael J Fox

“I told him that I wanted to go to Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to go to the United States, I knew I wanted to be an actor. My father, I know, thought I was a hippie. He looked me in the eyes and said, ‘If you want to be a lumberjack, you might as well go to the forest.’ So he got me in the car and drove me to California,” Michael J. Fox recalled.

Making it big in Tinseltown, though, was easier said than done. Michael didn’t have the best starting point; he came from a working-class family and didn’t have much wealth to his name.

“I was living on the margins. I was 18 years old, with no money, no connections, literally dumpster diving for food,” he told Variety in 2023.

Fox fulfilled his dream of becoming an actor, and after only a few years, he got one of his most memorable roles. He was cast as Alex P. Keaton on the comedy series Family Ties, which became one of the biggest comedy series on television.

Not long afterward, he landed other parts, including his legendary role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future.

In 2022, he revealed his mother never supported him taking on the role in Back to the Future. And it seems like she had good reason not to support it either.

When he got the role, he was already working during the day on Family Ties. He revealed when he told his mother about the role in the movie, she advised against it. The actor recalled their exchange, “I was 23 years old, and I called her, she was in Canada, and I said, ‘They want me to do this Steven Spielberg movie, but I have to do it at night and I have to do Family Ties in the daytime.’ And she said, ‘You’ll be too tired.’”

But he went on to admit that his mother might have been right, he said, “I live for this kind of tired. It’ll be okay,” he had said to his mom, “To this day — well, till two weeks ago — my mother thought it was a really bad idea for me to do Back to the Future. She loved the movie, [but she was right], I got tired.”

On the set of Family Ties, he met Tracy Pollan. They were cast as each other’s love interests on the show. Sparks were only on-screen at the time, but a few years later, they’d reunite and fall in love.

Even so, Michael J. Fox already had a crush on Tracy while working on Family Ties.

“I developed a crush on her right away. When she left the show – the day she left the show, we were in the parking lot getting into our respective cars. She was getting into a rented Volkswagen, and I was getting into my Ferrari. And she called me over and said she wanted to play me a song. She played me a James Taylor song called That’s Why I’m Here, which was ostensibly about John Belushi. And one of the lines was, ‘John’s gone, found dead, died high. He’s brown bread, later said to have drowned in his bed. After the laughter, the wave of dread, it hits us like a ton of lead. That’s why we’re here,’” Fox recalled in an interview with NPR.

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan tied the knot in 1988. They welcomed four children: Sam Michael Fox (born in 1989), twins Schuyler Frances and Aquinnah Kathleen (1995), and Esmé Annabelle (2001).

By the way, did you know that Michael Fox didn’t initially have the “J” in his name? Once in Hollywood, he attempted to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the labor union for film and television workers worldwide. However, when applying, he saw that there was another member named “Michael Fox.” Therefore, Fox added a middle initial to his name, choosing “J” as an homage to his favorite actor, Michael J. Pollard.

Michael J. Fox, holding hands with his wife, Tracy Pollan, and his son, Sam, at the Kids for Kids benefit. (Photo by Mitchell Gerber/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

Michael J. Fox officially retired from acting in 2020 at 60 years old and having just starred as Louis Canning in CBS’s legal drama “The Good Fight”, a spin-off to “The Good Wife” where his character first appeared.

“I reached the point where I couldn’t rely on my ability to speak on any given day, which meant I couldn’t act comfortably at all anymore. So, last year I gave it up,” he said of his decision to retire, as per Good Morning America.

When Fox was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease he reportedly started drinking heavily. Thankfully, he stopped, sought help and was brave enough to disclose his condition in 1998. Since then he has been a strong advocate and inspiration to those battling with the disease.

Since 2000, the Michael J. Fox Foundation has raised more than $750 million to help find a cure for Parkinson’s.

Michael J. Fox attends red carpet for the Tribeca Talks – Storytellers – 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca PAC on April 30, 2019 in New York City.

Michael J. Fox’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience.

Despite hailing from a humble working-class background and facing numerous obstacles along the way, Fox rose to become an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. His story reminds us that with determination, hard work, and unwavering passion for our dreams, we can overcome any challenge.

So let’s celebrate Michael J. Fox not only for his remarkable talents but also for his inspiring journey that continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide.

What does it mean to wear a ring on the right hand?

Rings are more than just beautiful accessories — they’re statements. And when you wear one on your right hand, you might be saying more than you think. Whether it’s a piece you wear daily or something you slip on for special occasions, the hand and finger you choose can reveal a lot about your personality, culture, and values.

Ever found yourself wearing a ring on your right hand without much thought? Maybe it just felt right. But believe it or not, this small gesture can carry powerful meaning. Let’s explore the symbolism, cultural influence, and personality clues that come from this simple choice.

The Right Hand: A Symbol of Action, Power, and Identity

Wearing a ring on your right hand isn’t just about comfort or fashion — it’s often a declaration. In many traditions, the right hand symbolizes action, dominance, and self-expression. It’s associated with doing, leading, and asserting.

Historically, the right hand has always held importance. Think of handshakes, salutes, and vows — they’re almost always done with the right hand. In ancient societies, nobles wore their signet rings on the right to stamp letters and seal deals. It was a way of showing rank and control.

In astrology, the right hand is tied to solar energy — confidence, courage, and brightness. So if you’re sporting a ring on this hand, you might be subconsciously tapping into a bold and driven version of yourself.

Every Finger Tells a Different Story

Not all fingers are created equal — at least not when it comes to rings. The finger you choose to wear your ring on speaks volumes, and here’s what each one could mean.

Video : The Finger Symbolism For Rings

The Index Finger: Confidence and Command
Historically, this was the finger of kings and queens, judges and generals. A ring here signals ambition, leadership, and a take-charge attitude. People who wear rings on their index finger aren’t afraid to make bold moves or voice strong opinions.

The Middle Finger: Balance and Strength
Smack in the center of the hand, the middle finger represents balance, responsibility, and structure. A ring here can suggest someone who values fairness, order, and a grounded life. Plus, it naturally draws the eye — so it’s perfect for someone confident and unafraid of attention.

The Ring Finger: Love and Loyalty
Most people associate the ring finger with weddings — and for good reason. But did you know that in many cultures, wedding rings are worn on the right hand? In Orthodox Christian countries, for example, the right ring finger is the go-to spot for wedding bands.

Even outside of marriage, a ring on this finger can symbolize love — for yourself, for someone else, or for a cause close to your heart.

The Little Finger: Expression and Originality


Small in size, big in personality. The pinky finger is often linked to creativity, individuality, and flair. In history, it was used for family crests and class rings. Today, it’s often worn by artists, entrepreneurs, and people who want to stand out in a crowd.

The Thumb: Power and Influence
Wearing a ring on your thumb? That’s a bold move — and one that’s often associated with power, wealth, and freedom. In some Asian cultures, thumb rings have long been seen as status symbols. They’re not common, which makes them all the more eye-catching.

Cultural Differences That Shape Meaning

The meaning of a ring can shift dramatically based on where you are in the world. In fact, the very hand you wear it on might have deep cultural or spiritual significance.

  • In Orthodox Christian tradition, wedding bands go on the right ring finger.
  • In India, gemstones are worn on specific fingers of the right hand to align with astrology and energy fields.
  • In Western cultures, the right hand often represents independence and personal growth — especially when a ring is worn outside of marriage.

So that seemingly simple band? It could be carrying centuries of tradition and symbolism without you even realizing it.

Metal and Gemstone Choices: More Than Just Style

Beyond the hand and finger, your choice of metal and stone says something too. Let’s decode the meanings behind common materials and gems.

Gold (Yellow): Tradition, wealth, loyalty
White Gold or Platinum: Modernity, refinement, clarity
Silver: Intuition, peace, emotional balance

Diamond: Strength, resilience, eternal love
Ruby: Passion, courage, intensity
Sapphire: Wisdom, truth, loyalty
Emerald: Growth, prosperity, harmony
Amethyst: Spirituality, calmness, self-reflection

Put these together and your ring becomes a personal statement piece. A sapphire on your right index finger? That’s saying, “I’m wise, loyal, and ready to lead.” A silver band on your pinky? “I’m original, calm, and not afraid to be different.”

A Quiet Statement with Loud Impact

Wearing a ring on your right hand might seem subtle, but it sends a message. Maybe you’re not shouting it out loud, but people around you are picking up the cues. Rings are like silent storytellers — they hint at your values, your intentions, and your experiences.

Video : Rings & Their Meaning, Symbolism For Men – What Finger(s) To Wear A Ring On

Whether you wear it to honor tradition, mark a milestone, or just because it looks good — it matters.

Conclusion: Your Right-Hand Ring Speaks Before You Do

The next time you slide a ring onto your right hand, pause for a moment. Think about what it means. Maybe it’s about love, maybe it’s about leadership, maybe it’s your own secret source of strength.

No matter the reason, one thing’s for sure — your jewelry says more than you think. So wear it with pride, wear it with meaning, and remember that even the smallest piece of metal on your finger can be a powerful reflection of who you are.

Your hand speaks before your words ever do. Let your ring be part of that story.

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