Michael J. Fox

Brandon Tartikoff (NBC Network President) first resisted the casting of Michael J. Fox in Family Ties, saying that he just didn't have a face you'd see on a lunch box. After Fox's success, he sent Tartikoff a lunch box with his picture on it and a note saying "Eat crow, Tartikoff!"

In 2006, Michael was ranked #14 in the countdown of 100 Greatest Teen Stars.

In March 7 1999, Michael won his first Screen Actors Guild Award in the category of Outstanding Television Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Spin City.

When Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, he was told that he would only act for ten more years. This proved approximately correct.

Gary David Goldberg said to Michael on his first audition for Family Ties that he was not right for the part of Alex P. Keaton.

Michael claims his father resembles Jackie Gleason, of The Honeymooners.

As a Director, Michael directed Teri Garr and Bruno Kirby in an episode of Tales from the Crypt. Other Director credits include an episode of Brooklyn Bridge.

Michael's career on Family Ties earned him three Emmy awards, and a Golden Globe.

Michael is a self-described "army brat."

Since its founding in 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has raised about $14 million annually, whether directly, or through partnerships.

In 2000, Michael founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The President and CEO of the Foundation is former Goldman, Sachs & Co. executive, Deborah W. "Debi" Brooks.

Family Ties never discloses what the P stands for in Alex P. Keaton.

Michael opened the Mohammed Ali Center in Louisville, KY, in honor of a fellow Parkinson's sufferer.

Michael wrote a pilot episode for a sitcom Hench at Home, which never aired.

Michael could not act under the name of Michael Fox, as the name was previously registered to a star in Burke's Law

Michael had forgotten how to ride a skateboard in the five years between filming Back to the Future and Back to the Future 2 and had to relearn the skill.

Michael was the first choice for the role of Marty McFly in Back to the Future and was given the role when second choice Eric Stoltz was fired.

When he moved to the US, he had to sell his couch section by section to get some money before he got the role of Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties.

When Michael was little, his TV would only get one station and he would usually watch cartoons.

One of Michael's favorite actors is Michael Douglas, and he loves the Irish band The Hothouse Flowers.

Michael's favorite TV shows have been All In The Family and Cheers.

Michael received his Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star on December 16th 2002.

Michael received his first guitar for Christmas when he was eight years old. He taught himself how to play.

Michael is a vegetarian.

Michael forbids his kids to quit high school for Hollywood, demanding that they at least finish high school and maybe attend 1-2 years of college.

Michael quit high school at age 15.

Michael adopted the "J." as an homage to character actor Michael J. Pollard.

Michael's height is 5'5.

Michael married fellow Family Ties star Tracy Pollan, who played Alex' girlfriend, Ellen Reed.

Michael's middle name is Andrew. He changed his middle initial to "J" to avoid headlines like "Michael's A. Fox!"

Michael was not the first choice to play Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties. He only won the part because Matthew Broderick, who was originally offered the role, declined a long-term TV committment.

In April 2002, Michael released a memoire called "Lucky Man." An excerpt can be found at the website of his foundation.

Michael has done commercials for Pepsi and Gateway Computers.

In January 2000, Michael announced he was leaving Spin City because of Parkinson's Disease.

Michael went to school with Bryan Adams in Vancouver, BC, Canada in the late 1970s.

Michael and Tracy have four children: Sam Michael (b.1989) Schuyler Frances and Aquinnah Kathleen (twins b. 1995) and Esme Annabelle (b. 2001).

In 1998, Michael revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1991.

Michael has been married to actress Tracy Pollan since July 16, 1988.