MICHAEL J. FOX'S UNTOLD STORY ‘I'LL NEVER GIVE UP'

THE OPTIMISTIC ACTOR OPENS UP ABOUT PAIN, PERSEVERANCE AND ACCEPTANCE

As a beloved star of the ’80s and ’90s, charismatic Michael J. Fox won millions of fans all over the world – and made it look easy.

“Fame came very suddenly,” says a source of the Canadian-born actor, who became a teen heart-throb after breaking out in the sitcom Family Ties, then starring in the Back to the Future movie trilogy. “He couldn’t walk down the street without people following him.”

But behind the glitz of stardom, Michael, 59, struggled with his sudden celebrity, feuds with castmates and, eventually, a life-changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease coupled with a growing dependence on alcohol.

“Michael was a very private, guarded guy who let very few people in,” a source reveals.

But in the years since, he’s found strength in his family, and power in sharing his journey – both the bitter lows and the triumphant highs.

“He wants to show people that he’s alive and well and content with how his life turned out,” the source continues. “He wouldn’t change a thing, not even the bad stuff !”

LONG AND WINDING ROAD

In 1982, Michael landed the role of Alex in Family Ties. His stardom “surpassed that of everyone else on the show”, says the source. “It was all a little overwhelming for him.”