Michael J. Fox Net Worth (Money & Salary)
was on maternity leave. Eventually, with the production schedule shifting, Zemeckis was able to secure Fox for the role. The film was released in July 1985 and became a massive hit, leading to two sequels and solidifying Fox’s status as a top movie star. The “Back to the Future” franchise remains one of the most beloved series in cinematic history.
Later Career
After his time in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, Fox continued to work in film and television, including roles in movies like “The Frighteners” (1996) and “Stuart Little” (1999). His reprisal of the character Alex Keaton in a guest appearance on “Family Ties” in 1998 was well received. However, the impact of Parkinson’s Disease began to affect his work significantly, leading him to take a step back from acting. Even so, he still managed to find opportunities in voice-over work, including his role in the animated series “The Simpsons.” Fox also published several books, including his bestselling memoir, “Lucky Man,” which further detailed his experiences with Parkinson’s and life in Hollywood.
Philanthropy
In addition to his acting career, Fox has made a name for himself as an advocate for Parkinson’s research and treatment. In 2000, he established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has since become one of the largest nonprofit organizations aimed at funding research for the disease. The foundation has raised and allocated over $300 million to various research projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s. Fox’s dedication to this cause has not only raised awareness but has also provided hope for millions.
Personal Life
Michael J. Fox married Tracy Pollan, whom he met on the set of “Family Ties,” in July 1988. The couple has four children together: Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esme. Despite the challenges presented by his illness, Fox remains a devoted husband and father. His positive attitude and commitment to advocating for Parkinson’s research have made him a beloved figure both in and out of Hollywood.
maternity leave period, Zemeckis opted to cast Eric Stoltz as Marty and initiated the production of “Back to the Future.” However, following Baxter’s return to “Family Ties,” he ultimately replaced Stoltz with Fox, which allowed for a slight adjustment in Michael’s availability.
To manage both the film and the television series simultaneously, Fox had to handle an exhausting timetable. His day began with rehearsals for “Family Ties” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., after which he would head to the “Back to the Future” set for additional rehearsals and filming until 2:30 a.m. This demanding schedule persisted for two months! Nonetheless, the hard work paid off, as “Back to the Future” achieved significant commercial and critical acclaim. It amassed a global revenue of $381.11 million and held the top spot at the US box office for eight straight weekends in 1985. Michael subsequently reprised his role in the two successful sequels, “Back to the Future Part II” (1989) and “Back to the Future Part III” (1990).
“Back to the Future” Salaries
Michael J. Fox’s compensation for the initial “Back to the Future” film was $500 thousand. When adjusted for inflation, that figure equates to approximately $1.4 million today. For the second and third films, shot back-to-back from February 1989 to January 1990, he earned $5 million. Cumulatively, his earnings from all three movies amounted to $11.4 million.
Other Salaries
Fox garnered $750,000 for his role in the 1985 film “Teen Wolf.”
He received $2 million for his performance in the 1987 flick “The Secret of My Success.”
In 1994, he earned $5 million for his work in “Greedy.”
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
Other Film Work
While working on and immediately following the “Back to the Future” trilogy, Fox appeared in films such as “Teen Wolf” (1985), “Light of Day” (1987), “The Secret of My Success” (1987), “Bright Lights, Big City” (1988), and “Casualties of War” (1989). In 1991, he took on leading roles in “Doc Hollywood” and “The Hard Way.” That same year, a private diagnosis indicated he had Parkinson’s disease. After being informed he likely had “ten good working years left,” Fox swiftly entered into a three-film agreement, resulting in the movies “For Love or Money” (1993), “Life With Mikey” (1993), and “Greedy” (1994). His final significant film role came in Peter Jackson’s 1996 movie “The Frighteners.” Over the years, he has made guest appearances in several television series, including “The Good Wife,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Designated Survivor,” and “The Good Fight.”
Besides his live-action roles, Fox has contributed his voice to various films. He portrayed Chance the American Bulldog in Disney’s live-action adaptation “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993) and its sequel “Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco” (1996). He was also the voice of the protagonist in “Stuart Little” (1999) and its sequels “Stuart Little 2” (2002) and “Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild” (2005), along with voicing Milo Thatch in Disney’s animated feature “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001). Most recently, in 2021, he voiced the character Michael J. Bird in the animated film “Back Home Again.”
“Spin City” and More
Later in his…
In his career, Fox appeared in the ABC series “Spin City,” which started airing in 1996. He departed from the show following its fourth season. Among the significant projects he has engaged in afterward is “The Michael J. Fox Show,” which was broadcast on NBC from 2013 to 2014.
Other Work
Since the year 2000, Fox has authored four books: “Lucky Man: A Memoir” (2002), “Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist” (2009), “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned” (2010), and “No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality” (2020).
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Personal Life
In July 1988, Fox wed actress Tracy Pollan, and they have four children together.
He established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, aiming to facilitate advancements in research, particularly concerning embryonic stem cell studies, with the ultimate aim of discovering a cure for Parkinson’s disease. As of now, the foundation has generated over $300 million for this research.
During the early stages of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Michael struggled with alcoholism but has maintained sobriety since 1992.
Real Estate
The family primarily resides in Manhattan while also owning an additional residence in Quogue, New York (the Hamptons), which they acquired in October 2007 for $6.3 million.
In 1997, Michael and Tracy built a custom home covering 5,000 square feet on 72 acres in Sharon, Connecticut. They put the property on the market in 2016 for $4.25 million, eventually selling it for $3.9 million in October 2017.