Fans of the talk show host, David Letterman, were in for a treat during a recent episode when Hollywood legend, Michael J. Fox, made an appearance. The Emmy Award-winning actor, known for his roles in “Back to the Future” and “Family Ties,” is now starring in his third prime-time comedy series, aptly named “The Michael J. Fox Show.” During his conversation with Letterman, Fox discussed his work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
With a goal to raise awareness and support for Parkinson’s research, the foundation has raised an impressive $350 million. While the government provides funding for Parkinson’s research, the Michael J. Fox Foundation is proud to be the number two effort in the field. Fox emphasized that the foundation’s focused approach allows them to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and make targeted advancements in research.
Letterman asked Fox if he ever wondered whether his own diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has accelerated progress in finding a cure. Fox humbly replied that he doesn’t dwell on that thought too much. Instead, he sees his diagnosis as an opportunity and a privilege. With the resources and opportunities at his disposal, Fox feels fortunate to be able to push research forward and make a difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
The conversation then turned to the impact of the funding raised by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. One of the unique strategies employed by the foundation is providing grants to drug companies. Despite the perception that big pharmaceutical companies don’t need financial assistance, the foundation’s grants incentivize them to dedicate their efforts to finding treatments and cures specific to Parkinson’s disease. When companies make progress, they are also expected to share their findings. Thus, the foundation’s support goes beyond just providing funding; it fosters collaboration and breakthroughs.
Fox highlighted some of the achievements made possible by the foundation’s work. Their research has enabled the development of more effective ways to utilize existing drugs, minimizing side effects and maximizing benefits. Additionally, they have explored the impact of exercise on quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. By investing in innovative approaches like gene therapy, the foundation has also brought numerous drugs to clinical trials, even if they haven’t all yielded the desired results. Fox emphasized that failures in science still contribute to valuable knowledge and progress.
The conversation then shifted to the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual Gala. This star-studded event raised an incredible $5 million in a single night. Fox mentioned that a highlight of the Gala was his performance with Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin. The actor jokingly admitted his lack of skill as a golfer, even though he once graced the cover of Golf Digest. Fox’s self-deprecating humor resonated with the audience and showcased his genuine personality.
On a lighter note, Letterman brought up an incident involving Taylor Swift, which caused quite a stir. It all started when Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, who were hosting the Golden Globe Awards, made a lighthearted joke about Swift and Fox’s son. The comment sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans expressing their disapproval of Fox’s supposed role in the situation. However, Fox quickly apologized, and Swift forgave him, putting an end to any lingering controversy.
Throughout the interview, Fox exuded charm and authenticity, captivating the audience with his stories from the set of his new show and his extraordinary life experiences. The Michael J. Fox Show airs on Thursdays at 9:30 pm on NBC, providing viewers with a glimpse into the actor’s own journey while offering much-needed comedic relief. Fox’s inspiring dedication to Parkinson’s research continues to make a lasting impact, and his appearance on Letterman’s show was just another testament to his unwavering spirit and incredible talent.
