Michael J. Fox is a tragic shell of his former self and so crippled by Parkinson’s disease that he needs help getting into a car. On Feb. 15, the reclusive 54-year-old actor tried to enjoy a rare night out with his actress wife Tracy Pollan at the Hollywood restaurant Craig’s.
As Pollan followed, the stricken Back to the Future star, whose speech is slurred and who walks with a limp while dragging his left foot, was put into the vehicle by several helpers.“It was heartbreaking,” an insider told RadarOnline.com. “Michael’s bravery knows no bounds. But as the disease takes its toll on his body, even he is beginning to see that his battle is a losing one.”
Tragically, Parkinson’s will soon rob Fox of the ability to walk and force him into a wheelchair — something experts say could happen before the actor turns 60.
They also warned Fox may also be facing a struggle with dementia as a result of the disease, which savages the central nervous system.
Michael sees every day as a gift, as well as an opportunity to help other sufferers,” said the insider. “His Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has done so much and has raised millions of dollars, but a cure remains well out of reach.”
Fox revealed his battle with the condition in 1998 after having brain surgery to ease his shaking.