Michael J. Fox at Sundance: “I’m not going anywhere”

Michael J. Fox is having a bit of a resurgence as of late—but he won’t have anybody believe he has stepped away from the spotlight, chiming in at the Sundance Film Festival about his resilience with his trademark humor.

Following the Sundance Film Festival premiere of Davis Guggenheim’s latest documentary Still—about the life, career, and perseverance of Michael J. Fox—the beloved actor took to the stage to inform the audience that, no, he’s not hanging it up just yet, despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease. “How can you miss me if I won’t go away?…I’m not going anywhere, unfortunately.” This is great to hear, especially since announcing his retirement in 2020.

Michael J. Fox also got personal, citing how fortunate he has been throughout his life. “The thing that screams at me about how lucky I have been is the stuff with my family…It’s been an amazing life and the biggest part of it is with them…It’s an amazing fucking life and I am enjoying it.”

Oscar-winning director Guggenheim directly expressed his gratitude to Michael J. Fox at the event, saying, “I’m just so lucky I got to know you, full stop. You have changed my life.”

Guggenheim isn’t the only one. In addition to a wealth of crowd-pleasing movies–where to start? There’s Back to the Future, Teen Wolf, Casualties of War, and on and on–Michael J. Fox has also helped fund $1.5 billion in research programs for Parkinson’s through his foundation. Last year, he was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognizes “outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes.” It is his first Oscar, although Fox also has competitive Emmys, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards.

Still: A Michael J. Fox Story has earned much praise since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Our own Chris Bumbray gave it a 9/10 (read his review here), writing, “He lets us in, presenting us with the brutal reality of his condition, but he never inspires pity – only admiration…If you’re a fan of Fox’s or feel you just need a little motivation from a guy who’s seen his share of adversity, this is the doc for you.”

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’s official plot: “Intimate and honest, and produced with unprecedented access to Fox and his family, the film will chronicle Fox’s personal and professional triumphs and travails, and will explore what happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease.”

What is your favorite Michael J. Fox movie and performance? Let us know in the comments section below!