Michael J. Fox is known worldwide for his unforgettable performances — from Back to the Future to Family Ties — but perhaps one of his most compelling roles is fatherhood. Alongside his wife, Tracy Pollan, Fox has raised four children over more than three decades of marriage. His dedication as a parent, in spite of personal and health challenges, reflects a deeper value he’s long expressed: being truly present for the people who matter most.
In interviews, Fox has often shared a humorous thought: sometimes it feels like he has five children instead of four. What he means is that when kids ask for a few minutes of your time, those minutes can slip away—turning into 15 or 20 before you know it. That’s why he emphasizes always being available: he says he’s “never gotten up to see something one of my kids wanted to show me and not been rewarded.” This idea — that listening and presence are their own rewards — has guided his parenting philosophy.
His journey as a father is made more notable by the fact that, since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, Fox has navigated many hardships while trying to maintain stability and love at home. Over time, he has said that his children have learned from him empathy, fortitude, and how to focus on what truly matters — qualities forged by facing adversity together.
Fox often includes his children in his public life. On social media, his Instagram feed frequently features them — celebrating milestones, sharing candid family moments, expressing pride, and reinforcing that their bonds are central to his identity. In one Mother’s Day post honoring Pollan, he described their children as “beautiful, sensitive, intelligent, empathetic, independent, compassionate, and adventurous.”
Below is a more detailed look at his children, how they have grown up and into their own lives, and how Michael and Tracy Pollan have tried to nurture their family — even in seasons of challenge.
A Family Portrait: Michael, Tracy, and Their Four Children
Marriage, Partnership & Early Years
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan first met on the set of Family Ties in 1985, playing romantic interests on screen. But it was a few years later — during the production of Bright Lights, Big City in 1987 — that their relationship deepened. They married on July 16, 1988, and Pollan stepped back from intensive acting work to focus on family life.
Their union has lasted decades, enduring the ups and downs of careers, personal transitions, and health challenges. Fox has often credited Pollan with being his anchor — especially after revealing his Parkinson’s diagnosis publicly. As he once put it, when he first told her about his condition, she whispered “In sickness and in health.”
Tracy Pollan has also supported Fox not just as spouse but as partner in mission. She has served on the board of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, helping to carry forward his advocacy for Parkinson’s research.
The couple’s commitment to their children and each other has often been spotlighted in interviews. Fox credits Pollan with helping him stay grounded. They have spoken publicly about giving each other space to make mistakes, not perceiving every misstep as insult, and remembering that relationships — like parenthood — are lifelong work.
Their Children: Names, Paths & Passions
1. Sam Michael Fox (born May 30, 1989)
Sam is the eldest of the four and the only son. While he doesn’t always seek the spotlight, he has ventured into the entertainment industry in his own way. He’s listed as a producer on projects such as a short film Good Grief (2020) and the music video 11:11 (2021).
Although he keeps a relatively lower public profile, Sam maintains a public Instagram presence and occasionally shares moments with his father and family.
2 & 3. Aquinnah Kathleen Fox & Schuyler Frances (twins, born February 15, 1995)
Michael and Tracy’s twin daughters share not only a birthdate, but also a dedication to carving their own paths.
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Aquinnah Kathleen Fox studied at Duke University, majoring in psychology, visual & media studies, and art history. She has worked in creative roles, including media development at Annapurna Pictures in Los Angeles.
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Schuyler Frances Fox attended Pomona College for her undergraduate degree (in psychology) and later earned a Master of Education from Harvard University. Her work spans educational production and content creation.
In June 2024, Schuyler married her long‑time partner in a ceremony in the Catskill Mountains — a memorable date coinciding with her mother’s birthday.
These two daughters have also appeared in Fox’s 2023 documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, alongside family moments and reflections.
4. Esmé Annabelle Fox (born November 3, 2001)
Esmé is the youngest child. She occasionally appears in her father’s social media posts, though she tends to maintain a lower public profile than her siblings.
She has also dabbled in acting, including a few small credits — such as appearances in Royally and Bettor Days.
As of recent reporting, Esmé is attending Duke University.
Parenting Through Challenges
Raising a family is never without obstacles — but when one spouse is facing a chronic illness like Parkinson’s, those challenges multiply. Fox and Pollan’s journey is one illuminated by perseverance, love, and adaptation.
Prioritizing Presence Above All
One of Fox’s oft-repeated pieces of advice is: be available. In a fast-paced world of jobs, projects, and distractions, he warns against postponing connection with children. He has said:
“If you say, ‘Give me five minutes, give me ten minutes,’ it’ll be 15, it’ll be 20. And then when you get there, the shine will have worn off whatever it is they wanted to share with you.”
“I’ve never gotten up to see something one of my kids wanted to show me and not been rewarded.”
This philosophy of immediate attentiveness reflects a deep respect for the child’s internal world, as well as awareness of how time slips away.
Facing Parkinson’s as a Family
Fox began showing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the early 1990s and eventually received diagnosis in 1991. He revealed it publicly in 1998.
From that moment, his life and career were irrevocably changed. But throughout, he prioritized being a father — adapting roles, adjusting expectations, and relying heavily on Pollan and his children for emotional sustenance.
In interviews, he has shared that his children learned empathy, perseverance, and the ability to distinguish what truly matters in life — all lessons born of their experience growing up with a parent facing long-term illness.
Fox has said he never wants his condition to overshadow his role as a dad: “When I’m with my family… there’s no… ‘You’re a saint.’ That would be the worst. They see the man.”
The Role of Tracy Pollan
Pollan has often been described as the steady, resilient partner at Fox’s side. She has carried emotional burdens, advocated quietly, and supported the household while Fox balanced his career and health.
Fox himself has acknowledged she could have walked away — but she stayed. When asked, “Would you have forgiven her if she left?” he responded that she upheld her vow, and that he’s deeply grateful for her loyalty and strength.
She also works publicly with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, serves on its board, and helps steer its efforts.
Public Recognition, Charity & Advocacy
Fox’s life has expanded far beyond acting. His diagnosis led him into advocacy. In 2000, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research with the aim of accelerating cures and therapies. Over the years, the foundation has raised over $2 billion for research.
He has leveraged his public platform to raise awareness, support scientific advancement, and galvanize empathy around chronic illness.
At award ceremonies and on public stages, he often brings his family into view. His advocacy, while urgent and professional, is grounded in his personal story — his children, shared burdens, and the hope for a better future for millions impacted by Parkinson’s.
In 2025, the foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary, having become the largest nonprofit funding Parkinson’s research globally.
Also in recent years, Fox has considered returning to acting roles suited to his condition — embracing parts that reflect his lived reality rather than hiding it.
Reflections and Legacy
Looking back, several key themes emerge from Michael J. Fox’s life as a father:
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Presence over perfection
Fox’s emphasis on being available — even imperfectly — underlines that children remember engagement more than flawless parenting. -
Vulnerability as strength
In a career built on performance, his willingness to show struggle, illness, and humanity stands as a powerful model for emotional authenticity. -
Partnership matters
Pollan’s role is not side‑note but central. Their marriage underscores that raising a family through crisis requires mutual support, shared sacrifices, and unwavering resolve. -
Growth through adversity
The Fox children, having grown up with a parent facing chronic illness, often speak of having resilience, empathy, and clarity of values. These may well be among their greatest inheritances. -
Legacy beyond fame
Outside of box office numbers and awards, Fox’s lasting impact may lie in what he built for his family, the awareness he raised for Parkinson’s research, and the authenticity he brought to public life.