Michael J. Fox, renowned for his acting career, is also deeply proud of his role as a father. Married to Tracy Pollan for over 30 years, the couple shares four children, and Fox often humorously mentions that sometimes it feels like he has five, rather than four, children. Despite his successful career, Fox’s greatest focus has always been his family.
Parenting Philosophy: Being Present for His Children
Fox emphasizes the importance of being present for his children, offering valuable parenting advice. He believes in making time for his kids, explaining that asking for just a few minutes of attention can easily turn into much longer, and the moment may be lost. His consistent effort to be there for his children has been a key part of their close relationship, and Fox credits this availability as a cornerstone of his parenting style.
Teaching Empathy and Resilience
Living with Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 1991, Fox has faced many challenges. However, these difficulties have provided his children with valuable life lessons. In a 2009 interview, Fox reflected on how his kids have developed empathy, resilience, and a sense of what truly matters in life, learning from their father’s example. His focus on instilling these qualities in his children has helped shape their characters as they’ve grown.
A Close-Knit Family Bond
The strong bond within the Fox family is evident, with all four of Michael J. Fox’s adult children regularly appearing on his Instagram account. Fox often shares posts about his children, expressing his love and pride for them. In one heartfelt Mother’s Day post for Tracy Pollan, he described their children as beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, and adventurous individuals, further highlighting the close relationship they share as a family.
The Children of Michael J. Fox
Fox’s firstborn, Sam Michael Fox, was born in 1989 and is his only child with Tracy Pollan. Sam, who bears a strong resemblance to his father, has also pursued a career in entertainment, working on several projects, including his father’s documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.
The couple’s twin daughters, Aquinnah Kathleen Fox and Frances Fox Schuyler, have also followed their own paths. Aquinnah studied at Duke University, majoring in psychology, visual and media studies, and art history. She now works as an assistant at Annapurna Pictures in Los Angeles. Frances, who studied psychology at Pomona College and earned a Master of Education from Harvard University, is now an assistant producer in Massachusetts.
Fox’s youngest daughter, Esmé Annabelle Fox, born in 2001, recently left home to attend Duke University. Although she prefers to keep a low profile, Esmé occasionally appears on her father’s Instagram, showing glimpses of the family’s continued closeness.
Continuing to Prioritize Family Despite Challenges
Even with the ongoing challenges of Parkinson’s disease, Michael J. Fox remains committed to his family. In 2022, he experienced the loss of his mother, Phyllis Fox, which was a difficult time for the family. Throughout all the trials, Fox’s dedication to his loved ones and his philanthropic efforts in supporting Parkinson’s research—raising over $2 billion—serve as a testament to his strength, love, and enduring commitment to making a difference both personally and in the world.
