Michael J. Fox admits Parkinson's has been 'hell' for wife Tracy Pollan

Michael J. Fox opened up about the emotional toll Parkinson's disease has taken on his wife, Tracy Pollan, saying the neurological disorder has been "hell" for her as she continues to support him through its changing symptoms.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the Back to the Future star reflected on how his diagnosis affected his family after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 29.

"It was hell on Tracy, it was really hard on her — and it still is because it's always changing," Fox said.

Michael J. Fox says going public with diagnosis was necessary

Fox revealed he eventually decided to stop hiding his condition, believing he needed to be completely open about living with Parkinson's.

"I said to her, 'I have to go all the way here. No half measures,'" he recalled.

"I needed to normalize it and just be that all the time. I said, 'I have to not hide this. F--- vanity.'"

The actor was initially told he would likely have only about 10 more years of acting after his 1991 diagnosis. However, he continued working in film and television for decades, most recently earning an Emmy nomination for his guest role in Shrinking.

Fox publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 1998 before launching the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000. The organisation has since funded billions of dollars in Parkinson's research.

Reflecting on his outlook, Fox said gratitude continues to help him stay optimistic.

"I can be optimistic as long as I'm grateful," he said, adding that Pollan has been the biggest reason he has remained hopeful throughout his journey.