Michael J. Fox Confirms He's Alive After Death Report Error

The actor responds humorously to CNN's mistaken tribute video, assuring fans he's still living.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, distressed denim jacket with faded leather detailing, capturing the gritty glamour of Michael J. Fox's acting career.Despite rumors of his demise, Michael J. Fox's iconic acting legacy continues to shine through the worn textures of his most famous on-screen wardrobe.Los Angeles Today

This week, rumors of the death of Michael J. Fox (who is alive) have been so greatly exaggerated that the 64-year-old actor had to post on social media Wednesday night that he is, in fact, alive. The erroneous report began when CNN distributed a video titled 'Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox,' leading Fox to respond with a humorous Threads post asking how one should react to such a mistake.

Why it matters

Michael J. Fox is a beloved actor known for iconic roles in shows like Family Ties and films like the Back to the Future trilogy. Despite his public battle with Parkinson's disease, which he revealed in 1998, Fox has continued acting and advocating for stem cell research. This mistaken death report highlights the ongoing interest in and concern for the 64-year-old star's wellbeing.

The details

CNN reportedly distributed a video tribute to Fox, showing clips from throughout his career, which has included hit TV series and films. However, the video was published in error, and CNN has since removed it and apologized. Fox responded humorously on social media, asking how one should react to such a mistake, with options ranging from switching channels to simply relaxing since 'they do this once every year.'

  • On Wednesday night, Michael J. Fox posted on social media about the erroneous CNN report.
  • Fox recently made an appearance at PaleyFest in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The players

Michael J. Fox

A 64-year-old actor known for his roles in shows like Family Ties and films like the Back to the Future trilogy. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 and has continued acting and advocating for stem cell research.

CNN

A major news network that mistakenly distributed a video tribute to Michael J. Fox as if he had died, before removing the video and apologizing.

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What they’re saying

“How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death? Do you...A) switch to MNSBC, or whatever they are calling themselves these days, (B) Pour scolding [ sic ] hot water on your lap, if it hurts your fine, (C) Call your wife, hopefully she's concerned but reassuring, (D) Relax, they do this once every year, (E) Ask yourself wtf ? I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok. Love, Mike.”

— Michael J. Fox, Actor

What’s next

Michael J. Fox is expected to continue his acting career and advocacy work, uninterrupted by the mistaken death report.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing public fascination with Michael J. Fox's life and career, even 25 years after his Parkinson's diagnosis. Despite the erroneous report, Fox's sense of humor and resilience in the face of health challenges continue to inspire his fans.