Michael J. Fox Reassures Fans He's 'Ok' After Tribute Video Scare

The Back to the Future star addressed the CNN video that accidentally sparked a death scare this week.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:49am

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying the fragility and uncertainty of celebrity culture.A shattered lens reflects the fleeting nature of fame, as a tribute video accidentally sparks concern for a beloved actor.Los Angeles Today

Michael J. Fox has reassured fans that he's 'ok' after a tribute video accidentally posted by CNN sparked a death scare. The 64-year-old actor took to social media to address the clip, which featured interview excerpts and highlights of his work over the years. Fox joked about the situation, saying 'I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok.'

Why it matters

Michael J. Fox has been a beloved actor for decades, known for his roles in iconic films like Back to the Future and TV shows like Family Ties. He has also been a tireless advocate for Parkinson's research since being diagnosed with the disease in 1991. This accidental tribute video scare highlights the enduring popularity and concern for Fox among his fans.

The details

On Wednesday, April 8, CNN accidentally posted a tribute video titled 'Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox.' The clip featured interview excerpts and highlights of Fox's work over the years. A CNN spokesperson said the package was published in error and has since been removed from their platforms. In response, Fox took to his Threads account to address the situation, joking about how he reacted when he saw the news of his own death.

  • On Wednesday, April 8, CNN accidentally posted the tribute video.
  • Fox addressed the situation in a post on his Threads account on the same day.

The players

Michael J. Fox

A 64-year-old award-winning actor known for his roles in Back to the Future and Family Ties. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 and has since become a prominent advocate for Parkinson's research.

CNN

A major American news network that accidentally posted a tribute video about Michael J. Fox, sparking a death scare.

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What they’re saying

“How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?”

— Michael J. Fox

“I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok. Love, Mike”

— Michael J. Fox

The takeaway

This incident highlights the enduring popularity and concern for Michael J. Fox among his fans, as well as the speed at which misinformation can spread in the digital age. Despite the scare, Fox's reassurance that he is 'ok' will likely put his supporters' minds at ease.