Michael J. Fox Talks To Oprah About His Fight with Parkinson's Disease and His Push For New Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2009

CHICAGO — Actor, husband, writer and activist Michael J. Fox is speaking out about stem cell research, his life with Parkinson's disease and his new book, Always Looking Up , on The Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday, March 31.

Joining Oprah and Dr. Oz, Fox says that on the day the federal ban on embryonic stem cell research was lifted, he was in Bhutan. "I was in the Himalayas," he says. "So I wanted to get back, but the Himalayas are not that easy to get out of."

Asked by Oprah if it was the day he had been waiting for, Fox responds: "It was absolutely crucial that this research be unfettered and allow us to go forward in a responsible way. But it really needed to happen—and candidate Obama made a commitment to it, and President Obama came through on that commitment—and it's an exciting day." He goes on to say what the announcement means for him and others who may benefit from new research.

Fox also opens up about what it's like to live with Parkinson's disease, saying: "It's like having a 4-year-old climbing on you all the time—and so whatever you're trying to do, you've got this 4-year-old and you're … just trying to be patient and focus on what you need to do."

Fox also impresses Dr. Oz (whom he first met while filming Doc Hollywood ) when he puts on his skates and takes to the ice for a little hockey . Says Michael: "You know, I'm a dad, I'm a husband, I'm an activist, I'm a writer, and I'm just a student of the world. I'm just out there. This is one fact of my life, but it's not the totality of my life. It doesn't define me."

The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 22 consecutive seasons, winning every sweep since its debut in 1986.** It is produced in Chicago by Harpo Productions, Inc. and syndicated to 214 domestic stations by CBS Television Distribution Group and to 145 countries by CBS Paramount International Television.

Sources:
**Nielsen Cassandra Ranking Report - Nov'86 to July '99 and Wrap Sweeps, Nov '99 to July '08. Primary Telecasts Only.