The Unbreakable Bond: Who Is Michael J. Fox Married To And The Secret To Their 37-Year Love Story

The enduring love story of Michael J. Fox and his wife, Tracy Pollan, is one of Hollywood's most inspirational tales, a true testament to partnership and resilience. As of late 2025, the legendary Back to the Future actor remains happily married to the woman he first met on the set of the iconic 1980s sitcom, Family Ties. Their relationship, which has spanned nearly four decades, is frequently discussed in recent interviews as a model of strength, particularly in the face of Michael J. Fox's decades-long battle with Parkinson's disease.

This article will delve into the life and career of the woman who has been Michael J. Fox’s rock since the late 80s, exploring their initial meeting, their family life, and the profound philosophy that has kept their marriage fresh and strong for 37 years. The couple’s commitment to each other and their shared work through The Michael J. Fox Foundation continues to inspire millions globally, making their private life a public beacon of hope.

Tracy Pollan: Actress, Author, and Matriarch of the Fox Family

Michael J. Fox is married to actress and author Tracy Jo Pollan Fox. She is an accomplished performer in her own right, known for her roles in film and television, but perhaps most famously for her pivotal connection to her husband's career.

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Tracy Pollan's Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Tracy Jo Pollan Fox
• Date of Birth: June 22, 1960
• Age (as of late 2025): 65 years old
• Place of Birth: Long Island, New York, U.S.
• Spouse: Michael J. Fox (m. July 16, 1988)
• Children: Sam Michael Fox (b. 1989), Aquinnah Kathleen Fox (b. 1995), Schuyler Frances Fox (b. 1995), and Esmé Annabelle Fox (b. 2001)
• Notable Roles: Ellen Reed in Family Ties, Harper Anderson in Harper Valley P.T.A., appearances in Spin City and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
• Other Work: Co-authored The Pollan Family Table cookbook with her mother and sisters.

Tracy Pollan comes from a prominent New York family. Her father, Stephen M. Pollan, was a financial consultant, and her mother, Corky Pollan, is a magazine editor. She is also the sister of renowned author and journalist Michael Pollan. Her career began in the early 1980s, but her life changed forever when she was cast in a recurring role on a popular sitcom.

From On-Screen Romance to Real-Life Marriage: The Family Ties Connection

The foundation of Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan's relationship is rooted in their professional collaboration. They first met in 1985 when Pollan was cast as Ellen Reed, the girlfriend of Fox's character, Alex P. Keaton, on the hit show Family Ties.

The Spark That Ignited Off-Screen

Despite their on-screen chemistry, their relationship remained platonic at first, as Pollan was dating actor Kevin Bacon at the time.

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The true romantic spark ignited a couple of years later. In 1987, the two reunited to film the movie Bright Lights, Big City. By this time, both were single, and the friendship quickly blossomed into a romance. Michael J. Fox has often recounted that he fell in love with Tracy Pollan when she was "patiently trying to explain something" to him, illustrating the deep respect and intellectual connection they share.

The whirlwind romance moved fast. Fox proposed to Pollan on December 26, 1987, and they were married just seven months later on July 16, 1988, in a beautiful ceremony in Woodstock, Vermont.

The Unbreakable Partnership: Navigating Parkinson's Disease Together

The couple's marriage has been defined by strength, particularly after Michael J. Fox received his life-altering diagnosis. In 1991, just three years after their wedding, Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease at the age of 29.

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The Secret to 37 Years of Marriage

When asked about the secret to their enduring relationship, both Fox and Pollan consistently point to a few key principles that serve as powerful topical entities for their story:

• "Us Against the World": They have often described their marriage as a sense of partnership where they face challenges as a united front.
• Acceptance and Humor: Pollan has stated that one of the keys is simply accepting the reality of the situation and maintaining a strong sense of humor.
• Flexibility and Presence: Fox has noted that they "just make it up as we go along," emphasizing the need for flexibility and taking things "one day at a time."
• Mutual Respect: Fox has publicly praised Pollan for her strength and patience, calling her his "caregiver" and acknowledging her immense support over the 34 years since his diagnosis.

Their commitment extends beyond their home life. Tracy Pollan is a dedicated board member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), which has raised over $800 million to date for research into the disease.

The Fox Family: Four Children, Four Pillars of Support

The couple has raised four children, who are now adults and form a close-knit, supportive family unit. Their children are:

• Sam Michael Fox (b. 1989): Their eldest son.
• Schuyler Frances Fox (b. 1995): One of the twin daughters.
• Aquinnah Kathleen Fox (b. 1995): The other twin daughter.
• Esmé Annabelle Fox (b. 2001): Their youngest daughter.

The children have been deeply involved in supporting their father's work with the Foundation and have been credited by Fox as a continuous source of strength and motivation.

Tracy Pollan's Post-Family Ties Career and Legacy

While her role as Michael J. Fox's wife and partner is central to her public identity, Tracy Pollan has maintained an active and diverse career in entertainment and beyond.

Selected Filmography and Television Roles

After her time on Family Ties, Pollan appeared in several notable projects. She starred opposite Fox in Bright Lights, Big City (1988), which was a crucial turning point in their personal relationship. She also had a recurring role in the popular series Spin City, which starred her husband, and has made appearances on major procedural dramas like Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Authorship and Culinary Arts

In addition to acting, Tracy Pollan has leveraged her background and passion for food. She is the co-author of the best-selling cookbook The Pollan Family Table, alongside her mother and three sisters. This work highlights her commitment to family, healthy living, and her prominent New York roots.

The story of Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan is a powerful reminder that true partnership can withstand any challenge. Their 37-year marriage, built on a foundation of friendship, humor, and unwavering support, continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration for fans around the globe, proving that their on-screen romance was just the beginning of a much greater real-life epic. The couple's recent public appearances, where they often discuss their journey, ensure their love story remains one of the most current and relevant topics in Hollywood.