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Michael J.Fox
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| Steve Barnhoorn |
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Since my mom’s passing in 2017, I’ve found myself seeking out people who inspire me – like my longtime role model Michael J. Fox, whom I met at an appearance in Toronto.
Michael arrived on the scene in September 1982, with the debut of the sitcom Family Ties. As a freshman at Finger Lakes Community College, I quickly became a faithful watcher. I could easily relate to Michael’s character Alex P. Keaton, the conservative teenager who adored Ronald Reagan and had a picture of Richard Nixon on his nightstand. (I myself had an autographed photo of Reagan on my bookshelf, a coincidence that makes me laugh to this day.)
Three years later, Michael’s role in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Back to the Future turned him into a bona fide A-List star. In August 1985, I was busy working a summer job at a mortgage bank in Rochester, participating in local politics, and preparing for my senior year at St. John Fisher College. It was a great diversion to go to Canandaigua’s Townline Cinema and watch Michael portray Marty McFly, a teenager accidentally transported back to the year 1955 in a plutonium-charged DeLorean. The movie was chock full of action, humor and suspense.
In the years since, it’s been harder to watch Michael play a tougher role as he battles Parkinson’s disease. He has continued to be an inspiration, moving forward with new projects and showing a great perspective on living every day to the fullest.
So when I learned that Michael would be appearing at Toronto’s FAN EXPO Canada, one of North America’s largest Pop Culture events, I grabbed my chance. The few hours of driving and crowded waiting lines were worth it.
Walking past a DeLorean on the convention floor, I recalled a panel discussion with the Back to the Future cast. Michael had said there were 90 different versions of the DeLorean, every single one of them uncomfortable. Peeking into the car, I could see he was right: there was no way a tall person like Yours Truly was going to try and fit in the driver’s seat.
When I reached Michael, he looked subdued but with spirit remaining in his face. While I was admittedly awe-struck, I managed to tell him how much I admired him and that it was honor just to be in his presence.
I was powerfully impressed that Michael posed for pictures and autographed items for countless fans. To me, it was a gallant display of courage and strength that spoke volumes about his love for his fans, and theirs for him. A portion of the money I paid for my photo op went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and I feel honored I could help in a small way.
In an even bigger way, it was my honor to meet an actor who truly defined a decade I recall with great fondness – and who continues to inspire me to overcome adversity.
Steve Barnhoorn of Honeoye is a member of the Richmond Town Board.
http://www.thelcn.com/lcn06/meeting-michael-j-fox-80s-icon-inspiration-20190104
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