The MJFDB News Blog

I have to ask this question: Why is that when Michael J. Fox makes an appearance on any television program now, his characters now have to have some kind of impairment?

When I heard that he would be making a guest appearance on Rescue Me next season I turned to my husband and asked him if he wanted to take bets on what was going to be wrong with his character - what ailment or disease was he going to have this time?

On Scrubs, he had OCD. On Boston Legal, he had cancer. And now, a few days later, I find out that his character on Rescue Me will be wheelchair bound.

Maybe it’s just a coincidence but I have to wonder. Is it that MJF wants it that way so he can subconsciously remind viewers that there is something wrong there? Is it the writers who think they have to ‘cover’ for his physical mannerisms caused by Parkinson’s Disease?

Don’t misunderstand - I’m not criticizing. On Boston Legal his character’s cancer was a major plot point. On Scrubs his character’s OCD lead to a very moving scene in post-op. And if MJF wants to remind viewers of why he just doesn’t look and move like he used to, it makes sense. I’m just nosy by nature and I’d like to know if this is by design or just some strange coincidence.

Michael J. Fox is listed as a guest in AFI’s newest countdown. The special is to air on CBS on June 17, 2008.

Click here for more details.

Also, Back to the Future is a contender for the science fiction category.

I’ve gotten way behind with the news page once again. So - here are the news items I have saved during this past month but did not get around to posting until today.

I like low humor as much as the next girl - well, more than most females I suppose - but I have never liked Family Guy. I always saw it as a really bad rip off of The Simpsons. So, I wasn’t surprised when the writers were low enough to take jabs at celebrity disabilities. If you want to know what this is about, click here.

Michael J. Fox was recently interviewed about his state of mind ten years after revealing he has Parkinson’s Disease. Click Here to view the video.

Michael J. Fox is now a doctor! Click the links below to read the various stories on the ‘net that covered event:

• Michael J. Fox Accepts Honorary Degree
• Humbled Michael J. Fox awarded degree
• Doctor Michael J. Fox
• Michael J. Fox awarded honorary law degree
• UBC honors ‘hometown hero’ Michael J. Fox
• Michael J. Fox ‘deeply moved’ by honorary degree from UBC
• View Video of Michael J. Fox’s Acceptance Speech

And on a related note: Joan Jett will be appearing on Law & Order: Criminal intent - I searched for a date but didn’t have much luck. I’m glad to hear that Jett is acting more although this sounds like an extended cameo (she’s the murder victim). I thought she was great in ‘Light of Day‘ despite the fact that the film itself wasn’t all that great.

A fire swept through the Universal backlot this morning including several exhibits and sets including the Times Square set used in Back to the Future, not to mention many other films. Videos and film reels were also destroyed but fortunately, they were not the only copies of the items.

However, there was no ‘copy’ of the Clock Tower. I’m glad I saw it before it was destroyed.

For more, click here

This is kind of interesting

Back in the 80’s, Michael J. Fox wrote, directed and starred in a short film called ‘The Iceman Hummeth.’ I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but I was thrilled to find it on YouTube when doing a Michael J. Fox search.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaTWGcRU0js]

Today is Michael J. Fox’s 46th birthday. Celebrate accordingly!

I got the first season of Family Ties on DVD today. The prints look good. They sound fine and I’m seeing a lot of footage I never saw due to the fact that I only saw them in syndication - where they are cut so that more commercials can be included.

However, one episode is cut due to those damn music rights. In ‘I Know Jennifer’s Boyfriend’ the few seconds where Steven and Elyse sing ‘Eddy My Love’ is cut out - very obviously. This was the only thing that has really bothered me. I know why it was cut - noone wants to pay for music rights. It really bothers me because this was a very nice character moment and both Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter-Birney had fairly decent singing voices.

All background music is different. This doesn’t bother me very much, however. Only one song is really important in the Family Ties series run and that doesn’t happen until season 4. Hopefully they’ll at least spring to buy rights for that.

WARWICK, R.I. — Actor Michael J. Fox will attend President Bush’s State of the Union address next week as a guest of Rep. Jim Langevin. <>

Michael J. Fox Rocks with Sheryl Crow, Axl Rose at Fundraiser

Michael J. Fox raised more than $5 million for his Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at a Beatles-themed fundraiser in Manhattan on Saturday night, thanks to a crowd that included emcee Denis Leary, Sheryl Crow, Martin Scorsese, Muhammad Ali, Famke Janssen, Rob Thomas and Susan Sarandon. (More…)

I don’t put much store in this rumor, but it is Michael J. Fox-related, so I thought I should report it.

There is a rumor that Michael J. Fox will be appearing in the film version of the Stephen King/Paul Straub novel, The Talisman. It’s just a rumor, so don’t get too excited. I’ll post details when/if there are any.

Michael J. Fox talks to People Magazine (apparently his magazine of choice when giving interviews) this week to talk about the effects his disease has on his family.

Yes, I know MJF has been in the news a LOT in the past week. I’m sorry I haven’t had time to post all the links, etc. I hope to set aside some time tonight to get caught up on all the news.

CLICK HERE to view the official E! page for the E! True Hollywood Story about Michael J. Fox

I was not aware that Guest Star Emmies were included in the ‘pre-Emmy’ awards given before the big televised event, but I am now.

The Pre-Emmies were awarded yesterday.
Unfortunately, Michael J. Fox did not win the Emmy for Guest role on a Drama series. Christian Clemenson, also appearing on Boston Legal took the honor. I suspected this would happen as his performance as Jerry ‘Hands’ Espenson was nothing short of brilliant.

E! is airing their new 2 hour episode of Michael J. Fox: The E! True Hollywood Story  on Monday, September 4, 2006.

Click Here to read BTTF.com’s detailed report.

Live in Oregon? Want to see MJF’s feature film debut on the big screen? Here’s your chance!

Click Here (You might have to give your year of birth to access)

Bruno Kirby, who played Billy Paloma in Tales From the Crypt: The Trap, which Michael J. Fox directed and appeared in a cameo role, passed away Monday, August 14 from Leukemia.

Bruno Kirby, Bruce McGill, Terri Garr and Michael J. Fox on the set of ‘Tales from the Crypt: The Trap”

On News Stands now is the September issue of Ladies Home Journal, sporting Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan on the cover. Available now!