Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan’s Thorny Love Story: Death Threats, Alcoholism, and Parkinson’s

Michael Fox and Tracy Pollan’s love story is one that would inspire many lovers. The couple has been through many challenges in their love life but withstood all to build a happy home.

Thirty years is a long time to stay married if you take into consideration the tonnes of challenges that couples face together. For Michael Fox and Tracy Pollan, their numerous challenges have only strengthened their love and commitment to one another.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

Michael and Tracy met on the set of "Family Ties," the two played as lovers, Alex, and Ellen respectively, in the eighties hit sitcom.

Though they played as lovers on the show, Michael and Tracy had a professional relationship outside the screens. Tracy was in a relationship with then-boyfriend, Kevin. Michael would later go on to become a massive Hollywood star, making appearances in many hit movies at that time.

His newfound fame ensured he didn't lack in money or attention. Rumors began to go round of him being in a relationship with different women including Courteney Cox. However, he and Tracy had already become an item.

Their relationship is said to have taken a substantial upward turn while they were on set for the movie "Bright Lights Big City." Michael J. Fox finally proposed to Tracy in December of 1987; seven months after they started seeing each other.

THEN CAME THE DEATH THREATS

Not long after they were rumored to be an item, Tracy and Michael began to receive dozens of death threat letters from an unknown source. After some time, the author of the letters, a woman, was arrested and charged to court. The lovers, however, beefed up security around them.

WEDDING BELLS RING

The two love birds got married on July 16, 1988. They tried their best to keep it a secret, but paparazzi still found out about them. Soon after, they had their first child, Sam Michael Fox in 1989.

ANOTHER CHALLENGE

The couple was hit with a piece of sad news when Michael became diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Michael was devastated with the news and took to drinking more alcohol to get away from it.

However, with the help of his wife, and through therapy, he was able to channel the anger and negativity from the revelation into positivity.

That helped him in his career, his family, and his life in general. Tracy was his rock as she stood by him, vowing to carry him through it all despite her struggles. The couple is an example of true love, and they also depict what it means to keep to marriage vows.

STRONG FAMILY

Michael and Tracy have four children, Sam, 29, twin girls Schuyler and Aquinnah, 23 and daughter, Esme 16. They have built a united family, that is always there for one another.

The family regularly travel together, go on vacations, and also enjoy dining together. Michael also started a foundation that raises awareness and conducts research on Parkinson’s disease. The foundation is called the "Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research."