Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael J. Fox’s Net Worth?
Michael J. Fox, the celebrated Canadian-American actor, boasts a net worth of $65 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful acting career, encompassing iconic roles in television and film, as well as his endeavors as an author, film producer, and activist.
Early Career and “Family Ties” Success
Born on June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Michael Andrew Fox’s early life involved frequent relocations due to his father’s career. The family ultimately settled in Burnaby, a suburb of Vancouver, in 1971. Fox attended Burnaby Central Secondary School. His foray into the entertainment industry began at the age of fifteen with the Canadian television series “Leo and Me,” a show produced in 1976 but not aired until 1981. This initial experience marked the starting point of his professional journey.
Fox’s breakthrough came with his role as Alex P. Keaton in the NBC sitcom “Family Ties,” which aired from 1982 to 1989. Initially intended to focus on the parents, the show’s popularity quickly shifted towards Fox’s character. “Family Ties” became a massive hit, reportedly drawing one-third of American households as viewers each week at its peak. For his portrayal of Alex P. Keaton, Fox received three Emmy Awards (1986, 1987, and 1988) and a Golden Globe Award (1989).
“Back to the Future” and Subsequent Film Salaries
In January 1985, Fox secured the role of Marty McFly in the time travel film “Back to the Future.” Director Robert Zemeckis had initially wanted Fox for the part but was unable to secure his services due to Fox’s commitment to “Family Ties.” After Meredith Baxter’s return from maternity leave freed up Fox’s schedule, Zemeckis replaced Eric Stoltz with Fox. The dual commitment to the film and the TV series required Fox to maintain a demanding schedule, rehearsing for “Family Ties” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. before heading to the “Back to the Future” set for rehearsals and shooting until 2:30 a.m. This rigorous routine lasted for two months.
“Back to the Future” proved to be a phenomenal success, grossing $381.11 million worldwide and holding the #1 spot at the US box office for eight consecutive weekends in 1985. Fox reprised his role in the sequels, “Back to the Future Part II” (1989) and “Back to the Future Part III” (1990).
For the first “Back to the Future” movie, Michael J. Fox’s salary was $500,000, equivalent to approximately $1.4 million when adjusted for inflation to today’s dollars. He earned $5 million each for the second and third installments, which were filmed back-to-back from February 1989 to January 1990. In total, he earned $11.4 million from the “Back to the Future” trilogy.
Beyond the “Back to the Future” franchise, Fox secured other notable salaries. He earned $750,000 for the 1985 film “Teen Wolf” and $2 million for 1987’s “The Secret of my Succe$s.” He received $5 million for his role in the 1994 film “Greedy.”
Other Film and Television Roles
During and after his involvement with the “Back to the Future” trilogy, Fox appeared in films such as “Teen Wolf” (1985), “Light of Day” (1987), “The Secret of My Success” (1987), “Bright Lights, Big City” (1988), and “Casualties of War” (1989). In 1991, he starred in “Doc Hollywood” and “The Hard Way.”
Following his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, Fox signed a three-film contract, resulting in the films “For Love or Money” (1993), “Life With Mikey” (1993), and “Greedy” (1994). His last major film role was in Peter Jackson’s “The Frighteners” (1996). Subsequently, he made appearances in television shows such as “The Good Wife,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Designated Survivor,” and “The Good Fight.”
Fox also lent his voice to several films, including Chance the American Bulldog in Disney’s “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993) and “Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco” (1996), the titular character in “Stuart Little” (1999), “Stuart Little 2” (2002), and “Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild” (2005), and Milo Thatch in Disney’s “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001). As recently as 2021, he voiced the Michael J. Bird character in “Back Home Again.”
Later in his career, Fox starred in the ABC show “Spin City,” starting in 1996, leaving after the fourth season. He also worked on “The Michael J. Fox Show,” which aired on NBC from 2013 to 2014.
Authorial Works and Foundation
Since 2000, Fox has authored four books: “Lucky Man: A Memoir” (2002), “Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist” (2009), “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned” (2010), and “No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality” (2020). The financial gains from the sale of the books also contribute to the overall Michael J. Fox Net Worth.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Fox founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, an organization dedicated to advancing research into Parkinson’s disease. As of the current date, March 19, 2025, the foundation has raised over $300 million for Parkinson’s research.
Personal Life and Real Estate Holdings
Fox married actress Tracy Pollan in July 1988, and together they have four children. The family primarily resides in Manhattan. In October 2007, they acquired a home in Quogue, New York (the Hamptons), for $6.3 million.
In 1997, Michael and Tracy custom-built a 5,000-square-foot home on 72 acres in Sharon, Connecticut. They listed the property for sale in 2016 for $4.25 million and ultimately sold it for $3.9 million in October 2017.
Michael J. Fox’s Net Worth’ Milestones
1985: Fox earns $500,000 for his role in the first “Back to the Future” film, marking a significant early milestone in his financial success.
1989-1990: Fox secures $5 million for each of the “Back to the Future” sequels, significantly boosting his earnings and solidifying his status as a major star. The combined $10 million from these films contributes substantially to his growing net worth.
Mid-1990s: After his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Fox continues to act, securing $5 million for the film “Greedy” (1994), demonstrating his continued market value despite his health challenges.
1996-2000: Starring in and producing “Spin City” provides Fox with consistent income and maintains his presence in the entertainment industry, contributing steadily to his wealth accumulation.
2000-Present: Fox’s writing career takes off with the publication of several memoirs, adding to his income streams. Additionally, his voice acting roles in films such as “Stuart Little” and his continued television appearances further contribute to his net worth.
2000s-Present: The establishment and growth of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is a testament to Fox’s dedication to philanthropy. While the foundation’s funds are separate from his personal wealth, its success indirectly enhances his reputation and influence.
Additional Income and investments of Michael J. Fox:
While specific details of Michael J. Fox’s investments are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that a portion of his wealth is allocated to a diversified investment portfolio, which may include stocks, bonds, and real estate. Any additional income from investments like dividends or interest would contribute to his overall financial standing. While specific income and investment details are not known, his financial advisors would likely be in charge of diversifying Michael J. Fox’s Net Worth for security and stability.
Personal Life and Habits:
Fox’s personal life and habits, though not directly quantifiable in monetary terms, indirectly influence his net worth and public image. His commitment to sobriety since 1992 has likely contributed to his overall health and well-being, enabling him to continue working and pursuing his passions. His dedication to his family and his activism through The Michael J. Fox Foundation have garnered him widespread respect and admiration, further enhancing his reputation and influence, which can translate into professional opportunities and endorsements.
