Michael J. Fox Reveals the Key to a Long-Lasting Marriage - And It's A Lesson For Every Relationship
Michael J. Fox met his wife Tracy Pollan years ago -- they met in the summer of 1985, when Pollan auditioned for Family Ties – but while her stint on the legendary TV series was pretty short, their love has lasted the test of time, and we can can learn a lot from them.
After meeting summer of 1985, Pollan left the show a year later, and then the couple reunited for the film Bright Lights, Big City in 1987. That’s when they started to date, and married a year later.
The initial attraction was one of similar backgrounds: “Big families, middle children,” Fox told People. “Sense of humor. Both our families had that.” But it was a lot more that kept the two together in the long run.
In 1991, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder causing tremors, stillness and, as time goes on, the loss of motor skills. Since that diagnosis, Fox struggled with alcoholism, went on to become a strong advocate for Parkinsons research and stayed on top of his acting career – and Pollan was always with him.
According to Fox, the key is to "find the best things about you and the best things about life and celebrate them.”
Pollan concurs: “Just give each other the benefit of the doubt. He assumes I’m doing the best I can.”
Together they’ve raised son Sam, 29, twin daughters Schuyler and Aquinnah, 23, and daughter Esmé, 16, and they are still going strong – so we should pay attention to that advice!
While they are a couple that had a unique set of struggles and had to face those struggles in the public eye, all couples have their ups and downs and boundaries standing in their way.
But being able to face what comes up together, and not letting it tear you apart, is how you stay together and stay strong. Being strong together makes it harder for anything to stand in your way.
Other inspiring love stories:
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.