Entertainment

Michael J. Fox Looks Great on the Red Carpet in First Appearance Since Tribute Video Sparked Fear He Died

Michael J. Fox is hitting the red carpet and doing just fine, several days after CNN ignited a fury of fear that the beloved actor had died.

Fox, 64, who rose to stardom on the hit sitcomFamily Ties before becoming a film star with the Back to the Future trilogy, has become a tireless advocate for Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with at age 29. After CNN sent fans into a tailspin with an erroneous report that the star had passed away just a few days ago, Fox showed them who's boss this week with an appearance at "A Country Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's," an event benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee. Looking happy and healthy, Fox made it clear he's alive and well despite the mistake.

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Why Did People Think Michael J. Fox Died?

An erroneous report by CNN, which published an article and a video titled "Remembering the life of Michael J. Fox," was accidentally published on Tuesday, NBC News reported. Soon after, the network apologized for its mistake.

"The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family," a CNN spokesperson said in a statement.

What Was Michael J. Fox's Response to Rumors He Had Died?

Fox commented on the situation with his trademark sense of humor. On his Threads account, the actor, who had a recurring role on the Apple TV comedy Shrinking this season, made it clear that he's doing just fine.

"How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?" Fox wrote. "Do you… A) switch to MSNBC, or whatever they are calling themselves these days, (B) Pour scolding hot water on your lap, if it hurts your fine, (C) Call your wife, hopefully she's concerned but reassuring, (D) Relax, they do this once every year, (E) Ask yourself wtf?"

Fox concluded by assuring his fans and followers that he's okay.

"I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok," he shared. "Love, Mike."

Related: Michael J. Fox Jokes About Death Hoax While Continuing His Fight Against Parkinson's: 'How Do You Respond?'

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 4:05 PM.

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