Michael J. Fox makes rare public appearance in London

The beloved Hollywood star has been spotted during a rare outing in London as he continues to battle ill health.

Michael J. Fox has made a rare public appearance as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease.

The beloved Canadian-US actor, known for his leading role in the Back to the Future franchise, could be seen flashing a peace sign to cameras after having dinner in London.

Fox, 63, enjoyed an evening out with a group of friends at the city’s popular restaurant Chiltern Firehouse, where he was spotted departing in a wheelchair with the help of an aide.

Michael J. Fox is seen out and about making a rare public appearance in London. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

Fox was seen leaving Chiltern Firehouse after enjoying an evening out with a group of friends. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

Fox’s outings have become more infrequent over the years as he manages his condition.

The Hollywood veteran received a standing ovation at this year’s BAFTAs in February, where he made a brief appearance onstage – rising from his wheelchair to present the final award of the ceremony.

In April, he walked the red carpet at the TIME100 Gala in New York with his wife of 36 years, Tracy Pollan.

Tracy Pollan and Michael J. Fox in April. Picture: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME)

Fox first publicly disclosed his health diagnosis in 1998, having kept it private since finding out in 1991 when he was just 29.

He has spoken candidly in recent years about his experience with Parkinson’s, calling himself a “tough son of a b*tch” who has made peace with the degenerative nature of his disease.

“One day I’ll run out of gas,” he said last year.

Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in a scene from Back to the Future.

“One day I’ll just say, ‘It’s not going to happen. I’m not going out today.’ If that comes, I’ll allow myself that. I’m 62 years old. Certainly, if I were to pass away tomorrow, it would be premature, but it wouldn’t be unheard of. And so, no, I don’t fear that.”

Fox first rose to notoriety in his early 20s starring in the NBC sitcom, Family Ties, before hitting a new level of stardom as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy, which released films from 1985 until 1990.

A five-time Emmy winner and four-time Golden Globe winner, Fox was forced to retire from acting in 2020.

He founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000 to help fund research for Parkinson’s.

Originally published as Michael J. Fox makes rare public appearance in London