Michael J. Fox will return in a show based loosely on his life.
Joe Schildhorn/BFAnyc/Sipa Press
More than 10 years after Michael J. Fox left television to focus on his health, the 51-year-old actor is returning to prime-time TV in a new family comedy loosely based on his own life.
Michael will star as a husband and father of three dealing with Parkinson's disease in addition to family and career challenges — a role that was inspired by his own battle with Parkinson's, which he was diagnosed with in 1991.
“I have no doubt that the character he will create — and the vivid family characters surrounding him — will be both instantly recognizable and hilarious,” NBC's Chairman of Entertainment Robert Greenblatt said in a statement. “To bring Michael J. Fox back to NBC is a supreme honor and we are thrilled that one of the great comedic television stars is coming home again.”
Michael became a household name in the '80s after appearing for seven seasons as Alex P. Keaton on the classic NBC sitcom Family Ties.
Though the title of his new show as well as the cast members have yet to be announced, the 22-episode series is set to premiere in fall 2013.
“All the folks at the network have given me a warm welcome home,” Michael said in the statement. “I'm excited to get to work!”
