The 37-year-old Canadian actor Michael J. Fox has Parkinson disease,
a progressive degenerative disease of the part of the brain called the substantia nigra that controls movement.
Although Parkinson disease occurs mostly in older people, it sometimes does strike people in their forties or, as with Mr. Fox, even younger people.
Mr. Fox was first diagnosed when he noticed a “twitch” in his left little finger while he was working on the set of the 1991 film Doc Hollywood, he told People magazine.
Parkinson disease has several classic signs and symptoms including tremors, stiffness of the limbs, a mask-like face, gait disturbance (difficulty walking), depression and, late in the disease, dementia.
The tremor is characteristically a resting tremor that especially involves the hands and fingers.
It is described as a “pill rolling” tremor, a name that harks back to the similarity between the tremor’s movement and that required to “roll a pill” in pharmacies past. In the early stages of Parkinson disease,
the tremor stops when the person does something active, such as walking. Mr. Fox said that he paced during an interview to quell his tremor.
SEE MORE: Kevin Sorbo Says Hollywood Men Aren’t ‘Manly’ And Pays A Heavy Price
Kevin Sorbo Speaks Out on Hollywood’s Changing View of Masculinity
A Shift in Masculine Portrayals
Veteran actor Kevin Sorbo, best known for his iconic role in the 1995 movie “Hercules,”
is voicing concern over the evolving representation of men in Hollywood.
According to Sorbo, the American film industry has been pushing an agenda that undermines traditional views of masculinity for the past twenty years.
“Change is inevitable, but how we portray masculinity in the media can leave a lasting impact on society.”
Questioning Hollywood’s Gender Balance
In his article, “Let’s Make Hollywood Manly Again,” Sorbo criticizes the film industry for displaying men as submissive characters who are overshadowed by strong, independent women. He takes issue with the way fathers are often shown as ineffectual and lacking significance in both their families and communities.
The Superhero Debate
While some counter that contemporary superhero films do offer robust, masculine role models, Sorbo begs to differ. He asserts that there’s a distorted perception of manliness in society and calls for on-screen male figures that could serve as genuine role models for young men and ideal partners for young women.
“The essence of a hero extends beyond capes and superpowers. It’s about virtues that men should aspire to.”
Pointing Fingers at Fashion and Lifestyle Choices
Sorbo also discusses the growing acceptance of androgynous men in society, specifically mentioning actor Timothée Chalamet’s sartorial choices as an example. Additionally, Sorbo raises concerns about problems affecting men today, such as addiction to substances, video games, and adult content, although he doesn’t back these claims with solid evidence.
A Call for Responsible Fatherhood
The actor stresses the importance of responsible, involved fathers who can be dependable providers and protectors for their families. Sorbo believes Hollywood should focus on creating characters that embody these admirable traits, as they would serve as ideal heroes for young boys to look up to.
“The role of a father is not just to provide but to guide and protect. Hollywood needs to reflect this.”
Controversial Statements Spark Debate
Sorbo’s opinions have ignited a firestorm of debate, with many arguing that his views are extreme and don’t resonate with current societal norms. Nevertheless, the conversation on the changing depictions of masculinity and the impact on societal expectations continues to be a hot topic.