CNN faced embarrassment after mistakenly broadcasting a segment that appeared to honor Michael J. Fox’s life, prompting widespread confusion when the actor quickly clarified he is alive and well.
The 64-year-old Fox addressed the faux pas on Threads following the erroneous package titled Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox, which circulated on Wednesday.
Responding with characteristic wit, he mused, “How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?” He humorously listed options for how one might respond, showcasing his upbeat spirit.
“I thought the world was ending, but apparently it’s just me and I’m ok,” Fox said, signing off with a warm, “Love, Mike.” His light-hearted take shone through despite the confusion.
Entertainment Weekly noted that the CNN segment included clips from Fox’s notable career, from Family Ties to his legendary portrayal of Marty McFly, alongside commentary on his advocacy for Parkinson’s and stem cell research.
A narrator remarked on his role as Alex P. Keaton and how he transitioned to becoming a prominent voice against Parkinson’s. This battle garnered the esteemed Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy in 2022.
CNN later issued an apology, clarifying that the tribute was aired in error and had been removed. They expressed their regrets to Fox and his family.
The network stated, “The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family.” Despite the mishap, Fox remains vibrant in public life, recently returning to acting.
In a recent interview, he expressed his desire to remain active and connected, saying, “I want to be around for everything.” He emphasized the importance of cherishing time with family and friends.
CNN falsely reported Michael J. Fox had died.
Here he is alive and in good spirits on stage at PaleyFest on April 7th.
CNN has now apologized:
“The video was posted by mistake. We immediately removed it from the platform and sincerely apologize…” pic.twitter.com/Fv3CSWNmq1
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 9, 2026
Fox also spoke about his recent guest role on Shrinking, sharing insights into managing his condition while filming and his determination to push through challenges.
RELATED: Trump Launches Investigation Linked To CNN Over ‘Fake News’ Iran Letter
He shared his relief in being able to work without the usual worries, noting, “I just do it. It was really good.” This resilience reflects his positive outlook and commitment despite the obstacles.
RELATED: Top CNN Journalist Publicly Threatens To Quit As Network Chaos Deepens
This week, Fox attended PaleyFest in Los Angeles alongside the Shrinking team for Season 3, offering fans further confirmation of his vigorous presence and that the rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated.
Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>
