An online graphic during the Golden Globes coverage that listed his Parkinson's Disease as a "fun fact" about Michael J. Fox has the The E! Entertainment network in full apology mode.
The graphic was shown during E!'s live stream of red carpet coverage Sunday, although not on TV. As the actor was entering the Beverly Hills Hilton, the "fun fact" graphic noted Fox's diagnosis in 1991. Fox was nominated for best actor in a comedy for his new NBC show.
The network said it regretted the insensitive remark. In its statement, E! said that "We understand the serious nature of the disease and sincerely apologize.
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After diving into raising money for the disease and helping to raise his family with wife Tracy Pollan, Fox returned to TV with guest spots on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Rescue Me," and "The Good Wife."
Now the 52-year-old veteran actor returns to network television with his self-titled NBC comedy, in which he stars as the middle-aged Henry, who makes a comeback to television after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
The plot mirrors Fox's actual world. The former star of "Family Ties," "Spin City" and the "Back to the Future" movies disclosed his own Parkinson's diagnosis in 1999 — eight years after initially being diagnosed — and eventually stepped back from acting as a result.