Ryan Reynolds' Sweet Tribute To Michael J Fox: 'This Man Means A Lot To Me'

Ryan Reynolds has honoured his “friend” and Canadian-American activist Michael J Fox for a noble achievement. Michael J Fox bagged a position in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on April 18, for his generous contributions to the research of Parkinson’s disease. Having known him for 17 years, Ryan Reynolds highlighted his pal’s welcoming personality, his trait of helping others and his ability to “fly” after a fall. The Hollywood actor penned a heartwarming note on his social media handles, bestowing Fox with some kind words. According to reports, Time Magazine approached the Deadpool star to share his feelings about the celebrity.

Ryan Reynolds’ funny and emotional words read, “I wrote this short blurb about Michael J Fox for the annual Time100. This man means a lot to me. And I know he means a lot to you. I know Michael J. Fox. Like, I know him pretty damn well. He’s funny. He’s warm. He’s handsome and intensely smart. He also falls a lot. Not just because he has Parkinson’s. He falls a lot because he’s unafraid to fly.”

Ryan Reynolds continued that he had watched Michael J Fox raising the “bar for purpose and passion” for Parkinson’s research. “It’d be kinda lazy to simply characterise him as the greatest champion of Parkinson’s research on the planet,” wrote Reynolds before adding that Fox had helped his father and a million others suffering from the condition “feel less alone”.

“It’d be kinda lazy to simply regard him as a movie star who shaped the lives of people all over the planet with a uniquely electric wit and self-aware charm. He’s the sum of these beautiful parts. And so many more,” said Ryan Reynolds. The actor also revealed that he watched Michael J Fox’s 1985 film Back To The Future with his 8-year-old daughter. Saying that the little one loved the film, Reynolds wrote, “That’s enough for me—and her. One more kid from one more generation sees what I saw.”

Calling himself “lucky” to call Michael J Fox his friend, Ryan Reynolds concluded the post asserting that he would teach his daughter to “tell stories the way Mike tells stories. I need to teach her that it’s OK to fall a lot. It’s the absolute best way to know you’re flying.”

Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, reports CNN. He was 29. In 2000, he launched the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research — an establishment engaged in finding a cure to the ailment through thorough research and therapies.

Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine, co-starring alongside Hugh Jackman. Directed by Shawn Levy, the action-entertainer will premiere theatrically on July 26.