Michael J. Fox Explains How Leonardo DiCaprio Inspired His Decision to Retire From Acting

Michael J. Fox has Leonardo DiCaprio to thank for his decision to step back from Hollywood.

The 61-year-old Back to the Future star retired from acting in 2021. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the ’90s and continued working through that time.

In a recent interview, he revealed how Leonardo inspired his decision.

Speaking to Empire, Michael recalled watching Leonardo in Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood. More specifically, there was a scene where the actor’s character was struggling to recall his lines, something he could closely relate to.

“He goes back to his dressing room, and he’s screaming at himself in the mirror. Just freaking insane,” he recalled, via the New York Post. “I had this moment where I was looking in the mirror and thought, ‘I cannot remember it anymore. Well, let’s move on.’ It was peaceful.”

Michael recently opened up about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, revealing some of the injuries he suffered because of it. He also addressed his mortality while discussing how long he thought he’d live.