Before achieving fame, Michael J. Fox auditioned for various roles in television shows. He landed minor parts in series like Family and The Love Boat. His first significant role was in the Canadian TV series Leo and Me, where he played a young boy.
Fox was involved in theatre during his school years, which helped him hone his acting skills. He performed in local productions and was encouraged by a teacher to pursue acting seriously, leading him to attend auditions.
When Fox moved to Los Angeles, he adopted the stage name "Michael J. Fox" because there was already an actor named Michael Fox registered with the Screen Actors Guild. The "J" was inspired by actor Michael J. Pollard, whom he admired.
Initially, Fox faced challenges due to his height (5'4"), which made it difficult for him to land roles opposite taller actors. He even worked at a diner to make ends meet while pursuing his acting career.
Fox's big break came when he was cast as Alex P. Keaton in the sitcom Family Ties. Interestingly, he was not the first choice for the role; the show's creator initially wanted Matthew Broderick, who declined the offer.
During his early career, Fox demonstrated a strong work ethic, often auditioning for multiple roles and accepting various gigs to establish himself in the industry. His persistence eventually paid off with Family Ties, where he received critical acclaim.
Before landing his breakthrough role, Fox experienced financial difficulties, often living on a tight budget and struggling to pay rent. At one point, he even had to sell his car and move into a garage due to financial constraints.