Michael J. Fox Reveals the Key to a Long-Lasting Marriage - And It's A Lesson For Every Relationship

Michael J. Fox met his wife Tracy Pollan years ago -- they met in the summer of 1985, when Pollan auditioned for Family Ties – but while her stint on the legendary TV series was pretty short, their love has lasted the test of time, and we can can learn a lot from them.

After meeting summer of 1985, Pollan left the show a year later, and then the couple reunited for the film Bright Lights, Big City in 1987. That’s when they started to date, and married a year later.

The initial attraction was one of similar backgrounds: “Big families, middle children,” Fox told People. “Sense of humor. Both our families had that.” But it was a lot more that kept the two together in the long run.

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In 1991, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder causing tremors, stillness and, as time goes on, the loss of motor skills. Since that diagnosis, Fox struggled with alcoholism, went on to become a strong advocate for Parkinsons research and stayed on top of his acting career – and Pollan was always with him.

According to Fox, the key is to "find the best things about you and the best things about life and celebrate them.”

Pollan concurs: “Just give each other the benefit of the doubt. He assumes I’m doing the best I can.”

Together they’ve raised son Sam, 29, twin daughters Schuyler and Aquinnah, 23, and daughter Esmé, 16, and they are still going strong – so we should pay attention to that advice!

While they are a couple that had a unique set of struggles and had to face those struggles in the public eye, all couples have their ups and downs and boundaries standing in their way.

But being able to face what comes up together, and not letting it tear you apart, is how you stay together and stay strong. Being strong together makes it harder for anything to stand in your way.

Other inspiring love stories: 

• How Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Prove Friendship Is the Strongest Base for Love
• Why John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s Relationship Offers An Incredible Lesson in Trust and Support
• Why Will and Jada Will Never Divorce – And What Their Commitment Can Teach Us