Tracy Pollan is opening up about how she and Michael J. Fox manage to keep their lives steady, even with full schedules, a busy family, and their long-standing work in Parkinson’s research.
While attending the A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s gala in New York City on Nov. 15, the actress told PEOPLE that finding balance after nearly four decades of marriage comes down to something simple.
“We just take it one day at a time, and it's worked,” she said.
Tracy recently appeared in Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, and Michael is set to appear in season three of Shrinking, so both have plenty happening professionally.
Still, she says they always make room for what matters most. She talked warmly about the excitement around her Hallmark movie, remembering how fans in Buffalo lined the streets during the premiere.
“I've never seen a fan group like this,” she said, calling the moment “so special.”
Family has also been a central source of strength.
Tracy and Michael share four children — Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esmé — and she reflected on how they’ve supported their father’s journey with Parkinson’s disease.
Because Michael was diagnosed before their daughters were born, Tracy explained that his condition is “kind of all they know really,” and their support has been unwavering.
“They're very helpful to me. I lean on them a lot,” she said, noting the challenges that families and caregivers often face.
She emphasized that it’s important to acknowledge that the experience isn’t always easy, but their kids “show up and they're there for us.”
The gala also marked a milestone for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Tracy, who serves on the board of directors, shared her gratitude for the progress made since the foundation’s start nine years after Michael received his diagnosis.
She praised the science, discoveries, and the community that has stayed by their side. “It’s so amazing,” she said of the foundation’s work, adding that the support they’ve received over the years brings both hope and optimism.
For Tracy, the night was as much about celebrating that support as it was about the foundation’s achievements.
“It's very special to have this incredible group,” she said, explaining that the gala is a chance to thank those who have rallied around them for 25 years.
