Users online in early April 2026 received a scare that "Back to the Future" and "Family Ties" actor Michael J. Fox had passed away, following CNN's alleged publication of a video that implied as much.
Social media posts on X (archived) shared an alleged screenshot of a CNN video that appeared to be a look back at the actor's life and career, similar to pieces they've published surrounding celebrity deaths in the past, such as comedian Catherine O'Hara's passing in January 2026.
The claim was true, but Fox, 64, is still alive and refuted reports of his death on social media.
CNN posted a short video to its digital distribution platforms on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, titled "Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox." The past-tense retrospective nature of the headline prompted concerns that the actor had died.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the video, which was removed, showed clips from Fox's movie and television projects, as well as archival interview clips of the actor, accompanied by a narration reflecting on his life and impact.
It appeared to be a pre-written obituary piece, a common newsroom practice for notable names.
Snopes searched for an archived link of the published video but could not locate one.
Later that day, Fox's official account on Threads posted, "I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok."
The tabloid outlet TMZ reported a statement from the actor's representative, who said, "Michael is doing great. He was at PaleyFest yesterday. He was on stage and was giving interviews."
PaleyFest is an annual television festival in which actors promote upcoming projects. Fox appears in the latest season of Apple TV's "Shrinking."
Fox's full post on Threads read:
How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death? Do you…A) switch to MNSBC, or whatever they are calling themselves these days, (B) Pour scolding hot water on your lap, if it hurts your fine, (C) Call your wife, hopefully she's concerned but reassuring, (D) Relax, they do this once every year, (E) Ask yourself wtf ? I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok. Love, Mike.
A CNN spokesperson told Snopes via email, "The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family."
Indeed, a search of CNN's website and digital platforms showed no record of the video, and the only remnant of its erroneous publication appeared to be the screenshot circulating with some claims.
The news of Fox's response to his own alleged demise was widely covered in the media, including reports from NBC News, The Los Angeles Times, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.
It wasn't the first time Fox has been erroneously reported deceased; in 2018, a death hoax claimed that he had died from pneumonia.
We've reached out to Fox for further comment and will update this piece if we hear back.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1991 at age 29, but did not make his diagnosis public until 1998. In 2000, the actor founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation, a Parkinson's advocacy organization, and has taken on a limited number of acting roles since.