Michael J Fox has responded with characteristic wit after CNN mistakenly published what appeared to be a tribute piece suggesting the beloved actor had passed away.
The 64-year-old Back to the Future star took to social media to address the bizarre situation, reassuring fans that reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated.
The confusion began on Tuesday when CNN shared an article titled "Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox," which immediately sparked concern among fans worldwide.
The piece was swiftly removed from the broadcaster's website, but not before causing widespread alarm about the health of the Family Ties star.
Michael J Fox laughed off the tribute piece
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Taking to Threads, Mr Fox offered a tongue-in-cheek multiple-choice quiz for handling such an unexpected situation.
"How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?" he wrote, before listing options including switching channels, pouring scalding water on your lap to check if you can feel pain, phoning your wife for reassurance, or simply accepting that "they do this once every year."
The actor signed off his post with a reassuring message: "I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok. Love, Mike."
CNN has since acknowledged the error and issued an apology for the mishap.
Michael J Fox retired from acting in 2021 before taking on a guest role in the third season of Apple TV+ comedy series Shrinking
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Speaking to The Daily Beast, the network explained that "the package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family."
Mr Fox's representative moved quickly to quash the death rumours, confirming to TMZ that the actor was in excellent health.
"Michael is doing great. He was at PaleyFest yesterday. He was on stage and was giving interviews," the spokesperson stated.
The actor, who received his Parkinson's disease diagnosis at just 29 years old in 1991, has remained an active advocate for research into the condition.
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A CNN report titled 'Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox,' was published earlier this week
| GettyHe founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000 and has continued to make public appearances despite stepping back from regular acting work in 2020 due to speech and memory difficulties.
The actor has come out of retirement to take on a guest role in the third season of Apple TV+ comedy series Shrinking.
In the show, Mr Fox portrays a character named Gerry who forms a connection with Harrison Ford's Paul Rhoades, with both characters navigating life with Parkinson's disease.
Mr Fox made a surprise appearance at the series' wrap party on Tuesday at PaleyFest LA, joining co-creators Bill Lawrence and Jason Segel alongside cast members including Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Christa Miller, Lukita Maxwell and Ted McGinley.
Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1998 | REUTERS
His most recent acting credits include appearances in The Good Fight and Shrinking.
Speaking in October last year, he shared a defiant statement about his condition.
Celebrating his 64th birthday, he stated: "I'm not getting older, I’m getting more grateful."