The network mistakenly published a pre-prepared tribute video titled "Remembering the Life of Actor Michael J. Fox" on Wednesday, April 8, sparking widespread alarm and confusion among fans.
Fox, 64, addressed the blunder on the social media platform Threads with his signature humor, asking followers how one should react to seeing their own death reported. He jokingly offered a multiple-choice list:
- (A) Switch to MSNBC. (Now known as MS NOW.)
- (B) Pour scalding hot water on your lap (to check if you can still feel it).
- (C) Call your wife (and hope she's concerned).
- (D) Relax, since "they do this once every year."
- (E) Ask yourself, "WTF?"
Fox concluded his post by saying, "I thought the world was ending, but apparently it’s just me, and I’m ok."
CNN confirmed the video was a pre-written obituary — a standard industry practice — that was accidentally released early.
The network quickly removed the content and issued an apology to Fox and his family, stating, "The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family."
The erroneous tribute reportedly used the past tense to describe Fox’s life and his 30-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Contrary to the report, Fox has been highly active in recent days. Earlier this week, he appeared on stage at PaleyFest in Los Angeles, where he shared an emotional moment with co-star Harrison Ford during a panel for the Apple TV show "Shrinking." Fox recently ended a five-year acting hiatus to guest star on the series, playing a patient named Gary.
Fox, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991, has become a leading advocate for research into the condition. His Michael J. Fox Foundation has raised over $2.5 billion to date, making it the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research worldwide.
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